- Australia vs Egypt — neither nation has ever won a World Cup knockout match; Mohamed Salah’s hamstring and Egypt’s defensive doubts vs Australia’s conservative counterattack (and young keeper Beach) make it a tense opener.
- Argentina vs Cape Verde — Messi and Argentina are overwhelming favorites, but tiny Cape Verde are the tournament’s big Cinderella, setting up a classic David-vs-Goliath narrative.
- Colombia vs Ghana — Colombia are a loud, attacking dark horse with stars like James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz, while Ghana will try to frustrate them with a physical, defensive game in a noisy Kansas City.
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