Our panel is back to predict day 7 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia as Uruguay, Spain, and Portugal look to move closer to the knockout stages with wins.
Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia (Wednesday in Rostov)
Steen Kirby: Uruguay struggled against Egypt in their first outing, that should give the Saudis some hope of a result here. That said, Saudi’s backline was atrocious in their opening game and I’d expect Uruguay to produce enough to win. 3-0 Uruguay
Lukas Weese; This is a mismatch that could lead to Uruguay punching their ticket to the Round of 16. Uruguay is coming off late Game heroics against Egypt. Saudi Arabia got steamrolled by Russia 5-0. Luis Suarez and Co. will dictate possession early, wearing down the weak Saudi Arabia defense. Uruguay dominates and will join Russia as the other team of Group A to advance to the Knockout stage. 4-0 Uruguay
Portugal vs Morocco (Wednesday in Moscow)
Lukas: Morocco needs a win or a draw to stay alive in this group. It’s too bad they are facing a Portuguese team led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who proved he was still the best in the world after a three goal performance against Spain. Expect Morocco to try and counter attack early. But the speed of Portugal’s midfield will be too tough to defend. Ronaldo will score and Portugal gets a W. Prediction: 3-0 Portugal
Steen: Ronaldo made it happen against Spain in Portugal’s opening game. The hopes of a nation truly ride on his broad and talented shoulders. Morocco squandered chances and ended up losing to Iran at the last in their opening game. I’d expect Portugal to slam the door on the North Africans’ hopes and get the 3 points they need to advance. 3-1 Portugal
Iran vs Spain (Wednesday in Kazan)
Lukas: Iran is heading into this fixture leading Group B with a win, after Morocco put the ball in its own net. They are facing a Spain squad coming off a dramatic 3-3 tie with Portugal. Ultimately, Spain’s depth and ability to move the ball will be too much for Iran to handle. They have a chip on their shoulder after 2014 World Cup so expect the Spaniards to get back to winning ways. 2-0 Spain
Steen: Iran is full of hope as the group leader due to some tremendous fortune. That said, Iniesta and Spain should change that rather quickly with a win here. Iran plays cohesively and has a strong defense but I’m not sure how they score. One goal may be enough for Spain. 1-0 Spain
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