As the leagues are coming to their exciting ends - the FIFA World Cup 2023 is just getting underway! Our staff and friends weigh in on which Group Stage matches they’ll be watching for Matchday 1.

MaryBeth Zmuda Picks…
- New Zealand vs Norway - Group A
  - Thursday July 20th - 12:00a PST / 3:00a EST
    from Eden Park
  - Though they have qualified for the World Cup 6 times total (5 in a row), the odds of New Zealand making to the second round are about as good as they have been for any previous appearance. And for tomorrow's meeting with the Scandinavian powerhouse, the best the co-host team can hope to do is utilize their relatively strong defense to keep the goal differential to a minimum.

Danielle Gawronski Picks…
- Australia vs Republic of Ireland- Group B
  - Thursday July 20th - 3:00a PST / 6:00a EST
    from Stadium Australia in Sydney
  - I want revenge for Mallory Swanson and I think Australia will be able to deliver it with Sam Kerr, one of the best players in the world, on home soil.
- A Second Shout - John Howard Fusco
  - It’s Sam Kerr having the opportunity to play a World Cup in her home country. Just imagine if she scores one here in the opening game. The stadium may just explode. People in Perth and Darwin would hear the crowd and not have to be watching the game on TV.

Lis Schendel Picks…
- Nigeria vs Canada - Group B
  - Thursday July 20th - 7:30p PST / 10:30a EST
    from Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
  - We’re all going to watch the USWNT vs. Vietnam match, of course, to see how the new youth of the USWNT perform in their first World Cup and just because it’s the defending champions (LFG!!). But I’m especially excited for Canada vs. Nigeria. Both teams are always counted out but they’re such exciting rosters filled with talented players, it’s going to be a solid match up. Group B, overall, will be an interesting group. Australia are probably the favorites to exit the group but Canada and Nigeria and maybe even the debuting (and endearingly loquacious) Irish will make sure they have to fight their way out.
- A Second Shout - Dan Creel
  - Canada is favored to advance out of this group along with co-host Australia. But will the squad be negatively impacted by the financial turmoil of the Canadian Soccer Association? Nigeria is easily one of the best squads from Pot 4 and made it to the quarterfinals in 1999. A winner in this one will be in the driver’s seat to make it to the knockout rounds from Group B.

Dennis Pope Picks…
- Philippines vs Switzerland - Group A
  - Thursday, July 20th - 10:00p PST / 1:00a EST
    from Forsyth Barr Stadium
  - Playing in its first World Cup, the Philippines doesn’t have a lot of expectations at the moment (+100000 odds to win the tournament) but that doesn’t mean this team doesn’t have talent. Nine California natives are on the roster, including starting goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel and No. 10 Chandler McDaniel, sisters from Norco, CA, who have been playing in the Philippines’ national youth teams for years. Switzerland is expected to battle with Norway for the top spot in Group A.

John Howard Fusco Picks…
- Spain vs Costa Rica - Group C
  - Friday, July 21st - 12:30a PST / 3:30a EST
    from Sky Stadium in Wellington
  - Sorry Costa Rica, but this is all about Spain. I want to see their dynamic midfield of Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati in action. Things have gotten off to a rocky start for La Roja in New Zealand with the locals, but hopefully their efforts to smooth things out will help make their stay a fruitful one.
- A Second Shout - Dennis Pope
  - Spain should be among the favorites to win this World Cup but a player protest against current head coach Jorge Vilda still looms large over the whole program. Meanwhile, tournament dark horse Costa Rica and all-time leading goal scorer, Raquel Rodriguez, have the potential to send shockwaves with an upset victory.

Dan Vaughn Picks…
- The United States vs Vietnam - Group E
  - Friday, July 21st - 6:00p PST / 10:00p EST
    from Eden Stadium
  - I am the biggest homer ever when it comes to the national team. I literally moved my work schedule to accommodate these USWNT matches. I just want to see how this team comes out of the blocks with all the talk about this being an off year, it’s time to find out.
- A Second Shout - Josh Duder
  - Huỳnh Như, the all time leading scorer for Vietnam, with 67, leads the Gold Star Women Warriors into what is surprisingly their first ever world cup. They are an Asian Federation powerhouse; AFF Gold Medalists in 06, 12, and 2019 as well as SEA Games Gold Medalists in 01, 03, 05, 09, 17, 19, 21, and 2023. Vietnam are ranked 32 in the world and will go up against the number one ranked team in the world, the US Women. Not an easy task, but a game this San Jose, California native looks forward to with all his heart. (San Jose boasts the largest population of Vietnamese people outside of Vietnam)

Dan Creel Picks…
- Denmark vs China - Group D
  - Saturday, July 22nd - 5:00a PST / 8:00p EST
    from Perth Rectangular Stadium
  - Currently ranked 13th and 14th respectively this is a pick ‘em group stage match if there ever was one. Denmark is making its first World Cup appearance in 16 years after qualifying for four of the first five and China won the 2022 AFC Cup after a 16 year drought. Both teams are hoping for a good start in Group D to keep pace with England.

Dan Vaughn Picks…
- Netherlands vs Portugal - Group E
  - Sunday, July 23rd - 2:30a PST / 5:30a EST
    from Forsyth Barr Stadium
  - Group E, Baby! Netherlands was the runner-up in the last World Cup and also my favorite country in the world. Shame we’re in the same group, but I feel like this match will set the tone for the path US will have to take to get out of group. Would love a draw here!

Danielle Gawronski Picks…
- Germany vs Morocco - Group H
  - Sunday, July 23rd - 11:00p PST / 2:00a EST
    from Eden Park
  - Italy is a skilled European team, with a quarterfinal best finish in 2019. Argentina hasn’t made it out of the group stage and will have the momentum of Messi and the Men’s World Cup victory. This should be a well matched competitive game and not a blow out like some of the other group stage matches. Either team could win this game.

Josh Duder Picks…
- Germany vs Morocco - Group H
  - Monday, July 24th - 1:30a PST / 4:30a EST
    from Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
  - Germany’s group includes Columbia, South Korea, and Morocco - and while ranked number 2 in the world, this group is far from easy. They get their campaign started against a highly motivated Morocco, led by captain and all-time leading scorer, Ghizlane Chebbak (17). Die Nationalelf, who have appeared in 9 World Cups and won two of them (2003 & 2007) will be looking to take control of the group early but don’t expect Morocco to make it that simple.

by the Protagonist Staff