Qatar vs. Switzerland
Qatar have yet to get a point in a world cup game after 3 attempts and at their first go at it again they have unfortunately landed Switzerland as an adversary. Switzerland had a solid group stage in their previous campaign, gathering 6 points from a possible 9 only to fall 6-1 at the hands of Portugal in the Round of 16.
Prediction: QAT 0 – 4 SUI
A leaky Qatar defense paired with a lethal group of attacking and midfield powers will likely see Switzerland steamroll the asian side in their opening matchup.
Brazil vs. Morocco
Perhaps the most star-studded of any game at the World Cup so far. Surprisingly the team that went farthest in the last campaign was Morocco who made it to the semi-finals, a step further than quarterfinalists Brazil. Brazil has had a shaky qualifying record but when it comes to the World Cup they always perform. Morocco are coming off of a home AFCON final appearance and solid qualifying record as well. Neymar is back in the Brazil squad but unfortunately will not be fit to play in the match which is a blow for the South Americans but ultimately they still have a list of stars in attack.
Prediction: BRA 2 – 1 MAR
Brazil have all the defensive requirements in the squad and it seems as if they should have enough to overpower Morocco with pure quality going forward.
Haiti vs. Scotland
Both Group C sides return to the World Cup for the first time in a long time, with CONCACAF side Haiti returning after a 52 year hiatus. For Scotland, it is also their first appearance in the World Cup in the 21st century, last appearing in France 1998. Both sides will desperately search for points in tonights match as the two are joined by Brazil and Morocco in the group, two powerhouses who will already be taking points off each other in the same day. Due to the 3rd place spot being a possibility, perhaps even a win and 3 points in this match could secure knockout football by itself. Unfortunately for Scotland they’ll be missing stars like Billy Gilmour who has already made himself known for his nation, linking up with clubmate Scott McTominay.
Prediction: HAI 0 – 2 SCO
Even without their main man, Canada should have enough to striking force to overpower Bosnia in this riveting opener in Toronto.
Australia vs. Turkey
Two teams that have to try and gain ground on hosts USA will kick off their openers in Canada. Favorites Turkey will be having most of their star players like Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz, definitely likely to get on the scoreboard, but Australia are definitely an underrated pick to upset the group. Nestory Irankunda is the main youngster to watch for the Australians as well, being a former Bayern Munich prospect and will be a floating player allowed to threaten in various areas on the pitch.
Prediction: AUS 1 – 1 TUR
Turkey will create a cornucopia of chances, but ultimately the resolute nature of Australia is enough to gain a point in their Canadian opener.