Macedonia play Russia today. Wear sunglasses and ear defenders.

We’re now on to Match Day 4 for Groups A and B.  After today things may be settled for some in terms of elimination and progression.  Remember that it’s the top four from six who make it to the knock out rounds – and that if you want to watch you’ll have to do it online as there’s no UK TV bothering to show any of the tournament.

Group A begins with Brazil against Tunisia at 3pm.  The Brazilians have a solitary win against their rivals Argentina to their name whereas their opponents scared France before beating Germany and Montenegro.  If it goes to form this should be the game that secures Tunisia’s passage to the knock out matches.  That’s followed at 5.30m by a must win game for Montenegro against Germany.  The Montenegrin men would have been hoping to emulate their female compatriots but three losses from three means they need to beat Germany today and then do the same against Brazil.  I don’t fancy their chances against a German side that hasn’t looked great so far but must surely improve.  Last up in Granollers at 7.45pm France’s leisurely jaunt into the elimination rounds continues with what should be a comfortable win against Argentina.

Meanwhile in Seville the three games in Group B start with Macedonia v Russia at 2.45pm.  Both teams have played two and lost one and with a group containing Chile and Qatar that should be more than enough to see them into the next round as one of the top four in the group.  I don’t expect fireworks but the match should be close.  At 5pm it is the confrontation between the aforementioned basement pair.  Qatar are hosting the next World Championship and given that they don’t seem to have had too many issues in finding the net I’d make them slight favourites today.  The bookies and people who know what they’re talking about may disagree.  Finally, at 7.15pm, the group’s top two meet.  Denmark have three from three compared to Icelands two and one record.  Iceland’s loss against Russia came when they lost focus in the final stages of the match.  I wouldn’t be surprised with something similar today: a tight game which the Danes win by staying the distance better.