Matt Doherty's World Cup diary | 27 November
Sun 27 November 2022, 09:30|
Tottenham Hotspur
We’ve an expert eye to guide us through the World Cup as Matt Doherty brings us his daily diary on the greatest football show on earth in Qatar.
Now capped 33 times by the Republic of Ireland, his latest two caps in the last week, Matt will tell us what is catching his attention in Qatar and the players and matches to look out for as the tournament progresses.
With 12 team-mates in Qatar, plus the experience of playing against eight countries in the competition, Matt will give us his insight into the busy group stage running until 2 December, then into the knockout stage which starts on 3 December.
Yesterday’s results
Tunisia 0-1 Australia
Poland 2-0 Saudi Arabia
France 2-1 Denmark
Argentina 2-0 Mexico
Today’s matches
Group E - Japan v Costa Rica (10am, ITV)
Group F - Belgium v Morocco (1pm, BBC)
Group F - Croatia v Canada (4pm, BBC)
Group E - Germany v Spain (7pm, BBC)
Our players in action today
Ivan Perisic - Croatia v Canada
What caught my eye yesterday
Matt: "Argentina-Mexico ended up being a bit of a fouling match, but Lionel Messi produced some magic when he needed to. To be honest, they don't look great at the moment. I was also a little surprised by Tunisia against Australia, especially after how they played against Denmark in the draw on Tuesday. Poland’s win against Saudi Arabia means that group is wide open and we're in for an exciting final matchday with Argentina against Poland on Wednesday. Then France, Kylian Mbappe did what he always does, scores... he just does big things when they are needed, what a superstar he is!"
What I’m looking forward to today
Matt: "I'm excited to watch Spain v Germany, a draw might not be enough for Germany, expecting a high quality game and hopefully we'll see some goals. Croatia-Canada will be tighter than people think, a draw wouldn’t shock me but Croatia really need a win - Ivan Perisic to score. Like I said before, I wasn’t impressed with Belgium in their first game (beat Canada 1-0) and I can see them not winning against Morocco today, these games are all closer than the rankings show or that people may assume."
If you only watch one game today
Matt: "It's got to be Spain against Germany."
Player to watch
Matt: "I'm going to Germany's Jamal Musiala, what a top, top talent."
My predictions
Matt: "Well, at least I got one right on Saturday (Argentina 2-0 Mexico)! Here goes..."
Japan 2-0 Costa Rica
Belgium 1-1 Morocco
Croatia 2-1 Canada
Germany 2-2 Spain
