Match 1: Sweden – South Korea

This report is focused on the analysis of the match between Sweden and South Korea. The team of J. Andersson (FIFA ranking: 23) has been qualified from the European Preliminaries round, while the team of Shin-Tae Yong (FIFA ranking: 61), qualified from the Asian Preliminaries round.

Strengths vs Weaknesses

Sweden

Strengths	Weaknesses
Shots off Target*	Possession
Saves	Yellow Cards

South Korea

Strengths	Weaknesses
Possession	Goal –
Goal +	Shots on Target

* Sweden in the preliminaries round had 10 total shots on average per game, while only the 4.1 were shots off target. Ιt had the best shots difference in the European preliminaries.

Team Statistical Profiles:

Sweden

1. In the European preliminaries, Sweden received in total 18 yellow cards, more than any other team. Its average yellow cards number was 1.5 cards per game. Thus, it is expected to receive at least 1 yellow card.
2. Sweden, usually does not have high rate percentages in ball possession, preferring a counter attacking style in its game. If the ball possession is less than 36% AND its shots on target are too few (0-3) AND its total shots are 4 or less, then it will not get a win.
3. When Sweden, faces teams of a similar FIFA Ranking with South Korea, keeps easily the sheet clean.

South Korea

1. South Korea, is not likely to shot a lot during the game. Its average total shots value, during preliminaries, was almost 7-8 shots per game. Although South Korea does not try too many shots, it scored 11 goals in 10 games in the preliminaries.
2. Following its preliminaries’ efficiency, South Korea is expected to score at least 1 goal. If it does not try more than 2 shots on target, then it will face difficulties to get a win.
3. Finally, South Korea is expected to receive at least 1 goal and 1 yellow card during the game.

Prediction of the Game:

The following graph illustrates the estimated probabilities regarding the result of this game:

The projected indicators for the game:
The referee is expected to show at least 2-3 yellow cards. Based on the analysis, few goals are going to be scored in the game between Sweden and South Korea.

Match 2: Belgium – Panama

This report is focused on the analysis of the match between Belgium and Panama. The  team of R. Martinez (FIFA ranking: 3) has been qualified undefeated from the European Preliminaries round, while the team of Hernan Dario Gomez (FIFA ranking: 55), qualified from the Central American Preliminaries round.

Strengths vs Weaknesses

Belgium

Strengths	Weaknesses
Goal +	Fouls Won
Shots on Target	Interceptions

Panama

Strengths	Weaknesses
Aerial Duels Won	Goal –
Fouls Won	Yellow Cards

Team Statistical Profiles:

Belgium

1. Belgium’s preliminaries stats for Goal+ and Goal- were really productive. On average, Belgium scored 4.3 goals and received 0.6 per game. In 10 preliminary games, Belgium achieved 9 wins and only 1 drawn, against Greece. Its average shots on target is almost double-sized with 9.5 shots per game.
2. If Belgium, managed to try more shots on target than its average value (9.5), it is expected to score at least 2 goals. Furthermore, Belgium usually gets 1 yellow card per game.

Panama

1. Based on the the Central American preliminaries stats, Panama is used to get at least 2 yellow card per game and 1 goal per game.
2. When Panama managed to have less than 4.3 average shots on target  AND receive at least 2 yellow cards, then definitely it will face difficulties on getting a positive result.

Prediction of the Game:

The following graph illustrates the estimated probabilities regarding the result of this game:

The projected indicators for the game:
The referee is predicted to show at least 3 yellow cards during the game. Belgium is expected to try many shots on target during the game and to score at least 1-2 goals. 

Match 3: Tunisia – England

This report is focused on the analysis of the match between Tunisia and England. The team of N. Maaloul (FIFA ranking: 21) has been qualified undefeated from the African Preliminaries round (6 wins & 2 draws), while the team of G. Southgate (FIFA ranking: 12), qualified from the European Preliminaries round.

Strengths vs Weaknesses

Tunisia

Strengths	Weaknesses
Goal +	Goal –
Possession	Yellow Cards

England

Strengths	Weaknesses
Goal –	Interception
Possession	Duels Won

Team Statistical Profiles:

Tunisia

1. Tunisia, based on its preliminaries stats, shots more than 15 shots per game (its average value in total shots is 15.25).
2. Tunisia is expected to receive at least 1 yellow card. Its preliminaries’ average value of yellow cards was almost 1.5 cards per game.

England

1. England, kept its sheet clean in 8/10 games, getting only 3 goals in the preliminaries round.
2. England’s average shooting value was 12 shots in total. Because of that it is expected to score at least 1 goal (the average number is 1.8 goals per game). Moreover, it is expected to receive at least 1 yellow card (the average yellow cards number was 1.2 cards).

Prediction of the Game:

The following graph illustrates the estimated probabilities regarding the result of this game:

The projected indicators for the game:
The referee will show at least 3 yellow cards during the game. England is expected to win the ball possession and is expected to keep its sheet clean.