BACK TO BACK TO BACK TO BACK games, people! Buckle up! We got France and Argentina in action which means Messi, Griezmann and company. Can Iceland frustrate an Argentine side that didn’t show much in qualifying? And don’t you dare sleep on Peru vs Denmark and Croatia vs Nigeria. Here’s Connor Fleming (@conmanfleming), Bryce Badwan (@bbadss) and Travis Yoesting (@travisyoesting) picks for what figures to be a fun day in Russia.
France vs Australia
Connor: France - ATLETICO MADRID'S Antoine Griezmann begins his quest for the Golden Boot with a couple goals.
Bryce: France - Socceroos will score in this one, but I think France puts on a show and the rest of the tournament on notice.
Travis: France - France starts its World Cup campaign with a convincing win, though a lack of concentration costs Les Bleus the shutout.
Game Info:
6:00 a.m. ET
Kazan Arena
FS1 and Telemundo
Iceland vs Argentina
Connor: Argentina - There's just no way a country with a population of 330,000 takes something off Argentina...right?
Bryce: Argentina - This game makes me really, really nervous. I don't know if it's because I have Argentina in the office pool, or because Iceland seem like the type of brutes to push Argentina and Messi around. Nonetheless. I can't go against La Pulga.
Travis: Iceland - Iceland packs it in against Messi and Co. but won't be able to hold on all match.
Game Info:
9:00 a.m. ET
Spartak Stadium
FOX and Telemundo
Peru vs Denmark
Connor: DRAW - It's the moment Peru's been waiting 36 years for, and it's a decent return for la Blanquirroja.
Bryce: Peru - This team is going to be flying. I'm probably reading to much into the momentum, but nutralize Christian Eriksen and you got a got shot at 3 points.
Travis: DRAW - Excited to be in its first World Cup in more than 30 years, Peru surprises Denmark with an inspired performance.
Game Info:
12:00 p.m. ET
Mordovia Arena
FS1 and Telemundo
Nigeria vs Croatia
Connor: Croatia - It'd be thrilling if this Croatia side could finally put it all together, but I think they'll win ugly here.
Bryce: Draw - Nigeria claim they are ready to take the next step and I want to believe them, but it's tough picking against the Croatian midfield. I also have no freaking idea, so I'm going draw.
Travis: Draw - In what could be one of the most entertaining matches of the first few days, the two teams play to a heated, spirited draw.
Game Info:
3:00 p.m. ET
Mordovia Arena
FS1 and Telemundo
