Matt Doherty's World Cup diary | 28 November

As we step into the second week of the World Cup, Matt Doherty continues his daily diary telling us what is catching his attention in Qatar.

Now capped 33 times by the Republic of Ireland, Matt has 12 Spurs team-mates in Qatar, plus the experience of playing against eight countries in the competition. He will give us his insight into the busy group stage running until Friday (2 December), then into the knockout stage which starts on Saturday (3 December).

What caught my eye yesterday

Matt: "I was really surprised with Japan v Costa Rica, I thought Japan would win that comfortably. Shows what I know about football at times! Nothing! I did predict Belgium not to win though! Morocco look good and as I've said, they have some really good players. I wouldn't be surprised if they go a little further. Croatia had a little scare. At 1-0 down, I still thought they'd come through and win, but not 4-1, maybe 2-1. Ivan got a couple of assists, he's playing well, and Croatia have so much experience. Spain-Germany, I predicted a draw, Jamal Musiala was my one to watch and he is a top, top player. Germany's equaliser keeps them in the tournament. They needed that."

What I’m looking forward to today

Matt: "Cameroon-Serbia, I'd go for Serbia in that one. I was surprised Kostic and Vlahovic didn't start Serbia's first game against Brazil. They both play for Juventus. I watched Kostic play against Inter a few weeks ago in Serie A and he was unbelievable. Korea and Ghana, that has a draw written all over it. Obviously Sonny will play, both teams probably need to win that one. Brazil-Switzerland... I know Neymar is out, but I still fancy Brazil. I think both teams will score, by the way, but I still fancy Brazil to get over the line. Let's see if Richarlison can continue his good form. Portugal-Uruguay, that's a great game to finish the day. Rodri back in action. That's my game of the day..."

If you only watch one game today

Matt: "Portugal against Uruguay. Portugal didn't look unbelievable against Ghana, I know they won in the end, but I wasn't over-impressed. That's a 50-50 game, and we get to see Rodri go again. It's always nice to see our lads in action."

Player to watch

Matt: "I don't think he will start, but if he does start, a player to look out for is Portugal's Rafael Leao. He plays for AC Milan, a strong, direct winger, very fast. Hopefully he start, if not, I'm sure he'll come off the bench. He did that and scored against Ghana in the first game. He's very good."

My predictions

Cameroon 1-2 Serbia
South Korea 1-1 Ghana
Brazil 3-1 Switzerland
Portugal 1-1 Uruguay