Matchday Recap — June 23

Match synthesis:

England came in full of confidence after putting four past Croatia. Ghana arrived with a plan and executed it to perfection. The Black Stars defended with discipline, organization, and enough courage to frustrate every English attack. England dominated possession, hit the woodwork, and still found no way through. Harry Kane and company huffed and puffed, but Ghana slammed the door shut. Ghana might have won it with a penalty had VAR not turned a blind eye.

Predictions:

8 of 72 poolsters called the draw, and 1 had the score exactly right.

Kudos to (🔥 = hot pick): Nique L

Match synthesis:

Croatia continue doing Croatia things. No drama, no flash, just a professional performance and three points. Panama fought hard and made life uncomfortable, but the Europeans found the breakthrough and protected it with the composure of a side that has spent the last decade punching above its weight on football’s biggest stages. For Foshe participants, this was one of those matches where you kept checking the score expecting something exciting to happen. It never really did.

Predictions:

62 of 72 poolsters called the Croatia win, and 10 had the score exactly right.

Kudos to (🔥 = hot pick): Andrew R, Anna Lyn, Catherine H, David R, Edward Sharp, Glendese Miller-Lyn, Jon Steitz, Laura V, Matthew C, Nique L

Match synthesis:

Portugal arrived under pressure after an uninspiring draw with DR Congo. They left Houston looking like contenders again. Cristiano Ronaldo rolled back the years, snapping his scoring drought and helping inspire a five-star performance that overwhelmed Uzbekistan from the opening whistle.

Predictions:

71 of 72 poolsters called the Portugal win, and 2 had the score exactly right.

Kudos to (🔥 = hot pick): Colin S, Kisha MR

Match synthesis:

Colombia left it late but found a way. DR Congo battled bravely and looked capable of springing an upset for long stretches, yet Colombia’s quality eventually told. The narrow victory keeps their campaign firmly on track and sets up a mouthwatering showdown with Portugal. DR Congo can leave frustrated but not embarrassed after pushing one of South America’s strongest sides to the limit.

Predictions:

56 of 72 poolsters called the Colombia win, and 10 had the score exactly right.

Kudos to (🔥 = hot pick): Adrian C, Andrew R, Brad Murray, Jermaine G, Joe O'Leary, Jon Steitz, Nique L 🔥, Ran I, Sam W, Tom Hulme