Apologies for a poor show from Monday’s selections and it’s safe to say Russia were flattered by their 5-1 and 3-1 wins against inferior opposition and Uruguay changed their tactics in midfield to adopt a more offensive approach, which worked wonders from a goal scoring perspective as Suarez and Cavani both got on the score sheet. Morocco spoiled the double by taking an early lead against Spain. Spain equalized quickly but Morocco continued to hold their own and deservedly went 2-1 up with ten minutes of normal time remaining.

However, Morocco’s hearts were broken when Spain equalized in injury time and this meant they won the group ahead of Portugal and more importantly avoided Uruguay in the last-16. Portugal somehow ended up drawing 1-1 with Iran after Ronaldo of all people missed a penalty to make it 2-0, and some bizarre late VAR decisions went against Portugal and one lead to a penalty that never should have been awarded, which lead to Iran’s equalizer.

Today’s World Cup action features the final round of games between Mexico and Sweden and South Korea and Germany from Group E at 3pm on ITV and Serbia and Brazil and Switzerland and Costa Rica from Group F at 7pm on BBC. Mexico have already qualified from Group E, but they still need to secure at least a point to ensure they top the group because if Germany or South Korea win and Mexico lose, its possible either could top the group on goal difference or the ‘fair play’ table if their level on goal difference.

Brazil and Switzerland top group E on four points and Serbia are a point behind. Basically, Brazil and Switzerland just need a draw to qualify if Serbia fail to win but if Serbia beat Brazil they would qualify, and Brazil would be out. Brazil will need to be at their best to beat Serbia and qualify for the last-16 and if their wealth of attacking talent is on song I see them edging this one. If Switzerland field a strong side they should beat Costa Rico, who were beaten by Brazil 2-0 and Serbia 1-0.

With Mexico just needing a point to secure top-spot in Group F and with two wins to their name already Mexico they are unlikely to lose against Sweden who can still reach the last-16 as runners up if results go their way tonight. Like Sweden, Germany’s chances of qualifying for the last-16 depends on results going their way tonight but they do have the upper hand over Sweden as they face Group leaders Mexico while Germany face already out South Korea who lost both their games.

Selections:

Double (2.99)

Sweden vs. Mexico - Under 2.5 Goals

Switzerland to beat Costa Rica