Matt Doherty's World Cup diary | 30 November

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, then into the knockout stage which starts on Saturday.

What caught my eye yesterday

Matt: "I was surprised by Ecuador-Senegal because I thought Ecuador would win that game. That sets up Senegal-England, which will be a good game in the last 16. That won't easy for England. I thought Holland might actually win by more, but it was still a comfortable win for them. One of my early players to watch, Cody Gakpo, scored again, my scouting eye hasn't been too bad so far! USA could have been a couple of goals up by half-time and put the game to bed, rather than inviting all that late pressure from Iran in the second half. I glad they're through, a nice team to watch, very athletic, and I think it's good for football they're through. England-Wales. I predicted 2-0. At 0-0 at half-time, I didn't think 3-0 was coming. I felt England would be too strong, but I was surprised with how it all unfolded. Wales will be disappointed, out of the tournament, and I guess we'll see Ben back here soon, a bit of time off and back refreshed."

What I’m looking forward to today

Matt: "Denmark need to beat Australia. They haven't looked great, and Australia look alright, that could be close, easily a draw, but I do fancy Denmark to nick it. Tunisia-France... France have already qualified, they'll probably make changes, but the strength in depth of that squad, even with all the injuries, I think they'll get the win there. Poland-Argentina, what a good game that is, a huge game. I'd like to see Argentina progress, purely because of Lionel Messi, I just think it's good for the tournament for them to be in the last 16, makes it more exciting. If they do get through, I believe we'll see a different Argentina in the knockout stage. Poland are a good side though, good players, especially going forward, so that could be a barnstormer. Saudi Arabia-Mexico, Saudi are a good side, a lot better than people think. It's an open group, everyone can go through, and I see that as quite an even game, a fascinating end to that group..."

If you only watch one game today

Matt: "It's got to be Poland v Argentina, with it all on the line for Argentina."

Player to watch

Matt: "Let's go for Raul Jimenez of Mexico. I think he'll start this one, he didn't start earlier as he's coming back from injury, but he's just pivotal for Mexico in terms of having a target man, someone who can link the ball through. I think he'll have a good game."

My predictions

Australia 1-2 Denmark
Tunisia 0-3 France
Poland 1-2 Argentina
Saudi Arabia 1-1 Mexico