Spain's Catastrophe Just Opened the Door, And These Four Players Are Ready To Take Over The World Cup
Alright, Emerald City! You watching this World Cup craziness? Because if you are, you know Sunday, June 21st, is shaping up to be absolutely WILD. The group stages are heating up in Groups G and H, and every single one of the eight teams went into today with just one point after their opening draws. But let's be real, Spain's 0-0 "performance" against Cabo Verde was an absolute disaster, an embarrassing showing that set the stage for some serious drama. Luckily for us, the goals have been coming in bunches at this tournament, and we've got four players ready to light up the scoresheet. Get ready for Dani Olmo, Mehdi Taremi, Darwin Nunez, and Mohamed Salah to make some serious noise!
Spain's Redemption Arc Kicks Off With Olmo
Let's talk about Spain, because their opener against Cabo Verde? Woof. A 0-0 draw that somehow undersold just how bad they looked. Seriously, Spain needed to do better. They started Ferran Torres and Gavi on the wings, moving Pedri further up the field, while Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams sat on the bench with lingering injury concerns. There was even a perception that mighty Spain should have beaten Cabo Verde in their sleep, which, clearly, didn't happen. With Yamal still not ready for a full workload, Dani Olmo is exactly the guy you want in the mix to turn things around. He's got a big chance in their noon ET clash against Saudi Arabia, a game Spain thankfully won 4-0. Olmo is sitting at +135 to score anytime, and after that opening dud, Spain's offensive approach has to change, and Olmo is the key.
Trade on Every Game with Kalshi
Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.
Underdogs Ready To Shock The System
Over in the 3 p.m. ET slot, we've got Belgium battling Iran, and let me tell you, Belgium looked anything but convincing against Egypt in their opener. Their only goal came from an own goal, forced by a charging Romelu Lukaku who, by the way, came off the bench and likely can't consistently play 90 minutes right now. So, my eyes are on Mehdi Taremi from Iran, who comes in at a tempting +430. The Iranians played an electric 2-2 opener with New Zealand, and despite all their off-field struggles, they clearly came to play. Belgium might be better on paper, but do not discount Iran, and do not be surprised if Taremi gets on the scoresheet.
Then at 6 p.m. ET, it's Uruguay vs. Cabo Verde. Uruguay managed just one goal against Saudi Arabia in their opener. Whatever swagger they might have had about playing "little" Cabo Verde surely evaporated when they saw that Spain opener. Now, Uruguay has to contend with an impressively drilled defense. Can Cabo Verde pull off another clean sheet? Probably not, but it won't be easy. That's why Darwin Nunez, at +145, is a player to watch. He's got to be the guy to break through that defense if Uruguay wants to get their tournament going.
Mohamed Salah's Moment Arrives
Rounding out the night matches at 9 p.m. ET, we have Egypt vs New Zealand. And if you're looking for a superstar to deliver, you know who it is. Mohamed Salah, Egypt's main man, is listed at +130 to score anytime. The goals have been flying in at this World Cup, and a player of Salah's caliber, facing a New Zealand team after a tough 2-2 draw for Iran, is exactly the kind of setup for a showstopper. He's the type of player who can single-handedly change a game, and you just know he's itching to get on that scoresheet. The stakes are getting higher with every match, and Sunday is all about who steps up and delivers a performance for the ages. You definitely don't want to miss a second of it!
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.