Last-32 Places Within Reach
The stakes will be raised on Saturday as Germany and Ivory Coast meet in one of the biggest matches of the World Cup group stage.
A place in the last 32 will be secured by the winner.
For Germany, the opportunity carries extra weight. Since lifting the World Cup in 2014, the four-time champions have repeatedly fallen short of expectations. Another step towards redemption could now be taken.
A statement was made in their opening match. Debutants Curaçao were swept aside 7-1 in a display of attacking football that reminded many of Germany’s best days.
Yet a sterner challenge is expected against Ivory Coast.
Germans Warned of Ivory Coast Threat
Respect has been shown by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Particular attention has been paid to the pace and athleticism of the Ivorians.
“Their speed is one of their biggest strengths,” Nagelsmann said.
“That’s what they do best.”
Praise was also directed towards winger Nicolas Pépé.
“During the last game, he was everywhere,” the German coach said.
A victory would see Germany move into the knockout stage and potentially secure top spot in Group E if results elsewhere go their way.
The same prize is being chased by Ivory Coast.
An upset would send the African side through and strengthen their growing reputation at the tournament.
Sweden‘s Revival Continues
In Houston, another qualification battle will be staged.
Sweden face the Netherlands knowing victory will guarantee progress.
The situation would have seemed unlikely only months ago.
Sweden reached the tournament through the UEFA Nations League pathway after a difficult qualifying campaign.
Now they stand on the verge of the knockout rounds.
Much attention will be focused on striker Alexander Isak.
The 26-year-old endured an injury-disrupted season after his high-profile move to Liverpool. His World Cup, however, has begun brightly.
One goal was scored and two more were created during Sweden’s 5-1 demolition of Tunisia.
Coach Graham Potter believes more can be expected.
“Alex has had a season that has been interrupted,” Potter said.
“We’ve had to build him up. I think there’s more to come from him.”
History Beckons in Monterrey
A landmark moment will also be reached in Mexico.
When Japan face Tunisia in Monterrey, the 1,000th match in World Cup history will be played.
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu has warned against complacency.
A revitalised Tunisia side is expected following the appointment of Hervé Renard.
The Frenchman arrived after Sabri Lamouchi became the first coach to lose his job after only one match at a World Cup.
USA March Into Knockout Stage
While others continue their qualification battle, the United States have already secured their place in the next round.
A 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle was enough to seal top spot in Group D.
An own goal from Cameron Burgess opened the scoring before Alex Freeman added a second before half-time.
The result followed a convincing opening victory over Paraguay.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino was pleased with his team’s control.
“It was a fantastic game again,” he said.
“I think we dominated against a very tough team.”
Brazil and Morocco Tighten Grip
Elsewhere, Brazil strengthened their position in Group C.
A 3-0 victory over Haiti was achieved through two goals from Matheus Cunha and another from Vinicius Junior.
The result ended Haiti’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
Brazil now sit level on points with Morocco but remain ahead on goal difference.
Morocco’s campaign was boosted by a 1-0 victory over Scotland.
The only goal was scored by Ismael Saibari after just two minutes.
The race for qualification remains open, but as the group stage enters a decisive phase, the margin for error is becoming increasingly small.
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