The World Cup has flown by, with just a few spots left in the knockout stages. On Day 15 of the tournament, Groups G and H will be completed, meaning the Group Stage of the tournament will be over.
In Group G, England and Belgium have already secured a trip to the knockout stages, but they will face off in Kaliningrad to decide who tops the group. The already eliminated Panama and Tunisia will compete for pride, with both nations still in search of their first points of the tournament.
Over in Group H, there is more to play for. Japan just need a point to progress against the already knocked out Poland, whilst Colombia must defeat Senegal to make it to the Round of 16.
On the World Cup update on FIFA Ultimate Team, Man of the Match ratings boosts are being released for the top performers for every day of the tournament. This is voted for by the public on the EA Sports FIFA website, and RealSport predicts who could pick a boost up from Thursday’s action.
Jordan Pickford (OVR 79 – 82)
Belgium will undoubtedly be England’s biggest test of the tournament so far, and therefore the busiest 90 minutes for England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Despite conceding two goals in the World Cup, Pickford hasn’t had many saves to make, and although Belgium are expected to make changes for the clash in Kaliningrad, Pickford will be called upon against that Belgian firepower.
Romelu Lukaku (OVR 87) and Michy Batshuayi (OVR 81) are two dangerous forwards, and whichever plays against England, you sense that battle between striker and goalkeeper will determine who tops Group G.
Keep an eye on: Michy Batshuayi (OVR 81)
Wahbi Khazri (OVR 78 – 80)
Tunisia, already eliminated, have the chance against debutants Panama to pick up their first World Cup victory since 1978. The Tunisians fought bravely against England, and even caused Belgium some problems, so there is enough to suggest they should claim three points over the minnows of Panama.
Wahbi Khazri is the star of the team, and he has played brilliantly in the first two games, which was rewarded with a late goal against Belgium. With the attacking midfielder expected to leave Sunderland this summer, he has one final audition to tempt potential suitors against Panama.
Keep an eye on: Roman Torres (OVR 73)
Makoto Hasebe (OVR 77 – 80)
Japan have been the surprise package of Russia 2018, with many expecting the Blue Samurai to be the whipping boys of Group H. They now come into the final game against Poland needing just a point to go through to the knockout stages.
Shinji Kagawa (OVR 82), Keisuke Honda (OVR 78) and Shinji Okazaki (OVR 77) are the big threats in the Japanese squad, but Makoto Hasebe is the workhorse. Captain Hasebe of Eintracht Frankfurt has 112 caps to his name, and at 34 he's still putting in a phenomenal shift in for his country in defensive midfield. Expect him to chase every ball against the Poles.
Keep an eye on: Piotr Zielinski (OVR 82)
Sadio Mane (OVR 84 – 85)
The biggest game on Thursday sees Senegal meet Colombia. Barring a colossal slip up from Japan, only one of Senegal or Colombia will go through to the knockouts. Senegal have surprised many in this tournament with their disciplined shape, but they were caught out on a few occasions against Japan.
Colombia will be their biggest test of the tournament, and they will need star man Sadio Mane to produce the goods. The winger has had a decent tournament so far, but he will know there is more to come. Against a shaky Colombian defence, he has the opportunity to showcase the talents that saw him score 20 goals for Liverpool last season.
Keep an eye on: David Ospina (OVR 78)
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