Goran Paladin shares his picks and plays for Day 3 of the World Cup.
Clear your schedule, because Brazil vs Morocco is must-watch TV. 6 versus 7 in the world rankings, the 5-time World Champions against the 2022 World Cup surprise package, attacking flair versus defensive resilience – with a dash of lethal counter attack. It will ultimately determine who finishes top of Group C.
I could spend all my time talking up Brazil, but chances are you know about them already. They’re a staple of any World Cup, their players are household names. Heck, Vinicius Jr even has a Lego Editions set putting him in the same stratosphere as Messi, Ronaldo and Mbappe! What I’d prefer to do though, is establish why Morocco might shock the world once more.
In captain Achraf Hakimi they have quite possibly the best right back in world football. He’s part of PSG’s Champions League winners, and his attacking prowess is a sight to behold. And if he’s not unlocking the Brazilian defence with his stunning delivery, then Brahim Diaz will be. The Real Madrid playmaker won the Golden Boot at the Africa Cup of Nations with 5 goals, and if he can eradicate any mental scarring from his disastrous panenka penalty in that competition’s grand final then he likely holds the key to Morocco’s continued good fortune. However… This is a team dealing with a lot of turmoil around the squad. Despite (eventually) being declared winners, the AFCON campaign resulted in a new coach being installed, and there are other off-field issues at play also.
So with all things considered, there’s a chance Morocco might go on to shock the world again, but they won’t shock their opponent here – expect the gold of Brazil to shine brightest in this encounter.
Tips
Best Bet: Brazil to WIN 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 @ $2.35
Best Goalscorer: Igor Thiago FIRST Goalscorer @ $4.80
Same Game Multi: Brazil to score in both halves + Igor Thiago ATS @ $4.96
Question: Do we want the Aussies to do well? Usually we love to hate them, but it’s different on the World Cup stage… right?
However you might feel about our neighbours, if the cuzzies from the ‘West Island’ want to progress to the knockout phase, a result against Turkiye will be imperative. It’ll be an intriguing clash of styles, with Australia set to give up a lot of possession and territory, focusing on sitting deep in defence, limiting clear-cut Turkish opportunities, while using wingbacks and a mix of inexperience and wily old heads up top, to strike in transition.
That attacking end will be led by Norwich City’s Mo Toure; after a mid-season switch from Danish club Randers he scored a hattrick on full EFL Championship debut. Some say he’s the best thing in Australian gold since Mark Viduka, which is high praise indeed. Throw some experience in there with Melbourne City’s Mathew Leckie, and we’ll absolutely see Watford’s sparkplug Nestory Irankunda as well; they’ve got some fire power, but how many chances will they generate?
In truth, this match will be all about how Australia’s low block, defensive unit copes without the ball, and with the creativity of Arda Guler. Big things are expected of the 21-year-old Real Madrid talisman, and if he can find pockets of space to pick off the perfect pass or unleash a shot from distance, we’re looking at Turkish delight when the final whistle blows. In tandem with Kenan Yildiz of Juventus it could be too much for the Socceroos to handle. Sorry Straya!
Tips
Best Bet: Draw/Turkey (HT/FT) @ $4.40
Best Goalscorer: Kenan Yildiz ATS @ $3.50
Same Game Multi: Turkey to WIN by exactly 2 goals + Arda Guler to score or assist @ $6.68
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