World Cup 2022 Tipsheet: Improving German striker can score on Thursday

Groups E and F will reach their conclusion on Thursday - there are still knockout spaces up for grabs and football expert Greg Lea has previewed three of the crunch clashes.

Canada v Morocco

Kick-off: 3pm Wednesday

A 2-0 victory over Belgium has given Morocco a great chance of qualifying for the knockout phase of the World Cup for the first time since 1986. A draw against Canada, who were officially eliminated after a 4-1 defeat by Croatia on Sunday, would be sufficient for the Atlas Lions to advance from Group F.

Morocco have been quietly impressive so far. Their performances have not been as eyecatching as the authors of other upsets like Saudi Arabia and Japan, but the fact that they kept back-to-back clean sheets against Croatia and Belgium shouldn’t be overlooked.

Canada may be out after two games, but they have not disgraced themselves in Qatar. They were hugely unfortunate to lose to Belgium and, despite being well beaten by Croatia, they still had their moments in attack.

Morocco have been solid, but Canada have been adept at creating chances. Both teams to score could be the way to go here.

Prediction: Both teams to score @ 1.9

Costa Rica v Germany

Kick-off: 7pm Wednesday

Niclas Füllkrug was Germany’s hero against Spain on Sunday - a situation that few would have predicted a few months back. The 29-year-old only won his first international cap a few days before the big kick-off in Qatar, but he is now likely to start in this pivotal match against Costa Rica.

Füllkrug’s fine finish in the 1-1 draw with Spain came after he entered the fray as a second-half substitute. Neither Kai Havertz nor Thomas Muller have convinced up top, so the 6ft 2in centre-forward will surely get the nod on Thursday, especially as he provides the sort of penalty-box presence that will be crucial against the deep defensive block implemented by Costa Rica.

The state of Group E means Germany may need a big win here to progress. We should therefore expect a quick start from Hansi Flick’s men, who will want to establish a healthy lead early on. Füllkrug, who now has two goals in three appearances for the Nationalelf, will be central to those efforts.

Prediction: Niclas Fullkrug to score anytime @ 1.86

Japan v Spain

Kick-off: 7pm Wednesday

Japan could be regretting Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Costa Rica for years to come. After stunning Germany with a come-from-behind win on matchday one, a victory over the Ticos at the weekend would have sent them through to the knockout stage. Instead, they now need to beat Spain to guarantee their place in the last 16.

Jordi Alba: Spanish left-back could be part of a number of changes

Their task is made harder by the fact that Luis Enrique’s squad is still yet to assure progression. Four points from two games means they are almost over the line, but they must avoid defeat here to guarantee a spot in the next round. As such, Spain are unlikely to make wholesale changes – as they may have done had they beaten Germany last time.

Hansi Flick’s men eventually found a way past Spain’s defence in that 1-1 draw, but Japan will find it tougher to find the net against the Roja. Back Spain to win and keep a clean sheet.

Prediction: Spain to win to nil @ 2.22

Thursday World Cup 2022 Predictions

Canada v Morocco: Both teams to score @ 1.9
Costa Rica v Germany: Niclas Füllkrug to score anytime @ 1.86
Japan v Spain: Spain to win to nil @ 2.22