Matchday 2 of the 2023 World Cup is kicking off on Tuesday, and there are matches at every hour of the day. Our staff and friends pick out a few and tell you why you ought to get up at 3:00am to watch it!

Danielle Gawronski Picks…
- New Zealand vs Philippines - Group A
  - Monday July 24th - 10:30p PST / 1:30a EST
    from Wellington Regional Stadium
  - If you want a Cinderella story, a New Zealand win would almost guarantee they would go through to the knockout round. The Philippines are another debut team who have overcome obstacles and limitations on resources. This is an all-feels game to watch.

MaryBeth Zmuda Picks…
- Switzerland vs Norway - Group A
  - Tuesday July 25th - 1:00a PST / 4:00a EST
    from FMG Stadium Waikato
  - This is a much bigger match that most would have guessed before the start of this World Cup. After being blindsided by the co-hosting New Zealand team in their first match, Norway now has several situations that could see them packing their bags sooner than expected. Beating Switzerland in this second match is an imperative.

Josh Duder Picks…
- Japan vs Costa Rica - Group C
  - Tuesday July 25th - 10:00p PST / 1:00a EST
    from Forsyth Barr Stadium
  - Japan put Zambia to the sword in their opening match, 5-0 with goals from Mina Tanaka, Jun Endo, Riko Ueki and a brace from Hinata Miyazawa; however, they are only in first place by +2 GD due to Spain’s 3-0 beating of Costa Rica in Group C play. Unfortunately for Costa Rica, Japan will look to score as many as possible before their inevitable showdown with Spain next week.

Danielle Gawronski Picks…
- Spain vs Zambia - Group C
  - Wednesday July 26th - 12:30a PST / 3:30a EST
    from Eden Park
  - Spain is playing sexy soccer. That’s really all you need to know. It’s what you expect from a Spanish side that the men haven’t really delivered. Alexis Putellas, their superstar, is just getting warmed up.

Dan Vaughn Picks…
- United States vs Netherlands - Group E
  - Wednesday, July 26th - 6:00p PST / 9:00p EST
    from Wellington Regional Stadium
  - The two heavyweights in group E square off again in a 2019 final rematch. Both teams won their first matches and both will want to put their stamp on this one. I think this will be an epic battle.

Harry Austin Picks…
- Australia vs Nigeria - Group B
  - Friday, July 21st - 3:00a PST / 6:00a EST
    from Suncorp Stadium
  - Can the co host country overcome the injury to Sam Kerr? That is the question for Australia! How serious is the injury? Initial reports were 2 games, but a slip by a teammate opens that question up. Is it longer? A win would see Australia advance to the knockout stage. For Nigeria a draw would put them in a good position for the final match to advance out of the group stage.

Josh Duder Picks…
- France vs Brazil - Group F
  - Saturday, July 29th - 3:00a PST / 6:00a EST
    from Suncorp Stadium
  - France are in real trouble after their disappointing draw with Jamaica - despite 73% possession and generating over twice as many shots, Head Coach Herve Renard and the 5th ranked team in the world must out-perform the legendary Pia Sundage and her 8th ranked Brazil. A free-flowing Brazilian attack who posted an electric 32 shots, 10 on target, and 4 goals against a hapless Panama. Ary Borges got her hatty and don’t be surprised if her confidence gets her a 4th goal of the tournament.
- A Second Shout - Dan Vaughn
  - If France hadn’t only gotten a single point against Jamaica, this match wouldn’t be nearly as important. But now, crazy things could happen and France needs this win big time. I want Brazil to cook them.

Harry Austin Picks…
- Panama vs Jamaica- Group F
  - Saturday, July 29th - 5:30a PST / 8:30a EST
    from NIB Stadium
  - CONCACAF Group F stage match that is a huge match for The Reggae Girlz. A win “could” put Jamaica in position to advance to the knockout rounds since they would be at 4 point (pending result of France v Brazil). But Jamaica will be without Bunny Shaw after 2 YC against France. Part of advancing past the group stage is a little bit of luck, and getting to face Panama instead of Brazil without Shaw is a big break for Jamaica!

by the Protagonist Staff