Colombia should be quite a fun side to follow during the World Cup, given some of the quality they have in the side. Players like Diaz, Rodriguez, Suarez and Arias should all entertain and give Colombia a decent chance of reaching the knockout stages. 

Uzbekistan are the weakest side in this group on paper and don’t have much experience at all of competing on this stage. I expect it to be quite a learning curve for Uzbekistan, though they are worth keeping an eye on in the coming years with how successful the country has been in the youth tournaments over recent campaigns.

Colombia have scored first in five of their last six international matches, and I expect them to deliver the first blow here against an Uzbekistan side that may find it difficult to even get on the scoresheet.

DR Congo can be stubborn, but I do expect Portugal to eventually break them down and go on to win by a couple of goals.

There's so much quality in this Portugal side, and Ronaldo will also be aware that this is one of his few real chances to add to his World Cup goal tally - which, for a player of his standing, isn't actually that impressive.

Portugal scored 20 goals in six qualifying games (3.33 per game), and they have the firepower to unlock what's expected to be a low block from Congo, thanks to the talented midfield trio of Fernandes, Vitinha and Neves.

DR Congo conceded two goals in their final warm-up against Chile, and recent form suggests their stubbornness can waver against elite opposition; they've shipped 3+ goals in games against Senegal and Morocco within the last year.

I do think England may have to score more than once to win this game. Croatia may be an ageing side, but they do have real threats who can cause the Three Lions problems, having won seven of their eight qualifying matches themselves.

Croatia also have a very consistent record at international tournaments over the last few years. They beat England 2-1 in the 2018 World Cup, with the sides also facing each other in the Nations League over the last few years, with England getting their revenge in those matches.

England have seen 2+ goals in nine of their last 11 matches across all competitions, with the exceptions being friendly matches against Japan and New Zealand.

I’m a bit worried about Ghana in this group, many people have Panama bottom but the African side could really struggle without one of their main stars in Mohammed Kudus. 

Ghana failed to even qualify for AFCON earlier this year, which was a real failure and kind of reflects where the nation is ahead of this World Cup. Panama really struggled the last time they featured at a World Cup, but have improved since then and shown recent signs of promise - including scoring twice against Brazil in a recent friendly.

I don’t think Ghana will sit back here, this is the most winnable game for them of their three group matches - though Panama can definitely carry an attacking threat themselves having scored in each of their last five matches, including against other sides that have reached the World Cup such as Bosnia and South Africa.

Another 36-year-old veteran at the World Cup, Farrukh Sayfiev looks set to start in a left wingback role. Uzbekistan have been handed a tough draw, and this opening fixture against Colombia promises to be a significant test, where they will have lots of defending to do.  

Sayfiev was recently shown a yellow card against Canada in a friendly, finishing the game with two fouls, and he repeated that feat against Netherlands last time out. This time, he was fortunate to escape a booking. Sayfiev started four games for Uzbekistan in their qualifiers, and he committed multiple fouls each of those - he was booked against Iran for racking up four infringements in the first half alone. 

Sayfiev can often lunge recklessly into tackles, and he will likely draw the matchup of Jhon Arias on the flank here, but also Daniel Munoz who often marauds forward - those two will keep him busy.

Anibal Godoy is averaging 1.56 fouls per 90 playing for San Diego FC in the MLS this season, which has translated to five yellow cards. The 36-year-old has plenty of experience, but he can sometimes be a bit rash in his challenges, looking to protect his back line.

He has a very similar job for Panama, operating in a defensive midfield position, and he is expected to play a massive role for them at this World Cup - he started five matches during the qualifiers, helping them to an unbeaten finish. 

From his six appearances overall, Godoy had a notable average of 1.91 fouls per 90, which translated to three bookings. This upcoming matchup against Ghana will be a step up from what he is used to, as the Black Stars are expected to start Antoine Semenyo, Abdul Fatawu and Jordan Ayew.

Luka Vuskovic has had a breakthrough season for Hamburg, which has earned the 19-year-old a call-up to the Croatia first eleven - he is expected to be given the nod to start here in defence against England.

It’s a big game for the youngster, who doesn’t have much experience in this kind of matchup, and he is likely to come up against either Bukayo Saka or Noni Madueke if he starts on the left side of a back three. Vuskovic has six yellows in 30 appearances for Hamburg this season, from an average of 1.12 fouls per 90.

Vuskovic has generally seen an uptick in fouls when playing for his national side - he started one game for Croatia in their World Cup qualifying matches, and he committed two fouls against the Faroe Islands.

He then committed at least two fouls in all three of his starts in the warm-up friendlies, where he also picked up a booking against Brazil.

Portugal are heavy favourites coming into this clash, and the current Nations League champions are heavily fancied to top Group K.

However, DR Congo aren’t a side to be underestimated, and they have some serious talent in forward areas - the most notable name being Yoane Wissa. Nathanael Mbuka looks set to start on the left wing, and the Montpellier man is averaging 2.52 fouls drawn per 90 across all competitions domestically this season.

He is a tricky winger always looking to beat his man, and Joao Cancelo will have the tough task of trying to contain him out wide. The fullback has started two friendlies since the World Cup qualifiers, and he was carded against the USA despite only playing the first half.

Cancelo has picked up five yellows in 23 appearances across all competitions this season playing for Barcelona.