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What to watch for today
Sweden v. South Korea | Group F
With Germany losing to Mexico yesterday, plans to get out of Group F will have to be revised. For Sweden, South Korea, and Mexico, the likeliest scenario was that Germany would control the group, meaning you take care of your own results and finish second. After Mexico’s win, there’s even more pressure to for Sweden and South Korea to get a result in this match. Sweden scored 26 goals in 10 group games in qualifying with Al-Ain striker Marcus Berg the top-scorer in a group that included France. As shown in their playoff victory against Italy however, they’re more likely to rely on team structure than individual brilliance. South Korea didn’t have the best qualifying campaign (4W, 3D, 3L). But, as we’ve seen so far in this World Cup, there is plenty of room for surprise.
8am EST / 1pm BST / 10pm AEST
Belgium v. Panama | Group G
In their first matches, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and Germany all dropped points, while France weren’t dominant. That gives Belgium an opportunity to make a statement with the main favorites in the tournament off to a slow start. Kevin De Bruyne is coming off his most successful season in the EPL and has ample talent surrounding him in Romelu Lukaku, Dries Mertens, and Eden Hazard, to make good use of his distribution. Panama qualified for their first-ever World Cup through an 88th minute Roman Torres winner and a US loss to Trinidad and Tobago. They’re a defense-first squad, conceding only 10 goals (while scoring just 9) in 10 qualifying matches, and could be a frustrating opening test for Belgium.
11am EST / 4pm BST / 1am AEST
Tunisia v. England | Group G
Tunisia begin their World Cup without their top scorer Youssef Msakni, which has put a shadow over their first World Cup since 2006. Sunderland’s Wahbi Khazri is now their primary threat – scoring 9 goals in 24 matches on loan to Rennes this season. You’d expect most of the action to be at the other end of the pitch, however, as England look to begin their World Cup with a strong start. They have the most exciting and direct squad they’ve had in years, featuring young, level-headed talent. A fast start to this match and Tunisia could be in serious trouble.
2pm EST / 7pm BST / 4am AEST