Heading into the second round of group stage matches, Friday's fixtures promise high drama. The United States and Australia are battling to keep their perfect records alive, Scotland and Morocco meet in a high-stakes clash, and Haiti draws the glamour tie against Brazil.
Each coming off surprise losses in the opening round, Türkiye and Paraguay meet in Santa Clara.
USA vs Australia
The U.S. were scintillating in their opening-match demolition of Paraguay. What looked like a challenging matchup proved to be a one-sided affair, with Mauricio Pochettino's team blowing the South Americans away.
Florian Balogun netted twice, Christian Pulisic pulled the strings before going off with an injury, and Pochettino's high-energy soccer seemed to benefit from the hydration breaks.
Australia's win was even more surprising and every bit as impressive. The Socceroos' rearguard action will be tested even further against this U.S. attack, and this represents a far sterner challenge given how significant home advantage could prove to be.
Pick: USA -1.5 (+140)
Scotland vs Morocco
Scotland underwhelmed in their win over Haiti. Steve Clarke, though, enters this match knowing a draw would be an excellent result. Already cautious by nature, Clarke is not going to take any undue risks here.
Morocco's run to the semis four years ago was built on a resolute defense. Their backline held firm again in the draw with Brazil, and there is no reason for the Atlas Lions to change their blueprint here.
Under 2.5 goals is generally a safe bet when Morocco are involved. This could turn into a cagey contest in Foxborough.
Pick: Morocco or draw and under 2.5 goals (-119)
Brazil vs Haiti
Brazil have conceded in their last six matches. At the end of last month, they conceded two to Panama. Morocco created chances against Carlo Ancelotti's side in the opening match, and Haiti gave Scotland an almighty scare.
The handbrake will be off for Ancelotti's men. It is a chance to build some confidence for their attacking players. Haiti are not exactly renowned for their attacking talent, but they have found the net against Iceland, Peru, and the U.S. in the last 12 months.
Given how heavily favored Brazil are, these odds are exceptional value. All it takes is one Haiti goal on the break or a late consolation.
Pick: Brazil to win and both teams to score (+347)
Türkiye vs Paraguay
Neither Türkiye nor Paraguay impressed in their opening matches. Defeats to the U.S. and Australia, respectively, leave both countries under immense pressure heading into Friday's contest.
Paraguay have won only four matches in the last 12 months. Türkiye's form is better, including a draw with Spain last year, and the Crescent-Stars have more wins than Paraguay against World Cup-caliber opponents over the last four years.
The world rankings are far from a perfect picture of where national teams stand. Still, Türkiye's 19-place advantage reflects their superiority, and that should be clear at Levi's Stadium.
Pick: Türkiye to win (-105)
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