Group F

Group F is one of the trickiest pools to call. The Netherlands (UEFA) are the favourites on pedigree and squad depth, but they are not so far clear that the group is a formality. Japan (AFC) are the popular dark-horse pick of the whole tournament: their pressing is as well-drilled as anyone's in the field, and they have the legs and cohesion to beat a bigger name on a given night.

Sweden (UEFA) bring arguably the most fearsome strike pairing in the group, with the pace and power to punish high defensive lines, while Tunisia (CAF) are disciplined, durable and perfectly capable of dragging a favourite into a goalless grind. There is no easy game here-every side can both win and lose any of the three fixtures.

How to predict it: resist the urge to treat the Netherlands as a banker for top spot. Japan are a legitimate threat to win the group outright, and Sweden's attack can blow it open, so this is a group where your finishing order matters more than usual. Because the four teams are so closely matched, expect the third-placed side to finish on a decent points tally-meaning whichever of Japan, Sweden or Tunisia drops to third is a strong best-thirds shout, not a write-off.

Think you've read it right? Set your Group F order → Or head back to the full tournament guide.