Welcome to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, everyone!
Amid all of the controversies, abrupt injuries, and withdrawals that have surrounded and probably still surround this tournament, the football has been very good. Oh, it has been a lot of fun! The fan support at the stadiums has been encouraging.
Some of the goals have been breathtaking. This is probably shaping up to be a World Cup for debutants. The younger players are playing with no fear or pressure whatsoever. They are simply getting the job done, not overwhelmed by the occasion.
Qatar became the first hosts to lose their opening match. They were that poor. At times, this felt like a competition two levels above them. For Ecuador, the South Americans must know that the real test is yet to come. Still, a win is always a good thing.
England showed a different side against an Iran team that would probably not want to be at this competition given their country’s unrest. And yet, Bukayo Saka was sensational, tearing into the opponent’s defence without a pause.
Senegal were always going to feel the absence of their best player, Sadio Mane. They did. The Teranga Lions were pedestrian, predictable and shallow. Even worse, Edouard Mendy chose the game against the Netherlands to be horrible.
The USA and Wales could not be separated, albeit the former created the better chances.
Some top-class encounters will go down this midweek. Certainly, there will be goals.
Preview Of This Midweek’s World Cup Matches
The first set of matches at this World Cup produced over 1.5 goals in each of them. Hence, this midweek’s matches are set to deliver even more goals and excitement.
Argentina will hope to begin their tournament on the right foot when they take on Saudi Arabia. The Copa America champions are unbeaten in the last three years. Lionel Messi will be desperate to hold this title in his fifth and final World Cup. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, have shown defensive solidity in their last few matches. They will hope to frustrate the attacking quality of the Argentines.
A Christian Eriksen-led Denmark host Tunisia immediately after. The North Africans have their work cut out against one of the most tactical European sides.
North American giants, Mexico will be confident of getting a positive point against a Poland team that relies heavily on Robert Lewandowski.
An injury-blighted France face a tough test against Australia, who have chosen the right time to pick form. The Socceroos have won their last four matches.
Morocco will hope to put their frustrating Nations Cup tournament behind them when they take on 2018 finalists, Croatia.
Germany will do battle against a disciplined Japanese team. The former World Cup champions have struggled in the last few tournaments. They will be desperate to get off on the right foot.
Spain will look to get the better of an experienced Costa Rican side as Belgium face off against Canada.
Predictions
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia (1)
Denmark vs Tunisia (under 3.5 goals)
Mexico vs Poland (over 1.5 goals)
France vs Australia (1)
Morocco vs Croatia (over 2.5 goals)
Germany vs Japan (goal/goal)
Spain vs Costa Rica (1)
Belgium vs Canada (1)