The final day of the second set of group matches is Tuesday. England is back in action after an impressive four-goal showing against Croatia. Plus, Portugal tries to get going against Uzbekistan, while Colombia has the nightcap against upstart DR Congo.
Here’s a look at the storylines, odds and what to watch for Tuesday’s four games plus picks from our betting staff.
Portugal vs. Uzbekistan (Group K)
Standings: Portugal (1 point, T-2nd), Uzbekistan (0 points, 4th)
Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish)
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston
The opening match was not a good one for Portugal. The Portuguese entered the tournament as one of the favorites thanks to a loaded roster that includes some of the best midfielders on the planet. However, a 1-1 draw against DR Congo was not only uninspiring as a result, but also as a performance.
While Portugal dominated possession (with 75 percent of it), DR Congo had an edge in total shots (8-7), shots on target (2-1) and expected goals (0.82-0.62). Much of the blame was laid at the feet of 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, whether fair or not. Will manager Robert Martínez make a change or simply hope his team plays better?
A couple of days ago, Spain woke up after a shocking draw in its opener to beat Saudi Arabia 4-0. Portugal has a good opportunity to do the same against Uzbekistan as the biggest favorite of the day.
Uzbekistan at least scored a goal in its first-ever World Cup match against Colombia, but lost 3-1. If the White Wolves get even a draw, it would be a major shock, but the odds price it below the Spain-Cape Verde and Ecuador-Curaçao draws, but less likely than the Portugal-DR Congo tie.
England vs. Ghana (Group L)
Standings: England (3 points, 1st), Ghana (3 points, 2nd)
Time: 4 p.m. ET
TV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish)
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
The Three Lions showed some defensive frailty in the first half against Croatia last time out, but the attack was downright terrifying in England’s 4-2 win. Harry Kane scored twice, and Jude Bellingham had the game-winner, both good signs for this team going forward.
Up next is Ghana, which might be a bit off its prime years from 10-20 years ago but did get a win in its opening match. The Black Stars were outshot and outpossessed by Panama before stealing three points with a goal in the 95th minute. If that’s how Ghana played against Panama, this England game could get ugly.
The odds have this as a multi-goal win for the English, which could be an opportunity for Kane to gain ground in the Golden Boot race.
Panama vs. Croatia (Group L)
Standings: Panama (0 points, 3rd), Croatia (0 points, 4th)
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish)
Venue: BMO Field, Toronto
Croatia has been one of the best stories of the last two World Cups. A nation of just under 4 million people made it to the final of the 2018 tournament and was third in 2022. Led by 40-year-old legend Luka Modrić, the Croatians have been a Hollywood-worthy story.
However, Modrić showed some signs of age as England ran all around Croatia. England scored four and had plenty of chances for more. Is the Cinderella story coming to an end?
Perhaps Croatia can’t hang with the likes of England, but it is still favored against Panama. With Ghana next, Croatia will be favored in both of their remaining group matches, but is running low on room for error. Another loss would paint a bleak picture for Croatia.
The Athletic’s World Cup predictor currently gives Croatia an 82 percent chance of advancing. That moves to 98 percent with a win, but only 36 percent with a loss. Plenty on the line.
Colombia vs. DR Congo (Group K)
Standings: Colombia (3 points, 1st), DR Congo (1 point, T-2nd)
Time: 10 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 (English), Telemundo (Spanish)
Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
This game appears to be Tuesday’s best on paper. The name recognition isn’t there yet for DR Congo, but the African team deserved its 1-1 draw against Portugal. Colombia is the clear favorite, but both teams were fun to watch last time out.
Los Cafeteros suddenly have a great chance to win the group thanks to that Portugal draw. Colombia leads the group, and a win here would ensure a spot in the knockout round.
DR Congo scored its first World Cup goal and earned its first point against Portugal and looked like a team worthy of playing in the last 32. To get there, a win against Uzbekistan in the last group match seems like the more likely route, which means the Africans could play with nothing to lose for this match.
Neither team is desperate for a win, and DR Congo will likely sit back and try to counter as they did against Portugal, so it makes sense that this match has the lowest goal total odds of the day (under 2.5 is -155 on DraftKings).
Best bets
Mike Hume: Bruno Fernandes anytime goal, +160 (FanDuel)
Portugal’s draw against DR Congo should leave Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. hungry to pour it on against Uzbekistan, who conceded three goals in their opener against Colombia. And I also like the value here with Fernandes compared to the more heralded Ronaldo (listed at -165).
Dan Santaromita: Harry Kane over 2.5 shots on target, +230 (DraftKings)
England’s attack looked awesome against Croatia, and Kane is the focal point. I almost took an anytime goal prop, but shots on target feels more achievable, and I like this price a lot.
Vik Chokshi: Bruno Fernandes anytime goal,+160, and Bukayo Saka anytime goal, +185 (DraftKings)
Time to have some fun here with these goalscorer prop bets.
After Portugal’s last match, I think everyone knows it’s time for Ronaldo to step aside. Portugal will try to push in this matchup, and I anticipate manager Robert Martínez getting Fernandes into the fray early and often.
England looked great in their first test, and we should see more of the same in Game 2, at least on the attacking side of the ball. Kane will be the main attraction, which will open the door for Saka, who should get plenty of chances.
Fernandes and Saka will both get some really good opportunities to score on Tuesday, which is why I love the prices (plus money) on both of these bets.
Picks records
UnitsRecord
Dan
2.6
7-5
Mike
0.53
5-7
Vik
-0.42
7-6