Both teams are in full preseason but come from quite different results. Ajax seem like not yet ready for Sturm. Ajax always warm up slowly in early rounds of Eredivisie. The Dutch league hasn't started yet and past results from pre season friendlies don't look promising. Defeat to Walsall 2:0, drew with Wolves 1:1, 1:3 to Anderlecht.. Won only against WSB (Tweede Divisie). 


"We are not in good shape yet, but we will give everything we have," said coach Erik ten Hag on Tuesday in Amsterdam.

Sturm Graz finished second behind Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga to reach the Champions League qualifiers for the first time since 2011. Sturm changed their squad significantly compared to the last season and it’s really hard to figure their capabilities at this stage. In fact Sturm don't score much, measured with some strong names like Krasnodar and lost (0:1) but won ver Boro (1:0) & Copenhagen (1:0). 

All in all Ajax used to struggling in past editions, there is a chance for Austrians, handi +1.5 or goals market seem like a right choice. 
 

Both teams are in full preseason but come from quite different results. Ajax seem like not yet ready for Sturm. Ajax always warm up slowly in early rounds of Eredivisie. The Dutch league hasn't started yet and past results from pre season friendlies don't look promising. Defeat to Walsall 2:0, drew with Wolves 1:1, 1:3 to Anderlecht.. Won only against WSB (Tweede Divisie). 


"We are not in good shape yet, but we will give everything we have," said coach Erik ten Hag on Tuesday in Amsterdam.

Sturm Graz finished second behind Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga to reach the Champions League qualifiers for the first time since 2011. Sturm changed their squad significantly compared to the last season and it’s really hard to figure their capabilities at this stage. In fact Sturm don't score much, measured with some strong names like Krasnodar and lost (0:1) but won ver Boro (1:0) & Copenhagen (1:0). 

All in all Ajax used to struggling in past editions, there is a chance for Austrians, handi +1.5 or goals market seem like a right choice. 
 

 

A goal from Vitaliy Buyalski eventually allowed Dynamo Kiev to pick their seventh Ukrainian Super Cup. With this victory, Dinamo Kiev approaches the Shakhtar Donetsk (eight wins) in the number of Ukrainian Super Cups won. Like always with huge tension, yellow cards, red on both sides and 10-1 corner kicks covered the final match. 

The debut and historic match in the Premier League Desna will be held with the champion of Ukraine - Shakhtar Donetsk. For this fight, Chernigiv fans waited for almost 60 years. 

Donetsk Shakhtar is one of the best teams of Ukrainian football, a regular participant of the European Cups. Orange-black always take corners and should dominated new comer, race to 5-7 should be wise choice probably available only in in-play market. 

It will be the first time we see Chelsea under the guidance of Maurizio Sarri. Chelsea open their preseason schedule with a match against Perth Glory at Optus Stadium.

Sarri is expected to start with mostly first-team players in what’s likely to be some version of his 4-3-3 that he used in Napoli.

Perth Glory are coming off the second worst season in the club’s 22-year existence. Looking to kick-start their preseason under new boss Tony Popovic.

I see here hyped The Blues who wants improve to new coach

The summer break in Belgium is nearly come to the end. Before local league starts traditionaly the Super Cup between champions FC Bruges and Cup Winners Standard Liège is scheduled. Both teams always delivery joy and fun. Most of time both are involved in score and that could be a case today.

Not so long time ago Standard won the Belgian Cup after an extra-time over Genk, beat Brugge on aggregate in the semi-finals of that competition and and drew three of four league meetings with them last season; in fact lost the first one clearly 4-0, but were struggling early in that period of the campaign. The Reds were comfortably the best of the six playoff pretenders.

Fair to say that Standard disappointed in preparation with a record of three defeats, two draws and only two wins (against Tubize and Sprimont). Not ideal before Sunday's game but score is what I only ask. 

Carpi is the second test-match of the pre-championship of the new Napoli 2018-19, which sees Carlo Ancelotti new helmsman of the Campania club. Sunday 22 July 2018 at 21.00, the Neapolitans take the field against Carpi, the team that will play the next Serie B. The match will be staged at the Stadio 'Briamasco' in Trento

One step at a time continues the climb of Naples towards the beginning of the season. Last Saturday the first friendly match with Gozzano, C series. 

Carlo Ancelotti wants the growth of his team before a nrw season. After 13 days of retreat the rhythms are inevitably higher.

 

Preparation of Di Francesco's Rome continues ahead to the start of Serie A 2018-19. 

Before Latina took to review Chapecoense and scored four goals, than the Giallorossi return to the field to whooping of the Serie D side by 9 goals. Have to be said that Roma take preparation matches very serious. You should see last game where The Giallorossi push from first to last minutes don't even let it in to own half their rival.

Since best players still recovering  after World Cup Roma seek occasion to check new signings like  the goalkeeper Alisson from Liverpool. The new contracted Javier Pastore and Bryan Cristante are very promising to significantly improve current squad. Or Patrik Schick, frustrated striker from last season, had a hat-trick against Latina. The pre-season friendly is very useful for the Czech Republic striker in an attempt to regain form, worth the 42 million euros.
Nevertheless Series A top team is capable to crush Serie B new comer.

Roma is back on the pitch against a more competitive opponent -Avellino who advanced to Serie B. The Irpinia society seems to have solved the problems related to registration but it is not certain yet. Regarding the news reported by various media appeals go in positive direction.  Recently US Avellino pleased to announce that it have reached an important partnership agreement with PA Global Service srl , a leading Irpinia company in the marketing and communication sector.

After Latina's exhibition coach said some interesting things and areas where would to improve which is natural at the beginning of pre-season period. "We tried to score goals, to make vertical passes, to move the ball around and find our path to the goal the way I asked. That’s what we have been working on a lot over the last few days. Having so many players in the squad at this stage certainly allows me to work better in training, but the moment is coming where we have to make important choices."

Roma launched highly praised social media channel pack becoming the first club ever live streaming a match via Twitter. Pretty exciting development for the future of sports broadcasting.

The match in Frosinone will be the last of the initial phase of preparation and in front of owner fans so some good piece of football I'd expected.

Drogheda United will be looking to keep the pressure on First Division leaders UCD when they host Athlone Town at United Park.

Given that Drogheda’s next two outings are against the league’s bottom two sides, Clancy is eager to see his side collect all six points but is warning against complacency. 
With just seven league games remaining will be super motivated to scrap three points. However they do not look powerful upfront and it is been a while since they score more than 4 goals.  
The Drogs moved back into second place in the table last week after they won 1-0 away to Shelbourne at Tolka Park.

Problems of Athlone are well known since beginning of the current season. The PFAI arrived at the Carlisle Grounds last night (July 13) and released a statement confirming the players were going on strike. They're not the first club to be in this kind of situation.Athlone Town have had a rotten 18 months.

From accusations of match-fixing, to year long bans for players and a truly awful on the pitch record, it hasn't been great. This is the side that had a penalty to beat AC Milan in the UEFA Cup in the 70's. Now though, they're at rock bottom.
They've managed two points from 20 league games so far - and a 3-1 defeat to Cabo means they're still 13 points off of Wexford at the bottom.

The club's unofficial Twitter account summed up the mess they've been in since the start of 2017 in one simple tweet.

https://mobile.twitter.com/AthloneTownFC/status/1017872986676883457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1017872986676883457&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.buzz.ie%2Ffootball%2Fathlone-town-292190

From accusations of match-fixing, to year long bans for players and a truly awful on the pitch record, it hasn't been great. 

Drogheda United will be looking to keep the pressure on First Division leaders UCD when they host Athlone Town at United Park.

Given that Drogheda’s next two outings are against the league’s bottom two sides, Clancy is eager to see his side collect all six points but is warning against complacency. 
With just seven league games remaining will be super motivated to scrap three points. However they do not look powerful upfront and it is been a while since they score more than 4 goals.  
The Drogs moved back into second place in the table last week after they won 1-0 away to Shelbourne at Tolka Park.

Problems of Athlone are well known since beginning of the current season. The PFAI arrived at the Carlisle Grounds last night (July 13) and released a statement confirming the players were going on strike. They're not the first club to be in this kind of situation.Athlone Town have had a rotten 18 months.

From accusations of match-fixing, to year long bans for players and a truly awful on the pitch record, it hasn't been great. This is the side that had a penalty to beat AC Milan in the UEFA Cup in the 70's. Now though, they're at rock bottom.
They've managed two points from 20 league games so far - and a 3-1 defeat to Cabo means they're still 13 points off of Wexford at the bottom.

The club's unofficial Twitter account summed up the mess they've been in since the start of 2017 in one simple tweet.

https://mobile.twitter.com/AthloneTownFC/status/1017872986676883457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1017872986676883457&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.buzz.ie%2Ffootball%2Fathlone-town-292190

From accusations of match-fixing, to year long bans for players and a truly awful on the pitch record, it hasn't been great. 

Manchester United of England and Club America of Mexico will play one another in a soccer match at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Thursday.

Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils will begin their preparations for 2018-19 with a game against Liga MX opponents at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Unfortunately his team is weakness by several players who attempted in late stages of World Cup. In total without the services of his World Cup stars like: Jesse Lingard, Phil Jones and Marcus Rashford enjoying a summer break along with Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku and David de Gea plus Sanchez because of via issue. 

Mou really complained about it on press conference. Having said that we can expect a few youngsters will also be given an opportunity to impress. It is a good time and chance to experiment with his Manchester United side. 

Club America is a Football Club of Mexico that plays in the Liga MX, the top professional league in Mexico. 

Club America also have 5 Campeon de Campeones Cups. They also have 10 FIFA recognized international club trophies, which is the most for a club from CONCACAF region.

Mexican outfit though, having already taken in two friendly outings to date as they gear up for the start of the new Liga MX campaign. Won 2:3 vs Pachuca and 1:2 to Atlante.

Manchester United of England and Club America of Mexico will play one another in a soccer match at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Thursday.

Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils will begin their preparations for 2018-19 with a game against Liga MX opponents at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Unfortunately his team is weakness by several players who attempted in late stages of World Cup. In total without the services of his World Cup stars like: Jesse Lingard, Phil Jones and Marcus Rashford enjoying a summer break along with Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku and David de Gea plus Sanchez because of via issue. 

Mou really complained about it on press conference. Having said that we can expect a few youngsters will also be given an opportunity to impress. It is a good time and chance to experiment with his Manchester United side. 

Club America is a Football Club of Mexico that plays in the Liga MX, the top professional league in Mexico. 

Club America also have 5 Campeon de Campeones Cups. They also have 10 FIFA recognized international club trophies, which is the most for a club from CONCACAF region.

Mexican outfit though, having already taken in two friendly outings to date as they gear up for the start of the new Liga MX campaign. Won 2:3 vs Pachuca and 1:2 to Atlante. 

With 1-0 in first match, FCK is massive favorites home against Finnish KuPS. However, the Danes have not impressed in the first two matches of the season and have many new players in the squad here what you should know ahead of return clash.

One thing is sure that there is a quality difference between the two crews, according to the Transfermarkt, for instance Viktor Fischer alone has a higher market value than the entire KuPS squad. 

Last weekend's defeat to Horsens should make the FCK players more keen to keep concentration as we saw yesterday Rosenborg also were one leg out because of one wrong decision of the referee whistling penalty out of the moon. A 1:0 lead is never safe result, So FCK need to push from first minutes, from other side if KuPS want to make the surprise they must chase a goal and it should give the more space to counter-killing attacks. 

Should be notice also that there will be different grass compering to Finland ground which makes different for lower rank teams. 

As we see there is more factor speak in favor to FCK who kave tradition to play in European competitions, experience is super important in any stage. 

For visitors may speak positive that they are being in the middle of their season with lots of match minutes in the legs. 

If you follow to Danish football than you realise that Copenhagen along with Brondby are one of top teams when looking for corners, and is that in the Danish league were quite reliable in this regard, they have given enough overish matches to take them as granted. 

Neil Lennon’s Hibs kicked off their European campaign last Thursday against NSI Runavik from the Faroe Islands.

Lennon would be happy with 'big, big cushion' win over NSI 6:1. It is enough to travel to Iceland and focus maybe more as a traveler since ob is done already. We could see some room of relax in Rangers game despite advantage only of two goals. It has to be hard to stay motivated against such an easy rival. It was six of the best for Hibernian last week as their European campaign got off to a flyer at Easter Road. There is still hunger to go further in the competationion, since Hibs haven’t won a European tie since July 2006. to be fair I do not see material to reach the target though. 
Back to pick, with a commanding 6-1 advantage to protect, Hibs will surely be patient when it comes to carving out opportunities as they look to book their place in the second qualifying round. Odds on Under 2.5 are so juicy so worth consider a few pennies as well.

As I said the duel has already been decided in first leg and more corners came out in second half (only 1-2 HT). Additionally three goals were scored after just 29 minutes as well. 

Red Bull II returns to MSU Soccer Park for the last of three consecutive matches at Montclair State University, hosting Bethlehem Steel FC. Steel carrying a three-game winless streak, most recently playing to a 1-1 draw with North Carolina FC. The Steel, sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference Standings, has a 2-6-1 road record. 

NYRB II has faced Bethlehem twice this season, both on the road at Goodman Stadium. In bothh occaission tons of corners appeared 10-8 & 6-8. 

The Baby Bulls are coming off positive streak also in corners classification as well - 5th matches over 9 corners overall. Despite the Red Bulls’ run of form, The Steel are a team they historically struggle against which is good news for us. Corner kicks should come from both camps and build a large number. This line should be at least on 10.0 level. The USL's top offense, New York Red Bulls II enters the match after netting 11 goals in its last two contests. Having said that pick on goals during in-play might be a wise choice.

The Hoops got their European campaign off to a great start against Armenian side Alashkert in the opening leg of the UCL first qualifying round tie, and they’ll be looking to finish the job this week in front of a strong home support. Glasgow Celtic is a team that has enjoyed many years in the European elite and wants to reconnect with those great moments and return to be the Scottish team that along with Glasgow Rangers, dominated part of British football. First step is almost done given the result of the first leg. A 0-3 advantage won't be enough knowing Scots mentality, lead by supporters will go for more goals. Despite of my personal worries about early stage of preparation and really hot weather (around 38) Celtic pass the exam very well. 

Before second leg The Hoops played one control game. Rodgers was thrilled after record a resounding 4-1 over Belgian side Standard Liege in today's pre-season friendly. Although the Scottish champions made 11 changes at the break, they continued to produce some stylish, entertaining football and they added a fine fourth through teenager Mikey Johnston, before Duje Cop scored a late consolation for the beleaguered visitors.

After first leg, advantage is good enough to feel comfortable and sweat less in return leg. 

Hearts get season 2018/19 underway tomorrow night when they visit Cove Rangers.

The Jambos take on the Highland League champions at the new Balmoral Stadium in what is Craig Levein’s side’s opening Betfred Cup group stage 

Cove are reigning Highland League champions having finished 11 points clear of second-placed Formartine United last year.

Silverware has been plentiful in recent seasons, with last year’s league triumph their second in three years, and they only missed out on the 2016/17 league title to Buckie Thistle on goal difference.

With six championships under their belt, Cove added a Highland League Cup to their list of honours as recently as 2016/17, the fifth time they’ve won the competition.

You should know that this cup is treated as typical preseason training camp for Scottish teams. nobody take it serious.
Being realistic they are a Premiership team with one of the biggest budgets in Scotland. Hearts and Cove represents rather low amount of corners, since this tie should be one way affair I do not see a lot of corners. This line is too high. 

 

Rosenborg must win with at least one goal to move on to the Champions League qualifier against Valur on Wednesday. Mission not-impossible but have to work hard on a field in order to win qualifications. It won't be an easy task but at Lerkendal should dominate their rivals like in first leg. In Iceland we had great game involving 5-10 corners. The only issue for Rosenborg is their poor defensive record in Europe, having conceded in their last four home Champions League ties. That includes clashes at home to Sweden’s Norrkoping, APOEL of Cyprus and Dundalk. Valur can score, of course if so than this match will be very tensions. 

 

The fixture of the thirty-second final of the Argentine Cup of soccer, the team of Vélez Sarsfield will face  Central Córdoba (Santiago del Estero). It is duel between a first division team (Velez) and second division (CC). 

Both teams are in the middle of the preseason; so we hardly see good football. In addition, what matters most to us, Velez ain't any uspeeriorir, in order to scoring and leading in corner kicks.  Although Velez Sarsfield plays in the Argentine Super League, they fought until the last days to save themself from the relegation. Of the 15 matches played this year, only 2 times won by more than 1 goal difference (13.3% of their matches). 

From other side  Central Córdoba played in the Argentine Tournament A, won the promotion and will play in the First National B (second category of Argentine soccer). 



 

French football can be said cheering of golden generation in every age. The national team has just won the World Cup a few days ago after beating Croatia with a convincing 4-2 final. Today, their U19 youth team also entered the final group stage of the U19 European Cup

Meanwhile, U19 Ukraine topped the last four qualifiers with 7 points, scored four goals and conceded two goals. However, the U19 Ukraine squad consists of quite soft names like U19 Romania, U19 Serbia or U19 Sweden so their strength is really hard to verify. U19 French opponents today will be a heavy reagent for the ambition of U19 Ukraine.

In the friendly match preparations for Ukraine, U19 Ukraine was disappointed losing to U19 Greece 1-3. Meanwhile, the French U19 crushed Lorient - professional team in the French league 2-0 with the score 4-0. For more than a dozen years, the French U19 has also won three times in the European U19, respectively in 2005, 2010 and 2016. With the current relationship, should trust the French U19.

Feel to say that comment of that Rangers have always been a pretty over team in country building their actions on corner kicks like most oscothish teams. First leg went as expected, one way affair, however Gerrard's Boys found difficulties to unlock Macedonians defense.  Forced high at home as we saw thrown 15 taken by themself.  Gerrard is a young strategist who has never had a previous managerial experience is seen as a breath of fresh air for Rangers. The Rangers lineup has made a number of quality additions, including Allan McGregor from Hull City, Jon Flanagan from Liverpool, Connor Goldson from Brighton, Ovie Ejaria from Liverpool.

Last season, Rangers finished third in the Scottish league. This ranking shows that the visitors are still quite long to become real counterparts to Celtic. 


Having only one test of fire before entering the qualifying round, Shkupi's ability to make a war is greatly affected.On Tuesday, in the first qualifying round of the Europa League, the return matches. In the stadium "Arena Filipi II". The FK Shupi, which was newly founded in 2012 and past season was completed in fourth place in the Prva Makedonska Liga, the highest Macedonian league. However, the distance at the end of the season to the champion Shkendija Tetovo was 40 points. 

What we can expect from second leg? For sure result is settled already, I would to see Rangers more relaxed but still enough motivated to take this game serious and work for new coach's appreciation. Odds are low so maybe in play chance will come to catch more juicy odds on goals, meanwhile corners are obvious choice here, neither want to take over since no rational reasons stay behind and push the pick but race to 5 seem like a the most safe option 

Funny fact, Dinamo Brest appoint Argentina legend as chairman of Belarusian top-flight side Dinamo Brest. Dinamo are based in Brest, in south-west Belarus, on the border with Poland. 

Pleaded of good season which increase in amount of corner kicks every year. in Belarus. Before local fixture Brest overcome Ruh in friendly game 3:0 and represent positive run of data about corners before tough battle with Shakhtyor. “I want my team to attack, as playing defensively is not our style” Dinamo Brest's Head Coach Aleksey Shpilevskiy summarizes the victorious Western Derby. So we got it baby, there will be true football with many opportunities. Brest used to dominate at home turf but here more balance encounter is expected. Nevertheless take around 6 corners in front of own audience. From other side Soligorsk is well oiled machine. Only in UEFA Cup first leg haven't needed corners to score fast two goals against Connah's Quay before half time and control, rest till rest. All in all line of 9.5 should be reached by these two formations. 

Randers will be on Monday evening for the first time in action in the new Superliga season, and after the summer sale by Hannes Halldorsson, the match against Brøndby may well be a new man in the Kronjyder goal. Despite of goalkeeper position Randers have not done much in the transfer market. This means have pretty much the same setup and work out in relation to this season and battle. Randers played a bad season, but the squad is also not very strong and can best play in the middle positions. 

"The focus is the same as always. It is a league match where there are three points at stake. It's important to have a good start and we are going to build on the last good season, "he says to Brøndby's website.

The last two teams met was Ricardo Moniz Randers coach and ended up with a 3-1 win for the home team Brøndby. The fight was probably a bit closer than the digits suggest. Besides that corner kicks are just guaranteed. 

Brøndby is again among the teams to play for the championship. They have a really strong squad that should not have problems with Randers. Brøndby is a better man to man but both teams will delivery which spook optimistic ahead of pick on total corners. 

Visitors looked strong in their training matches proved that needs corners in order to find a net and especially the new players have played well. Randers has had a leap and they must have hard time believing in better times before this season. 

Of course we have to be aware always of the first after a break, always means some surprises in the first round. Any turn over will boost chances for corners once again. A lot of factors speak about overish line and basic line 11.5 is set very high but understandable relate to recent data track. 

 could write long story about both finalists but evetythI'm have been said already. Trying to wrap up is fit possible scenario and first problem. For Croatia begins when France score 1st. Its superhard to equalize versus that team. Apart from having a very physical and fast team, is showing itself as a very safe team back. 

A lot of difference between these two teams, but only performance might be reflected on the field. 

It is a final and everything can happen, but for me this World Cup has an owner and it is for France, with a very superior squad and on top physically capable to overcome Croatia and their strongest sides. 
 

I could write long story about both finalists but evetythI'm have been said already. Trying to wrap up is fit possible scenario and first problem. For  Croatia begins when France score 1st. Its superhard to equalize versus that team. Apart from having a very physical and fast team, is showing itself as a very safe team back. 

A lot of difference between these two teams, but only performance might be reflected on the field. 

It is a final and everything can happen, but for me this World Cup has an owner and it is for France, with a very superior squad and on top physically capable to overcome  Croatia and their strongest sides. 

Despite of unsuccessful amount of gk in third place battle here I see more lost balls, more shots off target which will turn to large total of goal kicks. 
 

The MLS will continue this weekend and will start with a game between two great sides in the same conference so we should be able to witness a high level of soccer. Two streaking teams with plenty of offensive stars meet Sunday when LAFC takes on the Timbers at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles FC is now unbeaten in their past five games with four wins and a draw after slamming Orlando City 4-1 at home last weekend. 
LAFC lists goalkeepers Luis Lopez and Quillan Roberts as being injured along with Eduard Atuesta and Omar Gaber. 

It has been a really good past few months for the Portland Timbers and they have shown a great fighting spirit that has seen them remain unbeaten for a long time. Extended their unbeaten streak to 11 league games at eight wins and three draws after edging the San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 at home last Saturday.



 

Liverpool travel to Gigg Lane tho third preseason test. The Reds have secured two wins in their opening pre-season friendlies against Chester FC and Tranmere Rovers.

Jurgen Klopp is expected to field a similar lineup to the side that beat Tranmere on Tuesday, which includes new signings Fabinho and Naby Keita.

Since it is only friendly some turn around are expected. Last time were three goals up by the break,  but conceded twice after the restart against Tranmere. 

Bury have just been relegated from League One. Already conceded 10 and scored none in their opening two matches. They played Rangers, losing by six, in their opener, before a 4-0 reversal against Huddersfield Town. Additionally gained 4-8 cornets va Hudd'. 3-8 vs Port'. Race to 7 should be take to consider during in play market. Over 9.5 is kind of risky in order to ask only one team to pump up. All in all it is kind of safe bet in combination with goals which are obvious here.

Sterling was subbed two times in previous encounters, if he will be link with first XI than propiblbitly of change is higher than odds award. 
 

The atmosphere was electric at the former Lenin Stadium and when England took an early lead the roof was about to come off. It was a critical first goal that gave England stability and meant that Croatia had to attack. Unfortunately from my perspective the moment turn against The Three Lions who felt too comfortable with the lead and since equalizer came British never could change their mind state and steal a ball. Croatia was all over them, felt fresh blood, believed that is capable to dominate and destroy higher rate rival. 

The Three Lions exceeded all expectations by reaching the semifinals of the World Cup. "The team has broken through a number of barriers”, Southgate added.

Martinez said: "Winning isn't an obligation, but we want this. Third place is now the minimum. It's not a waste of time; it's a game we want to play."

Party that nobody wants to play, the psychology is very important here, we should consider character of both nations, how they deal with stress and ambitions, in this case mindkind from Beneluxs is usually imposed with more enthusiasm and positive way of thinking. The Belgian players are a very young team and hungry to get WC's experience, I think that will make them want to win more than England who have to feel very disappointed after defeat in Semis. They come very touched after the unexpected defeat against Croatia looked match worse in group stage when compete against Belgium's side. Both let the substitutes to play. 

What can we expect this time? Probably more open and positive football than in semis.  Similar scenario is likely in Saint Petersburg, with several fringe players pushing for a start. 


There are 64 games at the World cup and 63 of them have some meaning. Since 1978 all 10 3rd place games finished with a lot of goals. Goals mnas goal attempts, means ball behind a net as well.  Both teams constantly deliver goal kicks.

Rangers play Bury in Steven Gerrard’s first game in charge at Ibrox this Friday and the players got in one last session at the Hummel Training Centre ahead of the match. Against Bury, who will start the new season in League Two having been relegated from League One. Even mates of Rangers were surprised about such a large win 6:0. In one of the interviews admires the football delivery by Jurgen Klopp's vision in Liverpool and that he wants Rangers to play the same way, if so than we should see today desire, passion, pressing. Aforementioned friendly game Gerrard said "Go full speed. Go full throttle. And when you smell blood, go for it.". Can you imaging that in last friday night Ibrox collected 41,015 fans! More than Brazil - Belgium;s audience. 

The Rangers have a lot of hope for the new coach. He should make the championship race in Scotland again exciting. He is also said to be the one to lead Glasgow back to Europe. It is too early to judge so let's sit and watch. 

Opponent in the first round is the Macedonian club FK Shkupi from the capital Skopje.Shkupi is nothing special, mid-table team in their local league with mediocre players.

They are pretty much lucky to be there as Shkendija won the local cup but finished 4th of the table.. It's the first european game for most of the players, they will be lost in Glasgow. 


 

 

Croatia had nervy path to the semifinals, with each of their first two knockout stage matches going to a penalty shootout which means more minutes played, it could be indicator to potential suffer in upcoming fixture, looked massively tired against Russia. Stamina can be a problem but still they have 4 days of rest. Naturally England should get a ball in most parts as we know it is more difficult to move without a ball than with it. 

Croatia showed weakness with creating danger from positioning attacks but in this case may find more suitable scenario since England will push forward. Although after taking a lead does not used to fall back still hunting for second hit. England out possessed Sweden 57%-43% and outshot the Swedes 12-7. Not much as average 21-22 shots come per game. Croatia should gain at least 9 attempts in my opinion. Still odds are away from satisfaction so maybe in-play chance will arrive with attaciton line after discount. 

On the other side of the coin, England get most of their goals off of set plays like corners and free kicks. The more of those you get the better chance the opposing team heads them or kicks them out of bounds. Most of the attempts would be blocked so natural way will come goal kicks. Usually first half remains calm so second half increase chances for large amount.