World Cup

World Cup Matches of The Day: Week 2

Posted on | Posted by TABtouch

FRIDAY
19 June 9:00am AWST

Mexico v South Korea
Guadalajara Stadium, Guadalajara

Mexico made the ideal start to its home World Cup campaign, defeating South Africa 2-0 in front of a passionate crowd. Raúl Jiménez and Julián Quiñones were both on target as Mexico controlled proceedings for large periods and reinforced why many view them as favourites to top Group A.

South Korea arrives with confidence after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Czechia. Son Heung-min remains the headline act, while Lee Kang-in continues to be one of Asia’s most creative midfielders. The Koreans showed resilience to come from behind in their opener and will back themselves to challenge Mexico’s defence.

With both nations opening the tournament with victories, this matchup could go a long way to determining who finishes top of the group. Mexico will enjoy strong home support once again, but South Korea possesses enough attacking quality to ensure this is far from straightforward.

The hosts may control possession and territory, but South Korea’s ability to counterattack through Son and Lee makes them a genuine threat throughout.

VERDICT: Mexico 1-1 South Korea

Same Game Multi: Mexico or Draw, Under 3.5 Total Goals & Raúl Jiménez Over 0.5 Shots on Target @ $2.18*

SATURDAY
20 June 3:00am AWST

USA v Australia
Seattle Stadium, Seattle

Few teams enhanced their reputation more in the opening round than Australia. Overlooked by many before the tournament, the Socceroos produced a disciplined 2-0 victory over Türkiye to immediately place themselves in a strong position within Group D.

Nestory Irankunda once again showed why he is considered one of Australia’s brightest young talents, opening the scoring before Connor Metcalfe sealed the result. Tony Popovic’s side executed its game plan superbly and another positive result here would place one foot in the knockout stages.

The United States were equally impressive in their 4-1 victory over Paraguay. Folarin Balogun struck twice while the Americans showcased the attacking depth that has many tipping them to make a deep run on home soil. Christian Pulisic picked up an injury concern during that match but is expected to be fit.

Both sides enter this clash full of confidence after statement wins in the opening round. Expect a fast-paced contest between two teams who know a victory would put them in a commanding position in the group.

VERDICT: USA 2-1 Australia

Same Game Multi: USA Under 2.5 Total Goals, Australia Goalkeeper Over 2.5 Saves & Over 6.5 Total Shots on Target @ $2.23*

SUNDAY
21 June 1:00am AWST

Netherlands v Sweden
Houston Stadium, Houston

Sweden produced one of the performances of the opening round, dismantling Tunisia 5-1 to announce itself as a genuine threat in Group F. Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak both found the scoresheet as Sweden’s attack overwhelmed the Tunisians from start to finish.

The Netherlands, meanwhile, will be disappointed after surrendering a lead in their 2-2 draw with Japan. Ronald Koeman’s side controlled large stretches of the match but paid the price for several defensive lapses and now face increased pressure heading into their second game.

There is no shortage of attacking talent on either side. Cody Gakpo, Memphis Depay and Crysencio Summerville will look to unlock the Swedish defence, while Isak and Gyökeres have already shown how dangerous they can be when given space.

This shapes as one of the most entertaining games of the round. The Dutch need a response, while Sweden has the confidence and momentum to trouble one of Europe’s traditional powers.

VERDICT: Netherlands 2-2 Sweden

Same Game Multi: Both Teams to Score, Viktor Gyökeres Over 0.5 Shots on Target & Over 6.5 Corners @ $3.20*

MONDAY
22 June 9:00am AWST

New Zealand v Egypt
Toronto Stadium, Toronto 

New Zealand delivered one of the surprises of the opening round, twice taking the lead before eventually drawing 2-2 with Iran. Elijah Just scored both goals and the All Whites showed plenty of character against a side ranked significantly higher than them.

Egypt also impressed in its opener, holding Belgium to a 1-1 draw. Mohamed Salah once again proved the focal point of the attack, while Omar Marmoush’s movement and creativity caused constant problems for the Belgian defence.

This fixture presents a huge opportunity for both nations. New Zealand will see it as a chance to continue its fairytale start to the tournament, while Egypt knows three points would put it in a strong position to advance.

Egypt appear to have the greater quality across the pitch and should create enough chances to secure a crucial victory.

VERDICT: New Zealand 0-2 Egypt

Same Game Multi: Egypt to Win, Over 1.5 Total Goals & Mohamed Salah to Score or Assist @ $2.60*

TUESDAY
23 June 8:00am AWST

Norway v Senegal
Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City

Norway could hardly have asked for a better start to its World Cup campaign, defeating Iraq 4-1 inclduing a first-half double from Erling Haaland. With Martin Ødegaard controlling the midfield and Haaland already off the mark, Norway’s attack looks capable of troubling any side in the tournament.

Senegal showed plenty of positives despite falling 3-1 to France. Senegal matched the French for long periods and arguably edged the opening half before France’s superior quality eventually took control after the break.

Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson remain the key threats for Senegal and will need to produce if their side is to keep pace in Group I. A defeat here would leave the African nation facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout rounds.

Both teams possess genuine attacking weapons and this has all the ingredients of an entertaining contest with major qualification implications.

VERDICT: Norway 2-1 Senegal

Same Game Multi: Erling Haaland Anytime Goalscorer, Over 1.5 Total Goals & Nicolas Jackson Over 1.5 Total Shots @ $3.60*

WEDNESDAY
24 June 4:00am AWST

England v Ghana
BC Place, Vancouver

England reinforced its status as one of the tournament favourites with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham were the standout performers, combining brilliantly throughout the match as the Three Lions showcased the attacking quality that makes them one of the teams to beat in the tournament.

Thomas Tuchel’s side looked dangerous every time it went forward, with Kane leading the line superbly and Bellingham controlling the game from midfield. The depth of England’s squad was also on display, with Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke providing energy and creativity around their star players.

Ghana also opened its campaign with a valuable 1-0 victory over Panama. The Black Stars were organised defensively and did enough to secure all three points, but they face a significant step up in class against an England side that looked clinical in front of goal and capable of creating chances from all areas of the pitch.

With top spot in Group L potentially on the line, England should be highly motivated to secure a second consecutive victory. If Kane and Bellingham continue the form they showed against Croatia, the Three Lions could prove too strong once again.

VERDICT: England 4-0 Ghana

Same Game Multi: England to Win, Harry Kane to Score or Assist & Both Teams to Score – No @ $2.90* 

*Odds correct at the time of publication. 

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