Round two of the group stage gets underway with a plethora of matches that could determine the tournaments of certain teams as soon as today.
Group C may be more wide open than previously expected with some teams looking better than anticipated and others not playing up to what was originally anticipated.
Brazil Vs. Belarus 10 a.m. EDT
Both teams won their opening matches of the games, but one underperformed and the other did the complete opposite. Brazil played well for 45 minutes against Egypt, but then fell apart in the second half as they allowed their opponents back into the game when they had no business dreaming about a tie. Neymar scored the game winner but was selfish and unimpressive for long stretches of the match. He needs to be more willing to let his grossly talented squad make plays and help set him up.
Belarus meanwhile held their own against New Zealand and came away with an impressive win. They will need the same tenacity against a superior Brazilian team whose undoing may be not taking the Belorussians seriously.
Prediction: Brazil wins 2-0 and plays the way they are expected to. Belarus plays well but is no match for the Samba Kings.
Egypt Vs. New Zealand 7 a.m. EDT
Both teams lost their opening matches and know that a loss essentially eliminates them from contention. Egypt will look to build off their strong second half against Brazil. New Zealand was also strong against Belarus but was unable to take advantage of their chances. Both teams will be extremely aggressive in what should be a wide open match.
Prediction: Egypt finds a way to pull away with a 3-2 win a wide open clash.
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