Sutton's World Cup score predictions - second group games

GROUP A

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: South Korea (winners) and Mexico (runners-up). Czech Republic to finish third and South Africa fourth.

Czech Republic v South Africa

Atlanta / Thursday, 18 June / 17:00 BST

I left it late to make my prediction for this game – I only made it just before it kicked off.

I was at South Africa’s game against Mexico and I was not very impressed. There was a lack of quality and a lack of attacking threat – after 16 years away from the World Cup, I expected a bit more ‘oomph’.

The Czech Republic sat back for long periods against South Korea but I can see them throwing more men forward this time.

Both sides lost their opening games in Group A so they really need something here. I’m going for the Czechs to edge it.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-0

AI’s prediction: 2-1

Mexico v South Korea

Guadalajara / Friday, 19 June / 02:00

I was really impressed by Mexico when I saw them. I was expecting them to be quite dull and short of firepower but they created a lot and they were exciting to watch.

It was quite an emotional moment to see Raul Jimenez get his first goal for the co-hosts at a World Cup but the Mexico player who really impressed me was Julian Quinones, who has been prolific in the Saudi Pro League.

He played off the left and was a real threat, so South Korea will have to watch out for him.

I can see this being tight, because South Korea are well organised and have their attacking strength too, but I am going to go for another Mexico win.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-1

AI’s prediction: 1-1

GROUP B

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Switzerland (winners) and Canada (runners-up). Bosnia-Herzegovina to finish third and Qatar fourth.

Switzerland v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Los Angeles / Thursday, 18 June / 20:00

Again, I left my prediction for this game to the last minute.

This group is wide open after both opening matches ended level.

Switzerland, in particular, will be disappointed to drop points so late against Qatar, especially because they had chances to wrap that game up, but I actually don’t see them winning this either.

Bosnia-Herzegovina are draw specialists – they have drawn their past six games – so I’m going for them to get another one here.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-1

AI’s prediction: 2-1

Canada v Qatar

Vancouver / Thursday, 18 June / 23:00

We know Canada will play on the front foot with high intensity and go for it under boss Jesse Marsch, so this will be a fascinating clash of styles.

Qatar surprised a few people with how well they played against the Swiss and their coach Julen Lopetegui will be happy to sit back again and look to hit Canada on the break.

Canada created plenty of chances against Bosnia-Herzegovina and the co-hosts deserved something from that game.

That was the first point Canada had picked up at a World Cup finals, and I think they will follow it up with their first win.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-0

AI’s prediction: 1-0

GROUP C

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Brazil (winners) and Scotland (runners-up). Morocco to finish third and Haiti fourth.

Scotland v Morocco

Boston / Friday, 19 June / 23:00

A lot of people have had a lot to say about how Scotland played against Haiti, and it was not the kind of performance their boss Steve Clarke would have desired.

In the end, though, it was all about the result and three points and they got that.

This is a much sterner test and I am pretty sure Clarke will change tactics and either put an extra body in midfield or play with another centre-half.

It will be interesting to see who he plays up top and whether he goes with Lawrence Shankland or Che Adams – I suspect he will go with Adams, because he has more variation to his play.

Morocco are an excellent team who are strong physically and technically. They have many different ways to play.

But I am going to go with my heart here, over my head. I am going to say Scotland will get a draw, which they may not even need to make the last 32.

Without sounding negative, eight of the 12 third-placed teams will qualify, so Scotland just need to make sure they don’t suffer an absolute hammering.

Morocco are difficult opponents – I actually think they will be harder to play against than Brazil – but Clarke will have a plan and his side is resilient enough to get through this.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-1

AI’s prediction: 1-2

Brazil v Haiti

Philadelphia / Saturday, 20 June / 01:30

Haiti were not as bad against Scotland as a lot of people expected them to be. They were well-organised and, arguably, should have got something out of the game.

Brazil did not convince me at all against Morocco – it was not a very cohesive team performance from them, but it was moments of individual brilliance which got them a point.

It might be the same here, but Brazil will definitely win. They have a brilliant manager in Carlo Ancelotti, who is adaptable and always seems to find a way to win.

Haiti coach Sebastien Migne was Rigobert Song’s assistant when Cameroon upset Brazil at the 2022 World Cup but I don’t see him repeating that result.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-0

AI’s prediction: 3-0

GROUP D

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Turkey (winners) and Paraguay (runners-up). United States to finish third and Australia fourth.

USA v Australia

Seattle / Friday, 19 June / 20:00

The USA were really impressive with the way they took Paraguay apart in their first game.

Australia will be a tougher test, though. They started with a really good win too, over Turkey, when they defended well and were dangerous on the counter-attack.

So the USA won’t have things all their own way, but I still think the attacking prowess of the co-hosts will shine through and they will continue their good start.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-1

AI’s prediction: 2-1

Turkey v Paraguay

San Francisco / Saturday, 20 June / 04:00

Turkey have got some amazing technicians in their team, but they could not find a way past Australia. That defeat was a really disappointing result for them.

They always seem to go into big tournaments with high expectations because of the talent in their squad, but they never quite deliver.

I wonder if the same will happen here. Paraguay will be even more defensive-minded and won’t give much away, but maybe the shackles will come off them a little bit after they were outplayed by the USA.

Sutton’s prediction: 0-1

AI’s prediction: 2-1

GROUP E

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Germany (winners) and Ecuador (runners-up). Ivory Coast to finish third and Curacao fourth.

Germany v Ivory Coast

Toronto / Saturday, 20 June / 21:00

I was at Germany’s emphatic win over Curacao and really enjoyed watching Jamal Musiala – he is an outstanding footballer.

Florian Wirtz played exceptionally well in the first half too and Liverpool fans are probably asking where that performance has been all season.

My worry about Germany is the way they play with the full-backs so high up the pitch. They are so keen to get overloads that they leave the centre-halves exposed, and they looked vulnerable.

That makes me think Ivory Coast will get some chances here, and Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande will be dangerous. I think they will score, but I still expect Germany to win.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-1

AI’s prediction: 3-1

Ecuador v Curacao

Kansas City / Sunday, 21 June / 00:00

Ecuador hit the woodwork three times before losing to Amad’s last-gasp goal for the Ivory Coast, but they will definitely find the net this time.

I love the story of how this Curacao team came together and, considering they are such a small nation, they gave a really good account of themselves in the first half against Germany.

It did not last, though, and they tired as the game went on. I don’t see them holding out against Ecuador either.

Sutton’s prediction: 3-0

AI’s prediction: 2-0

GROUP F

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Japan (winners) and Netherlands (runners-up). Tunisia to finish third and Sweden fourth.

Netherlands v Sweden

Houston / Saturday, 20 June / 18:00

This is developing into a really good group and it already looks like I am wrong about how it is going to finish.

I am at this game and can’t wait. There are so many players we know well from the Premier League going up against each other – Virgil van Dijk and Jan Paul van Hecke for the Dutch against Swedish strikers Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, for example.

It is hard to call, too. Sweden made such hard work of qualifying for this World Cup, so it felt odd that they went out and battered Tunisia in their first game.

The Dutch, who went with Donyell Malen up top against Japan, led twice in that game but were pegged back on each occasion. This time, I think they will get over the line.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-0

AI’s prediction: 2-1

Tunisia v Japan

Monterrey / Sunday, 21 June / 05:00

What are the Tunisian FA expecting after sacking Sabri Lamouchi this week and bringing in Herve Renard?

We are in the middle of a tournament so what can the new guy change in a couple of days, seriously? That decision is absolute nonsense.

Japan deserved their draw against the Dutch in the end and we know what a good team they are. They have got some very talented players and they are well organised too.

Sutton’s prediction: 0-2

AI’s prediction: 2-1

GROUP G

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Belgium (winners) and Egypt (runners-up). New Zealand to finish third and Iran fourth.

Belgium v Iran

Los Angeles / Sunday, 21 June / 20:00

Iran played well against New Zealand and deserved their draw but, from watching that game, I think they will struggle to contain Belgium – I just don’t see them being able to handle Jeremy Doku.

Romelu Lukaku came on to rescue a draw for Belgium against Egypt but they played some good football and we know they have got players who can hurt teams. I’d be surprised if they don’t win this comfortably.

Sutton’s prediction: 3-0

AI’s prediction: 2-0

New Zealand v Egypt

Vancouver / Monday, 22 June / 02:00

New Zealand’s Motherwell midfielder Elijah Just showed what a good player he is against Iran – he is so effective in tight areas.

And of course I was delighted that ‘The Woodchopper’, Chris Wood, made both his goals. What an impact he had.

I don’t see New Zealand getting anything here, however. Egypt’s counter-attack was very effective against Belgium, with Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah flying forward.

New Zealand centre-half Michael Boxall is 37 and really lacks pace. I think he might be exposed.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-3

AI’s prediction: 0-2

GROUP H

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Spain (winners) and Uruguay (runners-up). Saudi Arabia to finish third and Cape Verde fourth.

Spain v Saudi Arabia

Atlanta / Sunday, 21 June / 17:00

Some people will be writing off Spain’s hopes of winning this World Cup after they were held by Cape Verde but doing that is absolutely ridiculous.

Saudi Arabia faced 28 shots from Uruguay in their first game and while they defended well to get a draw and clearly don’t mind not having the ball, I don’t see them shutting Spain out too.

Spain are under pressure now, and this is a must-win game for them … but I think they will win it.

They have got ‘Bigfoot’ – Real Sociedad striker Mikel Oyarzabal – up front. If he gets his big toe on a couple of crosses, Spain will be fine.

Sutton’s prediction: 3-0

AI’s prediction: 3-0

Uruguay v Cape Verde

Miami / Sunday, 21 June / 23:00

Cape Verde defended unbelievably well to keep Spain out but can they back it up again with another clean sheet here? It would be incredible, but I don’t see it happening.

Uruguay will be disappointed they did not turn all their possession and all those chances against Saudi Arabia into a win but they will get more of both here, and take all three points.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-0

AI’s prediction: 3-0

GROUP I

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Senegal (winners) and France (runners-up). Norway to finish third and Iraq fourth.

France v Iraq

Philadelphia / Monday, 22 June / 22:00

France took a while to get going against Senegal but they just oozed quality in the second half, and they were so good to watch.

Iraq had a go against Norway and did not just sit back, but they were well beaten in the end.

The score here just relies on how the French are feeling, really. They could score 10 if they really tried but they will probably just do enough – four first half goals and then take their foot off the gas.

Sutton’s prediction: 4-0

AI’s prediction: 3-0

Norway v Senegal

New York / Tuesday, 23 June / 01:00

Senegal had a few chances against France and they will attack this time too, while Erling Haaland is an absolute monster of an athlete up front for Norway.

You could make a case for either team to win it, but I actually fancy Senegal to edge it.

Sutton’s prediction: 1-2

AI’s prediction: 1-1

GROUP J

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Argentina (winners) and Austria (runners-up). Algeria to finish third and Jordan fourth.

Argentina v Austria

Dallas / Monday, 22 June / 18:00

I am at this game for 5 Live and it is going to be fascinating to see how Ralf Rangnick’s Austria deal with Lionel Messi and co.

I actually think Austria can cause a bit of an upset here. They are grafters – they will work their socks off like they always do and they are in good form too.

If it is a tight game then of course Argentina can look to Messi to provide more magic, like he did against Algeria, but I am backing Austria to cause the holders some problems too.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-2

AI’s prediction: 3-1

Jordan v Algeria

San Francisco / Tuesday, 23 June / 04:00

This is an important tie for both sides after they lost their opening games.

It was those moments from Messi which sank Algeria but otherwise they defended well. Now they have to show what they have got going forward, and I expect we will see more of Riyad Mahrez, who began on the bench against Argentina.

Jordan battled well against Austria before conceding a couple of late goals but I don’t think this game will be as close.

Sutton’s prediction: 0-4

AI’s prediction: 0-2

GROUP K

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: Colombia (winners) and Portugal (runners-up). DR Congo to finish third and Uzbekistan fourth.

Portugal v Uzbekistan

Houston / Tuesday, 23 June / 18:00

I am at this game for Radio 5 Live too and let’s just say I will be keeping a close eye on Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portugal are such an interesting team. I covered them in their draw against DR Congo and they have the best midfielders in the tournament, but they also have Ronaldo up front.

That used to be a huge positive, but now it is a problem.

You would put Ronaldo up with the world’s all-time greats when he was at his peak, but he is not the same player now.

He killed Portugal against DR Congo and it was like they were playing with a man down.

What I found staggering was that Portugal boss Roberto Martinez must have seen that – everyone else did – but did not take him off.

Ronaldo was world class and was once one of the game’s great goalscorers, but he cannot run or even move anymore.

I want to make it clear I am not criticising the player Ronaldo was, not in any way, but I also think he just should not be playing for Portugal anymore.

I don’t see Martinez dropping Ronaldo for this game, though. His influence is far too great.

I still think Portugal will beat Uzbekistan, who were very open against Colombia, because they have got superior footballers – but if they do win, it will be despite Ronaldo, not because of him.

Sutton’s prediction: 3-0

AI’s prediction: 3-0

Colombia v DR Congo

Guadalajara / Wednesday, 24 June / 03:00

DR Congo started off against Portugal by defending really deep. They looked as if they feared Portugal, and they had probably seen them line up in the tunnel beforehand and thought ‘these are amazing’.

But in the second half they seemed to realise Portugal did not carry the threat they thought they would, and gave it a go. They played really well.

Colombia are a talented team too and I don’t think this is a straightforward prediction.

I smell a draw but instead I am going with Luis Diaz to make the difference for Colombia again, like he did against Uzbekistan.

Sutton’s prediction: 2-1

AI’s prediction: 2-1

GROUP L

Sutton’s pre-tournament picks: England (winners) and Ghana (runners-up). Croatia to finish third and Panama fourth.

England v Ghana

Boston / Tuesday, 23 June / 21:00

I am not getting overly excited about England on the back of one game because I thought they would win this group, and win it comfortably.

Let’s get it right, they beat an aging Croatia team. There are a lot of players at this tournament who should be getting testimonials, not playing at a World Cup.

It was still a great win by England and Harry Kane is a brilliant goalscorer – remember when he used to take corners for England? What was that about?

Surprise, surprise, he scores from corners when he is there to get on the end of them – but not every team will leave him as much space to score as Croatia did.

England will have too much for Ghana too, but this group is not the problem for Thomas Tuchel. The tests are going to come later in the tournament.

There was lots to love against Croatia though, from Jude Bellingham to Tuchel’s substitutions.

I have got to say how much I enjoy watching Elliott Anderson. I get why Nottingham Forest have put such a big price tag on him, because he never seems to give the ball away.

Sutton’s prediction: 4-0

AI’s prediction: 2-0

Panama v Croatia

Toronto / Wednesday, 24 June / 00:00

Let’s just say Panama did not exactly go gung-ho against Ghana. They came for a point, and almost got one.

Croatia are not the team they were, but they will still win this.

Sutton’s prediction: 0-1

AI’s prediction: 2-0

Sutton’s World Cup score predictions – second group games

GROUP A

Czech Republic v South Africa

Mexico v South Korea

GROUP B

Switzerland v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Canada v Qatar

GROUP C

Scotland v Morocco

Brazil v Haiti

GROUP D

USA v Australia

Turkey v Paraguay

GROUP E

Germany v Ivory Coast

Ecuador v Curacao

GROUP F

Netherlands v Sweden

Tunisia v Japan

GROUP G

Belgium v Iran

New Zealand v Egypt

GROUP H

Spain v Saudi Arabia

Uruguay v Cape Verde

GROUP I

France v Iraq

Norway v Senegal

GROUP J

Argentina v Austria

Jordan v Algeria

GROUP K

Portugal v Uzbekistan

Colombia v DR Congo

GROUP L

England v Ghana

Panama v Croatia

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GROUP A

Czech Republic v South Africa

Mexico v South Korea

GROUP B

Switzerland v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Canada v Qatar

GROUP C

Scotland v Morocco

Brazil v Haiti

GROUP D

USA v Australia

Turkey v Paraguay

GROUP E

Germany v Ivory Coast

Ecuador v Curacao

GROUP F

Netherlands v Sweden

Tunisia v Japan

GROUP G

Belgium v Iran

New Zealand v Egypt

GROUP H

Spain v Saudi Arabia

Uruguay v Cape Verde

GROUP I

France v Iraq

Norway v Senegal

GROUP J

Argentina v Austria

Jordan v Algeria

GROUP K

Portugal v Uzbekistan

Colombia v DR Congo

GROUP L

England v Ghana

Panama v Croatia

Related topics

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