Group A
Ecuador v Senegal (3.00pm)
This looks like the shoot-out for second place in Group A behind the Netherlands and the likely right to play England in the round of 16.
Ecuador only need a draw, but Senegal almost certainly need to win, unless the Netherlands lose to Qatar. We’ve had some shocks in this World Cup, but the Orangeheads losing to the Qataris looks a stretch too far.
Ecuador beat Qatar in the opening match of the tournament and then earned a very creditable draw against the Dutch.
Former West Ham man Enner Valencia has bought his scoring boots. He could become the first player in World Cup history to score seven goals in a row for a nation.
Senegal lost 2-0 to the Netherlands, but recovered to beat the Qataris 3-1, and they will require scorers Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou and Bamba Dieng to again fill the huge void left by the injured Sadio Mane.
Netherlands v Qatar (3.00pm)
This looks like an exercise in how many the Netherlands can score against a Qatari team who are already out having lost to both Ecuador and Senegal.
Wales fans with an optimistic outlook should get a good eyeful of the Dutch as if miracles do come true – and Wales beat England, with the other group match ending in a draw – it would be the tulip growers for us in the last 16.
PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo looks a class act and his presence would offset the loss of Memphis Depay, who may miss this one through injury.
The big question Qatar fans have to ask themselves is this: What time is it acceptable to make my excuses and leave the stadium?
Most of them cleared off at half-time against Ecuador, so don’t be surprised to see a lot of white robes passing through the exits if it’s 3-0 after 20 minutes.
Group B
Iran v USA (7.00pm)
What Wales fans would give for this one ending in a draw if Rob Page’s men somehow manage to scrape past England.
It could happen – the draw, that is – as the USA and Iran have both looked equally impressive and vulnerable at times so far in the opening two rounds.
The USA dominated Wales for 45 minutes and then looked second best as Kieffer Moore ruffled the eagle’s feathers. The Americans then outplayed England in a scoreless draw.
Iran were hammered 6-2 by England, but were a team transformed against Wales and thoroughly deserved their 2-0 victory.
Both teams like to counter-attack, so it could be a belter as the USA need to win and Iran must also chase a victory if they don’t want to be squeezed out by a Wales’ upset against England.
Let’s leave the last words to Chris Sutton and hope he chokes on them.
“I’m going for a draw, which would send Iran through unless Wales beat England and, as I’ve just said, that is not going to happen.”
Thanks, Chris.
