Eight teams from two different groups will be in live action later today at the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Switzerland, Cameroon, South Korea and Uruguay will all be in action today. Ghana, Portugal, Brazil and Serbia will also don their countries’ colours before the end of the day.
Switzerland vs Cameroon
The first match of the day is surely an interesting matchup to look forward to. The Swiss have got some very exciting and experienced players in their ranks.
Yann Sommer will bring his wide range of goalkeeping experience to display. The likes of Manuel Akanji, Newcastle’s Fabian SchƤr, Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka are also important in the Swiss team.
In attack, Switzerland will rely on the predatory instincts of Noah Okafor, Haris Seferovic and Breel Embolo.
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Meanwhile, Napoli’s energetic and impressive midfielder AndrĆ© Frank Zambo Anguissa will be controlling affairs from the middle of the park. Inter Milan goalie Andre Onana is another key squad member for the Indomitable Lions.
Prediction: Switzerland 1-1 Cameroon
Uruguay vs South Korea
La Celeste are appearing at the FIFA World Cup for a massive 14 times. The squad is a blend of old, experienced players and a fresh infusion of young blood. The likes of Edinson Cavani, Diego Godin and Luis Suarez are in their thirties and need the new generation to take over as soon as possible.
Liverpool striker, Darwin NĆŗƱez, Facundo Torres and Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde are talents to watch out for. Rodrigo Bentacur, Lucas Torreira and Facundo Pellistri are important players for Uruguay as well.
South Korea will definitely be seeking to spoil the party for their South American counterparts. The Asian giants are no pushovers and will heavily depend on the likes of Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-Chan. The former only recently returned to training after a successful eye socket surgery while the latter is a serious doubt.
If Son plays in this World Cup matchday 5 clash, he will most likely be seen on a protective face mask. Meanwhile, So Kwon Chang-hoon should be called up to start in place of Hee-Chan as a wide forward. Also, Hwang Ui-jo is expected to lead the line for South Korea against the Uruguayans.
Prediction: Uruguay 2-0 South Korea
Portugal vs Ghana
The 2016 European champions will be hoping to kickstart their FIFA World Cup campaign on a very impressive note. The European giants face Ghana, who denied Nigeria a place at the World Cup during their final continental qualification series.
Blessed with top quality players like Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao and Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal are ready to go.
Ghana have a squad of decent players. The question however, borders on how they will scale through a Group H that also has Uruguay and South Korea.
IƱaki Williams, Tariq Lamptey, Thomas Partey and captain AndrĆ© Ayew are some familiar names in the Black Stars squad. The West Africans will really hope to cause an upset against Fernando Santos’ side later today.
Meanwhile, Portugal have failed to win their last three opening matches in big international tournaments.
Prediction: Portugal 3-0 Ghana
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Brazil vs Serbia
This fixture is really one to look out for. Fans have waited since day one of the tournament to see Brazil play. The ‘Samba Boys‘ have emerged as the favourite team to win the tournament.
Possessing an array of attacking players, Brazil are expected to go all out to claim the highly coveted prize. The journey to doing that begins today, when they face Serbia in Group G.
Selecao won their last seven games while conceding only twice. They have scored three or more goals in all but one game.
Serbia reached the World Cup by topping Group A in UEFA qualifiers, and are starting their campaign on matchday 5 as well. The Eagles did not lose a single game and dropped points on only two occasions in eight matches.
Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison, Antony, Bruno GuimarĆ£es, Vinicius Junior, Neymar and Raphinha are some of the options at coach Tite’s disposal. Others are Gabriel Martinelli, Casemiro, Lucas PaquetĆ”, Rodrygo and Pedro.
However, Serbia will be a stern test for the 2014 hosts. Juventus forward DuÅ”an VlahoviÄ and Fulham’s Aleksandar MitroviÄ will lead the line for Serbia. Sergej MilinkoviÄ-SaviÄ and DuÅ”an TadiÄ will aim to suppress the likes of Casemiro and PaquetĆ”/GuimarĆ£es in the middle.
Prediction: Brazil 3-0 Serbia
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