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Scout Report: Brazil vs Costa Rica - Audition for Real Madrid’s next goalkeeper

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Scout Report: Brazil vs Costa Rica - Audition for Real Madrid’s next goalkeeper Just over a week ago Julen Lopetegui would have been interested in Brazil’s clash with Costa Rica to scout the South American side as potential opponents for Spain in the knockout stage of the 2018 World Cup. Now, however, the 51-year-old, who was sacked as Spain head coach for taking the Real...

The Best Bet: Coutinho to add to his World Cup tally

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The Best Bet: Coutinho to add to his World Cup tally Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland on Sunday night was hardly the ideal preparation for the tournament favourites and the aim is to quickly bounce back when they take on Costa Rica. They, too, put in a good account of themselves in their Group E match up at the weekend, but ultimately fell to ...

World Cup warm up: Improvements needed from Brazil for Costa Rica clash

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World Cup warm up: Improvements needed from Brazil for Costa Rica clash Brazil were considered one of the pre-tournament favourites but left a lot to be desired after only managing a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their first match of the 2018 World Cup. Tite’s side made a flying start and appeared on course for a huge win after Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring ...

World Cup Scout: Youngster Pavon out to fire Argentina to win

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World Cup Scout: Youngster Pavon out to fire Argentina to win With Argentina expected to move to a three-man defence to afford greater attacking flexibility against Croatia, one of those expected to benefit is youngster Cristian Pavon. The attacker was excellent for Boca Juniors last season, registering more assists (11) than any other Superliga player as the ...

The Best Bet - Croatia to beat Argentina tonight

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The Best Bet - Croatia to beat Argentina tonight Croatia hardly set the world alight with their 2-0 win over Nigeria at the weekend, but it was a routine win over their Group D counterparts. After Argentina’s 1-1 draw with Iceland earlier in the day, Croatia hold all in their cards in their quest to secure a spot in the next round of the Wor...

World Cup Warm Up: Argentina vs Croatia - Sampaoli’s important throw of the dice

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World Cup Warm Up: Argentina vs Croatia - Sampaoli’s important throw of the dice Argentina’s struggles against Iceland was through every fault of their own. Lionel Messi, rightly the star man for La Albiceleste, earned a better WhoScored.com rating (7.69) than any other Argentina player in the 1-1 draw with their European counterparts, with striker Sergio Aguero perhaps th...

France vs Peru: Key Battle - Can Pogba shine in restricted midfield two role?

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France vs Peru: Key Battle - Can Pogba shine in restricted midfield two role? It’s been a difficult six months for Paul Pogba and the Manchester United midfielder has not been helped by the uncertainty and lack of clarity about his role for club and country. Jose Mourinho switched frantically been a two-man and three-man midfield last season and Didier Deschamps has don...

Denmark vs Australia: Can Sisto or Leckie’s pace make the difference for their teams?

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Denmark vs Australia: Can Sisto or Leckie’s pace make the difference for their teams? The outcome of Thursday’s meeting between Denmark and Australia will help shape Group C. Denmark were rather fortuitous to beat Peru in their first match but are now in a great position to progress to the knockout stage. Australia, meanwhile, were unlucky to lose to France and now have a mount...

The Best Bet: Australia to avoid defeat against Denmark

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The Best Bet: Australia to avoid defeat against Denmark Australia endured a fine first half against France at the weekend, but an Antoine Griezmann penalty and an Aziz Behich own goal ultimately saw them come unstuck on Saturday. The Socceroos defended valiantly in the opening 45 minutes and came from behind to equalise via a Mile Jedinak spot kick in th...

World Cup warm up: Denmark and Australia endure contrasting fortunes ahead of pivotal meeting

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World Cup warm up: Denmark and Australia endure contrasting fortunes ahead of pivotal meeting It’s fair to say that Denmark and Australia endured contrasting fortunes in the opening round of matches at the 2018 World Cup. Denmark underwhelmed against Peru and were fortuitous to win 1-0, whereas Australia successfully rattled Euro 2016 finalists France and deserved more than a 2-1 defea...