World Cup 2018: Lawro's predictions - second group games - BBC Sport
BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson gives his predictions for the second round of group games at the World Cup.
Last updated on .From the section World Cup

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This World Cup has seen plenty of surprise results in the opening games, but will they continue?

BBC Sport football expert Mark Lawrenson said: "Some of the big teams have stuttered so far but I think you can put that down to it being so early in the tournament - it is going to happen.

"The biggest surprise was probably seeing Germany beaten by Mexico, because they are normally strong at the start of major finals, but I am expecting to see them improve, and it is the same with the likes of Brazil and Argentina.

Lawro is predicting the outcome of all 64 games at the 2018 Fifa World Cup.

The second round of group games includes Germany v Sweden - which is live on BBC Radio 5 live - plus Argentina v Croatia and England v Panama - both live on BBC TV and BBC Radio 5 live.

Before the group stage started, Lawro picked his two teams to go through from each group into the knockout stage. He is backing Brazil to win the World Cup, and believes England will reach the quarter-finals.

Lawro was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan in Moscow.

Lawro's pre-tournament picks to go through: Uruguay (winners) and Russia (runners-up)

Lawro's pre-tournament picks to go through: Spain (winners) and Portugal (runners-up)

Lawro's pre-tournament picks to go through: France (winners) and Denmark (runners-up)

Lawro's pre-tournament picks to go through: Argentina (winners) and Croatia (runners-up)

Lawro's pre-tournament picks to go through: Germany (winners) and Mexico (runners-up)

Lawro's pre-tournament picks to go through: Belgium (winners) and England (runners-up)