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Highlighting the best World Cup matches of Round 1

By Zack Nelson

VILLAREAL, SPAIN - JUNE 03: The Spain team line up for a photo prior to kick off during the International Friendly match between Spain and Switzerland at Estadio de La Ceramica on June 3, 2018 in Villareal, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
VILLAREAL, SPAIN - JUNE 03: The Spain team line up for a photo prior to kick off during the International Friendly match between Spain and Switzerland at Estadio de La Ceramica on June 3, 2018 in Villareal, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images) /
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ANDORRA LA VELLA, ANDORRA – OCTOBER 07: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates with his team mate Joao Mario after scoring the opening goal past the goalkeeper Josep Gomes of Andorraduring the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Andorra and Portugal at the Estadi Nacional on October 7, 2017 in Andorra la Vella, Andorra. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
ANDORRA LA VELLA, ANDORRA – OCTOBER 07: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates with his team mate Joao Mario after scoring the opening goal past the goalkeeper Josep Gomes of Andorraduring the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Andorra and Portugal at the Estadi Nacional on October 7, 2017 in Andorra la Vella, Andorra. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /

The World Cup is only a few days away, with hosts Russia kicking us off against Saudi Arabia.

While you’re probably filled to the brim with anticipation, the reality of the situation is that we all live in different time zones and we all have some sort of responsibilities that take precedence over the World Cup.

So if you can only manage to watch one or two matches per day, fear not: this article will be highlighting the best match for each day of the first round of World Cup games. Since Russia – Saudi Arabia is the only match on the 14th, we’ll start on Friday, June 15th.

Friday 15th June – Spain vs Portugal

Spain will look to rebound from a disappointing group stage exit in 2014. However, they’ll have their toughest test right off the bat against Portugal, who are also trying to avenge an early exit in 2014.

On paper, these two shouldn’t really have to worry about falling out in the group stage again, as their only other competition is Morocco and Iran, but this match will be just as important for seeding purposes.

For two nations looking to make a deep World Cup run, this match could be the difference between playing Uruguay in the Round of 16, or playing Egypt or Russia.

You may think that Spain has the clear edge in this one, but don’t overlook this Portugal squad. The common misconception about Portugal is that it’s Cristiano Ronaldo and everyone else, but this year especially, that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Portugal still has a solid defense featuring Pepe and Raphael Guerreiro, as well as Rui Patricio in goal.

In the midfield, there’s the always-reliable Joao Moutinho, accompanied by Bruno Fernandes, who had a breakout campaign for Sporting this season with 17 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.

Finally, in attack, Ronaldo will be surrounded by two budding superstars in Goncalo Guedes and Bernardo Silva.

Guedes was very impressive on loan at Valencia this season, leading them to a Champions League berth, while Bernardo Silva helped Manchester City to one of the greatest Premier League seasons of all time

Prediction: Portugal 2-2 Spain

Honorable mention: Egypt vs Uruguay

If this match was happening on any other day, it would probably be the one to watch, as two teams with very exciting attacks go head-to-head.

Uruguay is blessed with having Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, but their center-backs (Jose Maria Gimenez and Diego Godin) will be the difference in stopping Mo Salah and putting them over the edge.

Prediction: Uruguay 3-1 Egypt

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