The group stages still have a way to go, and the stage is set for some thrilling finishes.
BetDeluxe looks at four huge games to forecast what might come in the next two days.
Brazil vs. Switzerland
29th November 3:00AM
They might be just one game in, but Brazil has done nothing to make anyone question why they are the favourites to win the World Cup.
Two goals from the mercurial Richarlison, including a stunning scissor kick that will go down in history, were all that was needed to see off Serbia last week, and they roll into this clash with Switzerland keen to win Group G.
But to do so, they must quash any demons they still have from the draw between these two countries at the 2018 World Cup. Brazil played below itself on that day, but with Richarlison firing and Fred and Casemiro also in solid form, they will be a difficult opponent. An ankle injury to star Neymar will see him miss the rest of the group stage, but his absence shouldn’t hurt them too much for this one.
The Swiss did what was needed to secure a 1-0 win over Cameroon but have to elevate their game to keep up the pace here. Xherdan Shaqiri is providing the pace and skill from the wing, while Breel Embolo could be a scoring threat again.
Suggested Bet: Richarlison first goal scorer at $4.15
Portugal vs. Uruguay
29th November 6:00AM
Cristiano Ronaldo has put aside his clubland dramas to remind the world once again why he is a generational talent that can single-handedly take his team deep in any tournament.
He was electric in Portugal’s tournament opener, as was Bruno Fernandez, who is devastating in how he sets up the forward thrusts.
Uruguay is their biggest threat in the group stage, and they need to tighten their defence to ensure they don’t give them the same opportunities afforded to Ghana. A frustrating draw against South Korea has the Uruguayans with their backs against the wall.
Some bad luck with two shots hitting the post meant that they could be telling a very different story.
Mathias Olivera and Federico Valverde were instrumental for Uruguay in the draw, and if they can continue their polished midfield work, they may be a chance. But the class of Portugal should win out.
Suggested Bet: Olivier Giroud to score at $4.50
Netherlands vs. Qatar
30th November 2:00AM
The Netherlands has had a mixed bag, with a draw and a win from their first two games.
While they could easily have converted that draw into a win, they remain the strongest Group A contenders.
Cody Gakpo scored in both matches and will again be a threat. If he can continue his vein of form, the Dutch will be hard to beat, especially with Virjil van Dijk at the other end holding court at centre back.
Qatar can’t win through from here but have plenty to play for in front of their home crowd. Their ageing squad has been disappointing in the losses to Ecuador and Senegal. Akram Afif and Hassan Al Haydos have been short of their best, but they may bounce back here.
Even if that is the case, they will be no match for the Netherlands, who are determined to win the elusive Cup they have come so close to winning.
Suggested Bet: Cody Gakpo, first goalscorer at $3.60
Wales vs. England
30th November 6:00AM
The devastation on Welsh faces when they conceded two stoppage time goals to lose to Iran was plain for all to see, and it’s a pain that is not easy to bounce back from.
Compounding the pain was the late red card to keeper Wayne Hennessey that will severely weaken them against big brother England.
Gareth Bale has all the pressure to stand up for his team again, and he is capable of it, but he needs more support from Wales’ lesser lights.
England’s blistering start against Iran was tempered with a surprising draw against the USA, and they need to quickly put that aside if they are to be in the hunt to win the World Cup.
The Three Lions were underwhelming, especially in the second half, where they never looked a chance to score until very late.
Look for Harry Kane to once again be the go-to man with Mason Mount a chance to open his scoring account after going very close on a couple of occasions so far.
Suggested Bet: Mason Mount to score at $3.60
