Message from BurrOaks:
On Tuesday, we will start having two matches played simultaneously instead of one match at a time. This is a good thing if you like to parlay picks. It will allow you to have the lineups for both games at once.
This is also beneficial if you are also a little sick of waking up at 4am to check lineups and make bets like me.
I want to start by saying that Enner Valencia is an absolute warrior for starting, playing 89’, and scoring vs the Netherlands.
Unfortunately, he was carted off the pitch this time with a knee injury. I have to assume he is done for the tournament after that one, but I’ve been wrong before.
Ecuador would advance to the knockout stage with a win or a draw here. They will do everything they can to keep this game in range. That likely includes defending heavily because Valencia has all of this team's goals. Senegal will need an outright win to advance. I am a big fan of Bamba Dieng from Marseillaise who had a goal as a substitute. I don’t think he ends up starting, but with noting for a live play when he subs on.
Qatar is eliminated and has nothing to play for but pride. Netherlands should look to pick up all three points and advance at the top of this group. I am done trying to figure out what is going on with Memphis. Cody Gakpo has been the driving force for this Netherlands squad so far. He is capable of scoring and assisting. He has two goals so far in this competition and I am likely going to take him to get his third.
This is it for the USA. We have our “win and your in” situation. It will not be easy.
Iran is a quality team who has shown massive heart. Mehdi Taremi is HIM. He won “man of the match” against Wales and he didn’t have either of the extra time goals, but did contribute an assist. That man is a PROBLEM and the USA (especially Zimmerman) will have to defend the counter extremely well.
We will need a team effort and finishing in front net better than we have seen so far from this US team. I think Christian Pulisic will contribute with a goal or assist here.
