After Day 6 had three 1-0 matches, we figure Thursday will yield some more goals. Australia faces a crucial match against Denmark after falling to France thanks to an own goal from Aziz Behich. France on the other hand will look to have a better performance but will take on a Peru side that got robbed of securing any points against Denmark. Then Lionel Messi and Argentina will take on Croatia, the leaders of Group D. All eyes will be on La Pulga to see if he can dig Argentina out of a hole after their 1-1 draw with Iceland.
Here are the picks from Connor Fleming (@conmanfleming), Bryce Badwan (@bbadss) and Travis Yoesting (@travisyoesting).
Denmark vs Australia
Connor: Australia - Australia's pissed after the France game, so the Socceroos will run Denmark into the ground. That's the only explanation I have for this pick. Sorry.
Bryce: Draw - I really think Australia is going to go balls to the wall here. I think it might work early, but I think a piece of Christian Eriksen genius will secure a draw for the Danes.
Travis: Draw - The Danes were fortunate to get out of their first match with a win. This time around, they won't be so fortunate, as Australia's experience helps the Socceroos score a draw.
Game Info:
8:00 a.m. ET
Samara Arena
FS1, Telemundo
France vs Peru
Connor: France - Peru's willingness to get forward and get after opponents should be commended, and the approach really can't change with a result needed against France. However, this style will suit the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, who'll tear into Peru on the break.
Bryce: Draw - I wasn't impressed with France in the first match up against Australia. I think France will beat Denmark to win the group, but I think Peru starts its miraculous voyage to a surprise second-place finish in the group. There's no logic here, just good ol' fashioned belief.
Travis: France - France will have to play better than it did against Australia, but with the depth available to Didier Deschamps (read: start Olivier Giroud), things will be a bit easier for Les Bleus against Peru.
Game Info:
11:00 a.m. ET
Ekaterinburg Arena
FOX, Telemundo
Argentina vs Croatia
Connor: Argentina - This match should showcase both Argentina and Croatia's great strengths and glaring weaknesses. Every foray forward will look dangerous, and I think we could see our first 3-2 finish of the tournament. Lionel Messi should have more room to create in this one — Croatia's midfield pairing of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic is at its best going forward, not patrolling the edge of its own area.
Bryce: Argentina - This game is causing me some real problems. After Iceland, I said Croatia was going to beat Argentina. But being a flip flopper, I simply can't bet against Lionel Messi. His back is up against the wall and the last time that happened, he came through with a performance of the ages at 9,000 feet.
Travis: Draw - Argentina is desperate to get a point after a disappointing first match, but that will play into Croatia's hands. La Albiceleste will be held to another draw against another well-drilled defensive unit.
Game Info:
2:00 p.m. ET
Nizhny Novgorod Stadium
FOX, Telemundo
