World Cup Round of 32 heats up! France, Mexico, and Norway face crucial tests today. Ivory Coast vs Norway, France vs Sweden, and Mexico vs Ecuador determine wh
Tuesday’s Fixtures and Predictions
The World Cup Round of 32 continues with three significant matches scheduled for Tuesday. These games will determine more teams advancing to the Round of 16. The day’s lineup includes Ivory Coast against Norway, France facing Sweden, and co-hosts Mexico playing Ecuador.
The first match of the day sees Ivory Coast take on Norway at Dallas Stadium, Texas, in the US. This will be the first competitive encounter between these two nations. Historically, Ivory Coast has found it challenging against European opposition in the World Cup, while Norway has a strong record against African teams, losing only two of their 19 meetings across all competitions.
According to simulations, Norway is considered the favourite to progress, winning in normal time in 56.1 percent of 25,000 pre-match simulations. Ivory Coast secured victory in 21.6 percent of simulations, with a draw occurring in 22.3 percent, potentially leading to extra time. Norway aims to match their best-ever World Cup finish by reaching the Round of 16.
The second fixture features France against Sweden at New York/New Jersey Stadium in the US. These teams have met 23 times across various competitions, with France holding an advantage of 12 wins compared to Sweden‘s six, and five matches ending in a draw. However, this marks their first-ever meeting in a FIFA World Cup.
France is heavily favoured to advance, winning in normal time in 75.1 percent of 25,000 pre-match simulations. Sweden managed victory in only 9.5 percent of simulations, with 15.4 percent resulting in a draw after 90 minutes. France entered the tournament as one of the favourites and has consistently scored at least three goals in each of their three group stage games.
The final match of the day pits Mexico against Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico. Their only previous FIFA World Cup encounter saw Mexico win 2-1 during the group stage of the 2002 tournament. Recent meetings have been closely contested, with their last three encounters all ending in draws, suggesting this Round of 32 tie could extend beyond regular time.
Simulations indicate Mexico has an edge, winning in normal time in 47.1 percent of 25,000 pre-match simulations, while Ecuador won in 23.7 percent. A draw after 90 minutes occurred in 29.2 percent of simulations. Factoring in extra time and penalties, Mexico‘s chances of reaching the Round of 16 increase to 61 percent, with Ecuador‘s probability at 38.9 percent.
Key Players and Team Form
In the Ivory Coast versus Norway match, Norway‘s striker Erling Haaland has been a central figure, scoring four goals in just two matches during the group stage. He was rested for their final group game against France. Martin Odegaard, the captain, has also contributed significantly with two assists. Ivory Coast‘s attack features Nicolas Pepe, who has scored two goals, along with Amad Diallo and Franck Kessie, each with one goal.
Ivory Coast finished their group stage with a 2-1 loss to Germany. Norway secured wins against Iraq (4-1) and Senegal (3-2) to qualify for the Round of 32. Ivory Coast‘s defence, led by Ousmane Diomande, will be crucial in containing Haaland.
For the France versus Sweden game, France boasts a strong attacking lineup. Kylian Mbappé has scored four goals and provided an assist, while Ousmane Dembélé also has four goals and an assist. Sweden‘s team includes forwards Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak. Sweden conceded seven goals in the group stage, including five in a 5-1 loss to the Netherlands.
Mexico‘s success in the group stage saw them win Group A with nine points, securing victories against South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia. They did not concede a goal in these matches, outscoring opponents 6-0. Mexico‘s goals came from Mateo Chávez, Álvaro Fidalgo, Raul Jiménez, Luis Romo, and Julián Quiñones (who scored twice).
Ecuador qualified for the knockout stages after a comeback win against Germany, with goals from Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata. Ecuador‘s defence is considered strong, featuring players like Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapié, and Joel Ordonez, with Moisés Caicedo in midfield. However, their offence was shut out in their first two games, with a 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast and a 0-0 draw with Curaçao.
Eliminated Teams and Notable Results
The Round of 32 has already seen some unexpected outcomes. Paraguay stunned Germany, and Morocco eliminated the Netherlands in penalty shootouts. Canada advanced after defeating South Africa 1-0, and Brazil progressed by beating Japan 2-1.
Morocco secured their place in the Round of 16 by defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw following extra time. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved a penalty, and Ismael Saibari scored the decisive spot-kick. Morocco will now face Canada in the Round of 16 in Houston on Saturday.
Germany‘s campaign ended after Paraguay secured a 4-3 penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw. Julio Enciso scored for Paraguay in the 42nd minute, and Kai Havertz equalised for Germany in the 53rd minute. Havertz missed Germany‘s opening spot-kick in the shootout.
Following their victory over Germany, Paraguay‘s President Santiago Pena declared Tuesday a national holiday. Paraguay became the second South American nation to declare a national holiday after a World Cup victory over Germany, following Ecuador‘s declaration after their 2-1 group-stage win.
The US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin commented on Iran‘s elimination from the World Cup. Iran was eliminated on goal difference after a stoppage-time goal against Egypt was disallowed for offside, and their exit was confirmed when Algeria and Austria drew 3-3 on Sunday.
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Source: aljazeera.com
