Matches to Watch

PORTUGAL VS SPAIN June 15, 11.30 pm

A group stage encounter between the Iberian rivals with the resonance of a semifinal. Portugal are the European champions, albeit by winning only one game over 90 minutes. Spain have fallen from their peak, but have the players to be champions. Morocco and Iran round out an attractive footballing group.

GERMANY VS MEXICO June 17, 8.30 pm

The world champions kick off their defence against obdurate opponents. This was a quarterfinal in the 1986 World Cup. Mexico took West Germany, the eventual runnerup, to penalties after a 00 draw.

RUSSIA VS EGYPT June 19, 11.30 pm

The choice of Russia as World Cup hosts has been controversial. The fans have a reputation for racism and violence. And the team seems unlikely to win over the critics. In Mohamed Salah, Egypt has one of the tournament’s most exciting players. Could they knock the Russians out of the tournament before it has properly begun?

NIGERIA VS ARGENTINA June 26, 11.30 pm

Nigeria’s kit has caused a sensation, with long queues in London, never mind Lagos, waiting for shops to open to buy the snazzy shirts. Millions preordered the shirts online. The team can be just as dazzling. Argentina, with the world’s best player in their ranks, approach each World Cup bowed down by expectation. Could this be their year?

ENGLAND VS BELGIUM June 28, 11.30 pm

England have been awful at the last two World Cups, failing even to get out of their group in Brazil. This squad is universally agreed to be among their worst, though this might have a liberating effect on the players. Conversely, the Belgians are dark horses to win the tournament. They have the talent but do they have the confidence?