World Cup

World Cup Matches of The Day: Week 5

Posted on | Posted by TABtouch

SUNDAY
5 July 5:00am AWST

Paraguay v France
Philadelphia Stadium, Pennsylvania

Paraguay arrive in the Round of 16 full of confidence after eliminating Germany on penalties, but they’ll need to produce another huge defensive performance against one of the tournament favourites.

France have looked every bit the title contender so far. Kylian Mbappé heads into the match fresh off a brace against Sweden, while Michael Olise has quietly been one of the standout performers of the World Cup, consistently creating chances and pulling the strings in the final third.

Paraguay are likely to defend deep and look to frustrate France before hitting on the counter, but that’s easier said than done against a side with so many attacking weapons. If France move the ball quickly and create space for Mbappé and Olise, they should have enough quality to break Paraguay down and progress comfortably.

VERDICT: Paraguay 0-3 France
Same Game Multi: France -1.5, Mbappé to Score & Olise Over 0.5 Shots on Target @ $2.65*

MONDAY
6 July 8:00am AWST

Mexico v England

Mexico City Stadium, Ciudad De Mexico

This shapes as one of the closest Round of 16 ties, with Mexico’s disciplined defensive structure set to test an England side chasing another deep World Cup run.

Mexico have looked organised throughout the tournament and will be confident they can make life difficult for England. They’ll look to stay compact, limit space in the middle of the park and capitalise on any opportunities in transition.

England, meanwhile, continue to lean on the quality of Harry Kane, who scored twice against DR Congo to send his side through. Alongside Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford, England have plenty of attacking quality, but they’ll need to be patient against a Mexican side unlikely to give away many clear chances.

Expect a tight, tactical contest where one moment of quality could decide the outcome. If it remains level after 90 minutes, England’s experience may prove enough to see them through.

VERDICT: Mexico 1-1 England (England win on penalties)
Same Game Multi: England to Go Through, Under 3.5 Total Goals & Kane Over 0.5 Shots on Target @ $2.45*

TUESDAY
7 July 3:00am AWST

Portugal v Spain
Dallas Stadium, Texas

Two European heavyweights meet with a place in the quarter-finals on the line, and there’s no shortage of star power on either side.

Portugal edged past Croatia 2-1 to reach this stage, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his first World Cup knockout goal from the penalty spot. Even at this stage of his career, Ronaldo remains the focal point of Portugal’s attack and will relish another big occasion.

Spain have been one of the tournament’s most impressive teams. They cruised past Austria 3-0, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice and Lamine Yamal producing another brilliant display to earn man of the match honours. Spain’s ability to control possession and create chances through quick combinations makes them a difficult side to contain.

Portugal certainly have the quality to make this competitive, but Spain’s midfield control and attacking depth could be the difference in what promises to be one of the best matches of the Round of 16.

VERDICT: Portugal 1-2 Spain
Same Game Multi: Under 3.5 Total Goals, Ronaldo Over 1.5 Total Shots & Yamal Over 0.5 Shots on Target @ $2.45*

WEDNESDAY
8 July 12:00am AWST

Argentina v Egypt
Atlanta Stadium, Georgia

Argentina were pushed to their limit by Cape Verde last time out, needing extra time to come through a thrilling 3-2 contest. It was a reminder that even the tournament heavyweights can be vulnerable in knockout football, but also another example of Argentina finding a way when a match threatens to slip from their control.

Egypt arrive with belief of their own after eliminating Australia on penalties. They have shown they are comfortable in tight contests and won’t be intimidated by long periods without the ball, with their discipline and patience likely to be crucial against an Argentina side capable of creating chances from almost anywhere.

Lionel Messi shapes as the key figure. Whether dropping deeper to create or finding pockets of space closer to goal, his influence gives Argentina multiple ways to break down a compact defence. Egypt’s best chance may be to keep the game level for as long as possible and force Argentina into another tense finish, but giving Messi repeated opportunities around the penalty area is a dangerous game.

The longer Egypt can stay within touching distance, the more pressure they can place on Argentina. But after the scare against Cape Verde, expect Argentina to be sharper here and give Egypt far fewer opportunities to turn this into another knockout battle.

VERDICT: Argentina 2-0 Egypt
Same Game Multi: Argentina to Go Through, Messi to Score or Assist & Messi Over 1.5 Shots on Target @ $2.06*

*Odds correct at the time of publication.

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