World Cup Daily: Matches and storylines for June 22
We're still buzzing about another Cabo Verde draw, though we think we know what awaits them. Two of the biggest tournament favorites take the field again today; expect goals.
Belgium could only draw against Iran, Egypt got control of that group with a decisive win over New Zealand, Spain reasserted itself with a decisive win against Saudi Arabia, and in my favorite match of the day, Cabo Verde continued its incredible World Cup run getting an opportunistic goal off a ... throw-in turnover? ... to draw Uruguay and put itself into contention to get second in the group — getting them the "reward" of facing Argentina in the Round of 32!
That was Sunday at the World Cup; Monday brings us Golden Boot race drama as France, Norway, and Argentina all see action, meaning more opportunities for Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi to score.
Group I
Predictions
Projected winner: France (2)
Projected runner-up: Senegal (17)
Projected 3rd-place team: Norway (27)
Projected 4th-place team: Iraq (60)
Past matches
France 3, Senegal 1 (June 16, East Rutherford, N.J.)
Norway 4, Iraq 1 (June 16, Foxborough, Mass.)
Today's matches
France vs. Iraq: Monday, June 22, 4 pm (Philadelphia)
Norway vs. Senegal: Monday, June 22, 7 pm (East Rutherford, N.J.)
Future matches
Norway vs. France: Friday, June 26, 2 pm (Foxborough, Mass.)
Senegal vs. Iraq: Friday, June 26, 2 pm (Toronto)
Most compelling narrative
The Senegal-Norway match looks to be crucial to determine second in the group, assuming France is able to continue its dominance. With France, I'm just curious about what kind of goal differential will get banked against Iraq.
Player to watch
Based on the opener, I'd like to see more of Bradley Barcola.
Group J
Predictions
Projected winner: Argentina (1)
Projected runner-up: Algeria (29)
Projected 3rd-place team: Austria (21)
Projected 4th-place team: Jordan (68)
Past matches
Argentina 3, Algeria 0 (June 16, Kansas City)
Austria 3, Jordan 1 (June 16, Santa Clara, Calif.)
Today's matches
Argentina vs. Austria: Monday, June 22, noon (Jerryworld)
Jordan vs. Algeria: Monday, June 22, 10 pm (Santa Clara, Calif.)
Future matches
Jordan vs. Argentina: Saturday, June 27, 9 pm (Jerryworld)
Algeria vs. Austria: Saturday, June 27, 9 pm (Kansas City)
Most compelling narrative
I'm still waiting to see who aside from Messi will step up for Argentina. The opener was very much the Messi show, though he was close to a tournament-changing red card.
Player to watch
Aside from Messi, I've got a feeling Lautaro Martínez will manage something special today.
Where to watch
It's Monday, so probably in your office ... though Justine's is doing its France watch parties again. Free champagne at halftime and at the final whistle if France is winning/wins, so probably free champagne.
What to read
If you've been enjoying the sparring between Thierry Henry and Alexi Lalas on Fox, you're not alone.
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. For more coverage, check out Emergency Podcast! (an Austin FC Podcast) wherever you get your podcasts.
Austin FC has a sixth straight Decision Day that doesn't impact its playoff chances. But its opponent from the Pacific Northwest has many scenarios to get into the postseason.
Brad Stuver was a surprising opening day starter in 2021, en route to becoming a six-year fixture in goal. For the last five years, he's been measurably one of MLS' best.
The 17-year-old Finnish youth international midfielder has officially signed with Verde through the 2030-31 season. What does it mean for a team that's most definitely rebuilding?
Austin FC let in four goals, making it the worst of Damian Las' six starting outings this season. However, Micah Burton and Ervin Torres connected on a goal that portends good things for the future.
Belgium could only draw against Iran, Egypt got control of that group with a decisive win over New Zealand, Spain reasserted itself with a decisive win against Saudi Arabia, and in my favorite match of the day, Cabo Verde continued its incredible World Cup run getting an opportunistic goal off a ... throw-in turnover? ... to draw Uruguay and put itself into contention to get second in the group — getting them the "reward" of facing Argentina in the Round of 32!
That was Sunday at the World Cup; Monday brings us Golden Boot race drama as France, Norway, and Argentina all see action, meaning more opportunities for Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi to score.
Group I
Predictions
Past matches
Today's matches
Future matches
Most compelling narrative
The Senegal-Norway match looks to be crucial to determine second in the group, assuming France is able to continue its dominance. With France, I'm just curious about what kind of goal differential will get banked against Iraq.
Player to watch
Based on the opener, I'd like to see more of Bradley Barcola.
Group J
Predictions
Past matches
Today's matches
Future matches
Most compelling narrative
I'm still waiting to see who aside from Messi will step up for Argentina. The opener was very much the Messi show, though he was close to a tournament-changing red card.
Player to watch
Aside from Messi, I've got a feeling Lautaro Martínez will manage something special today.
Where to watch
It's Monday, so probably in your office ... though Justine's is doing its France watch parties again. Free champagne at halftime and at the final whistle if France is winning/wins, so probably free champagne.
What to read
If you've been enjoying the sparring between Thierry Henry and Alexi Lalas on Fox, you're not alone.
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. For more coverage, check out Emergency Podcast! (an Austin FC Podcast) wherever you get your podcasts.
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