Clinton Morrison's World Cup Review, England Stifled, Messi Makes History & Round Three Predictions
The World Cup is in full swing and the talking points keep coming. England were frustrated by a disciplined Ghana, Messi broke the all time World Cup scoring record, Ronaldo answered his critics with two goals against Uzbekistan and Cape Verde continue to be the story of the tournament.
Clinton Morrison joined us to review the second round of group stage results, assess where England stand and predict all 24 final group stage fixtures.
Here's what Clinton had to say, and don't forget to check out the best World Cup Betting Sites, courtesy of Free Bets.
IN FULL: Clinton Morrison's World Cup Review
ENGLAND VS GHANA, FRUSTRATED NOT DISAPPOINTED
People shouldn't be disappointed, just frustrated. You've got to credit Ghana. It was so difficult. They defended for their lives, basically on their own six yard box, and they were good at what they did. Spain drew their first game against Cape Verde, Portugal drew their first game. It's nothing to worry about. England started the tournament well against Croatia and they can still top the group if they beat Panama.
On breaking down the low block:
Not every team they're going to play against is going to have a low block. The further you go you can't really keep having one. When England play against the top nations they'll come out and play and that's when you'll see England at their best. But yeah it's something they need to work on. Players like Ezé can get into pockets and create something out of nothing. When Saka and Rashford came on it changed a bit and they looked like they had more impetus going forward.
On Gordon and Madueke:
Madueke was the better of the two. He had some good moments going down the outside. Gordon struggled though. You've got to give credit to the Ghana right back, he was outstanding. Every time Gordon tried to run at him he locked him up, he was as quick and made strong tackles. Gordon had a frustrating evening. Bellingham was trying to get on the ball but there was just no space whatsoever. That's one of the hardest things when a team comes and gives you no space. The wide players and full backs become so crucial in that situation.
On Ezri Konsa's penalty shout:
It wasn't until I saw the replay that I realised, that is a stonewall penalty. He completely misses the ball and catches a bit of the centre forward. I'm surprised Ghana didn't make more of it because VAR is there for exactly these situations. England got away with one there.
On Harry Kane's missed chance:
I'm not going to tell Harry Kane how to score goals because he's one of the best to do it, but when it fell to him you were waiting for the net to ripple. He didn't get over the ball, he was always leaning back and that's why it went over the bar. But he was limited, he hardly had any touches, and you've got to credit Ghana for how they defended. As a centre forward when you're not getting many touches it is hard.
On the Panama game:
Panama caused Croatia a lot of problems and they'll be just as difficult as Ghana in a sense. But I think they'll come out and play more. And they'd love to take a scalp by beating England in the World Cup. But England can play with freedom too and it's one I expect them to win.
MESSI, THE GOAT OF ALL GOATS, MAKES HISTORY
I've always been a Messi man. I love Messi, I've always liked him. I just think he's phenomenal. What he's doing at 39. And then Ronaldo at 41. They're both a joy to watch still playing in a World Cup and scoring goals. But yeah Messi breaking records is just phenomenal. He probably could have had another hat trick but he missed the penalty. I've never seen him stop like that on a penalty before. It shows he's human at the end of the day. All the big players are stepping up. Mbappé could break that record himself in this tournament and he probably still has another two tournaments after this. It's a joke at the moment.
On the Messi vs Ronaldo debate:
I wouldn't say there's much in it. Messi's got that natural talent. Ronaldo's worked incredibly hard to develop his. No slight on Ronaldo, I think he's a top player, unbelievable. I'd say they're both as good as each other. There are two goats. But I just like watching Messi. The way he moves with the ball.
On Argentina and Messi's longevity:
You just have to enjoy him while he's here. The older you get it does take a big toll on the body and in that heat too. He's a genius. The things he's done over years upon years and still doing it at 39. I just want Argentina to go far because I want to keep watching Messi. Simple as that.
RONALDO ANSWERS HIS CRITICS
I don't understand why he has doubters. It just makes me laugh. His first goal where it's whipped in by Cancelo and he crosses it at the near post is a brilliant finish. It's such a hard skill, nine times out of ten you lean back and don't hit the target, but he makes it look easy. And the movement he makes to create space for the second goal, people don't always see that. You can't be criticizing Ronaldo for what he's done in his career, the goals he's scored, what he's won, and at 41 still delivering in a World Cup. Him and Messi are the two best to ever do it.
His mentality:
His mentality is ridiculous. It's not like normal footballers. He's elite and wants to stay at the top for as long as possible. And he actually is doing it. To score two goals in a World Cup at 41 is fantastic. Outside noise doesn't affect him. All he can do is focus on what he's doing on the pitch for Portugal and he turns up night after night.
CAN MBAPPÉ JOIN MESSI AND RONALDO IN THE CONVERSATION?
There's a possibility he can. He's still at a very good age. On the international stage he's already doing what they were doing. Now he has to take it onto the club form consistently because Ronaldo and Messi were consistent at club level over many years too. But his international record and his goals for France at major tournaments are fantastic. He'll probably end up surpassing Messi's World Cup goals because he's already scored a lot. I don't think he's a million miles away from them at the moment, but their longevity and the amount of time they've done it consistently is why you put Messi and Ronaldo ahead of him right now.
CAPE VERDE, THE STORY OF THE WORLD CUP
The smaller countries are getting recognition and that's what I love about the expanded tournament. Cape Verde could qualify now. After getting draws against Uruguay and Spain and then beating Saudi Arabia they're in with a real chance of the round of 32. Look at the goalkeeper, he had 20,000 followers and I think he's got about 18 million now. It's moments like that which you live for. And seeing Mo Salah celebrating after Egypt's win, happy after a disappointing season at Liverpool. There's been a lot of good things in this World Cup and long may it continue.
On the expansion to 48 teams:
I'm glad because of the smaller nations. It gives them an opportunity. The smaller countries can come and play on the biggest stage against the best players in the world. The emotional scenes from Cape Verde when they drew against Spain were brilliant. And Curaçao getting their point too. It's just really good to see.
CLINTON'S DARK HORSES FOR THE KNOCKOUT STAGES
Japan. Netherlands. And I'll tell you who else you have to watch out for, Colombia. They look really good and I think a lot of teams won't want to play them in the next round. Canada as well, who have been doing that without Alphonso Davies. So those four are the ones I look at going into the knockout stages.
CLINTON'S PREDICTION SCORECARD, ROUND TWO
| Match | Clinton's Prediction | Actual Result | Correct? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Czech Republic vs South Africa | 1-1 | 1-1 | ✅ Spot on |
| Canada vs Qatar | Canada 2-0 | Canada 6-0 | ✅ Winner correct |
| Switzerland vs Bosnia | Switzerland 2-1 | Switzerland 4-1 | ✅ Winner correct |
| Mexico vs South Korea | Mexico 2-1 | Mexico 1-0 | ✅ Winner correct |
| USA vs Australia | USA 2-0 | USA 2-0 | ✅ Spot on |
| Scotland vs Morocco | Morocco 2-1 | Morocco 1-0 | ✅ Winner correct |
| Brazil vs Haiti | Brazil 3-0 | Brazil 3-0 | ✅ Spot on |
| Turkey vs Paraguay | 1-1 | Paraguay 1-0 | ❌ |
| Netherlands vs Sweden | Netherlands 2-1 | Netherlands 5-1 | ✅ Winner correct |
| Germany vs Ivory Coast | Germany 2-1 | Germany 2-1 | ✅ Spot on |
| Ecuador vs Curaçao | Ecuador 3-1 | 0-0 | ❌ |
| Tunisia vs Japan | Japan 3-1 | Japan 4-0 | ✅ Winner correct |
| Spain vs Saudi Arabia | Spain 2-0 | Spain 4-0 | ✅ Winner correct |
| Belgium vs Iran | Belgium 2-0 | 0-0 | ❌ |
| Uruguay vs Cape Verde | Uruguay 1-0 | 1-1 | ❌ |
| New Zealand vs Egypt | Egypt 2-1 | Egypt 3-1 | ✅ Winner correct |
| Argentina vs Austria | Argentina 3-1 | Argentina 2-0 | ✅ Winner correct |
| France vs Iraq | France 4-0 | France 3-0 | ✅ Winner correct |
| Norway vs Senegal | Senegal 2-1 | Norway 3-2 | ❌ |
| Jordan vs Algeria | Algeria 2-1 | Algeria 2-1 | ✅ Spot on |
| Portugal vs Uzbekistan | Portugal 2-0 | Portugal 4-0 | ✅ Winner correct |
| England vs Ghana | England 3-1 | 0-0 | ❌ |
| Panama vs Croatia | Croatia 2-0 | Croatia 2-0 | ✅ Spot on |
| Colombia vs DR Congo | 1-1 | Colombia 1-0 | ❌ |
Seven spot on scorelines. 17 correct winners from 24 games.
Clinton Morrison's Round Three Predictions, Final Group Stage Fixtures
| Match | Clinton's Prediction |
|---|---|
| Bosnia vs Qatar | Bosnia 2-1 |
| Switzerland vs Canada | 1-1 |
| Scotland vs Brazil | Brazil 2-1 |
| Morocco vs Haiti | Morocco win |
| Czech Republic vs Mexico | Mexico 2-1 |
| South Africa vs South Korea | South Korea 2-1 |
| Ivory Coast vs Curaçao | Ivory Coast 3-1 |
| Ecuador vs Germany | Germany 3-1 |
| Japan vs Sweden | Japan 2-1 |
| Tunisia vs Netherlands | Netherlands 3-0 |
| Turkey vs USA | USA 2-1 |
| Australia vs Paraguay | 1-1 |
| Norway vs France | France 2-0 |
| Senegal vs Iraq | Senegal 2-0 |
| Spain vs Uruguay | Spain 2-1 |
| Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia | Cape Verde 2-1 |
| Belgium vs New Zealand | Belgium 2-1 |
| Egypt vs Iran | 1-1 |
| Croatia vs Ghana | 1-1 |
| England vs Panama | England 3-1 |
| Colombia vs Portugal | Portugal 2-1 |
| DR Congo vs Uzbekistan | DR Congo 2-0 |
| Algeria vs Austria | 1-1 |
| Argentina vs Jordan | Argentina 3-0 |
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