The final matchdays for group play kick off tomorrow! Uruguay will need to beat Russia if they want to win Group A, while Saudi Arabia and Egypt will look to finally get points at this World Cup. Iran, Portugal and Spain will have the opportunity to win Group B. Portugal and Spain will both advance with a win or a draw.
Here are the picks from Connor Fleming (@conmanfleming), Bryce Badwan (@bbadss) and Travis Yoesting (@travisyoesting).
Uruguay vs Russia
Connor: Uruguay - Russia's average of scoring four goals per game takes a massive hit against Uruguay — la Celeste shut them out. I think we finally see a goal from Edinson Cavani as well.
Bryce: Russia - It pains me to pick against Uruguay, but they haven't impressed me and Russia is flying. I also can't pick against the KGB.
Travis: Uruguay - La Celeste haven't hit full stride yet but they'll want to put Russia back in its place and give themselves the best possible draw for the Round of 16.
Game Info:
8:00AM ET
Samara Arena
FOX, Telemundo
Saudi Arabia vs Egypt
Connor: Saudi Arabia - In the tournament's first dead rubber, I'm just going with Saudi Arabia because the noise from the Egypt camp sounds really bad (Mohamed Salah might quit international football after what happened at the team's Chechnya camp).
Bryce: Egypt - Mo Salah needs to bring some happiness to Egypt. The Egypt story can't end with a winless World Cup.
Travis: Egypt - Unfortunately, neither of these teams has anything concrete to play for, but I expect Mohamed Salah to add to his stellar year with a goal or three.
Game Info:
8:00AM ET
Volgograd Arena
FOX, Universo
Spain vs Morocco
Connor: Spain - Spain finishes top of Group B after hammering already-eliminated Morocco. A Round of 16 match between hosts Russia and la Furia Roja awaits.
Bryce: Spain - Spain got its massive result vs. Iran and will build off it against Morocco.
Travis: Spain - Morocco has played well without coming away with any points thus far, but Spain will be its toughest task yet. Spain will want to make sure it finishes atop the group with a few extra goals.
Game Info:
2:00PM ET
Kaliningrad Arena
FS1, Universo
Iran vs Portugal
Connor: Draw - Portugal holds off Iran for the runners-up spot in Group B and a Round of 16 clash with Uruguay. We all wanted to avoid it, but that's exactly why it was always unavoidable.
Bryce: Portugal - I wanted to take a draw here. I think Iran will be really stingy and prove to be a hassle for Portugal, but they do have to go for the three points and that will expose them on the back end.
Travis: Portugal - Cristiano Ronaldo will want to pad his goal total and Portugal will want to rack up goal difference. I don't think either happens but CR7 will get some help from his teammates to pull out a narrow win.
Game Info:
2:00PM ET
Mordovia Arena
FOX, Telemundo
