Portugal to face DR Congo in World Cup opener on June 21

Four teams will begin their World Cup campaigns on Wednesday, as Portugal and England take to the field in Group K and Group L respectively. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal are set to face the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), while England will meet Croatia in a highly anticipated match.

According to FIFA’s world rankings, DRC have risen from 56th to 45th after securing their spot at this year’s tournament. However, Opta’s supercomputer still favors Portugal to win, with Cristiano Ronaldo expected to lead the team’s front line against the DRC.

In Group L, England are favored to win against Croatia, according to Opta’s simulations. The Three Lions have won 55.9 percent of 10,000 simulations, while Croatia were victorious in 20.8 percent and 23.3 percent ended in a draw.

Ghana will face Panama in their Group L match, with the Opta supercomputer giving Panama the edge, winning 45.2 percent of 25,000 simulations. Ghana have won two of their three previous World Cup matches against CONCACAF opposition.

Uzbekistan and Colombia will meet for the first time in Group K, with Opta’s supercomputer strongly favoring Colombia, who are expected to win 62.4 percent of 25,000 simulations.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi has made history by scoring the first World Cup hat-trick of his career in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria on Tuesday. The Argentinian superstar equalled former Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s record of most World Cup goals at 16.

Source: Al Jazeera