The second round of the group stage is drawing to a close, with Tuesday’s matches marking the final set of games for Matchday 2 before the action intensifies on Wednesday. Here’s what you need to know for Day 13 of the World Cup.
Tuesday, June 23 | 1 p.m. ET | Houston | TV: Fox
Odds: Portugal (-525), Uzbekistan (+1250), Tie (+600)
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Portugal needs to improve against Uzbekistan compared to its opening match against DR Congo. After João Neves scored just six minutes in, DR Congo equalized through Yoane Wissa, and Portugal’s offense faltered in the second half.
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start again for Portugal, with mounting pressure to find the net as fellow stars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland have already shown their scoring prowess. However, the need for Ronaldo to focus on goals could be a double-edged sword.
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Uzbekistan managed to level against Colombia in their last outing, but a quick response from Luis Diaz put Colombia back in front, adding a late goal that hurt Uzbekistan’s goal differential. Uzbekistan is known for their tenacity, and manager Fabio Cannavaro is sure to have drawn lessons from Portugal’s recent troubles against DR Congo.
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Tuesday, June 23 | 4 p.m. ET | Foxborough, Massachusetts | TV: Fox
Odds: England (-450), Ghana (+1200), Tie (+550)
With a victory, England can secure the top spot in Group L after their win over Croatia in their opening match, following Ghana’s victory against Panama. Despite some vulnerabilities in their defense against Croatia, England’s attack demonstrated its prowess with key contributions from players like Jude Bellingham, who scored just after halftime.
Ghana will welcome back center back Thomas Partey, who missed their opening match. The former Arsenal and current Villarreal defender was unavailable against Canada due to pending legal issues in England. With Partey returning to the lineup, the focus will be on getting Man City forward Antoine Semenyo more involved in their offense, as he was often isolated in their previous match against Panama.
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Panama vs. Croatia
Tuesday, June 23 | 7 p.m. ET | Toronto | TV: Fox
Odds: Croatia (-190), Panama (+525), Tie (+300)
This marks the crucial matchup for Croatia’s experienced players, aiming to bounce back after a two-goal defeat to England. Croatia needs to secure four points against Panama and Ghana in their remaining group matches to enhance their chances of advancing to the knockout stages. They are favored to win and could very well achieve six points.
Luka Modric, at 40, was substituted in the 58th minute for Mateo Kovacic. Can Croatia maintain him on the pitch longer against Panama? Modric’s role in the midfield could be more conducive in this match than it was against England.
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Surprisingly, Panama boasts the eldest squad in the tournament, averaging 30 years, while Croatia, thanks to younger talent on the bench, ranks as the 17th oldest at just under 28. Panama maintained over 60% possession against Ghana but failed to capitalize on their chances.
Colombia vs. DR Congo
Tuesday, June 23 | 10 p.m. ET | Guadalajara, Mexico | TV: FS1
Odds: Colombia (-185), DR Congo (+525), Tie (+290)
A win for Colombia would secure their place in the Round of 32, while DR Congo could nearly guarantee their first-ever appearance in the knockout stage with a victory.
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Colombia achieved over 200 more completed passes than Uzbekistan in their previous match and will aim for a repeat against a DR Congo team that appeared content to let Portugal dominate possession. Luis Diaz, their standout player, contributed both a goal and an assist in the previous match, making him crucial to Colombia’s attack.
If you’re considering a bet on this matchup, the under at -160 seems like a solid option, as only once in DR Congo’s last nine games have there been more than two total goals scored.