Today, we enter a new phase of the World Cup. Every team has played one match. On Thursday, teams return to the field for their second group games, which means the race for group positions is starting to get good.Here’s a look at what scenarios to watch for in Thursday’s four games and what the odds say, along with some picks from our betting staff.Czech Republic vs. South Africa (Group A)Standings: Czech Republic (0 points, 3rd), South Africa (0 points, 4th)Time: Noon ETTV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish)Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaThe World Cup has seen a number of tight matches so far, with draws taking place at a higher-than-average clip. With two-thirds of the teams advancing from the group stage, four points is likely to be good enough to get through. Get a draw in your first match, and you’ll know you’ll be alive for your last match.For teams that lost the first match? Pressure is on.The Czechs, who are favored, have to play host Mexico next and won’t want to leave things to that match. This one has a chance to be open as both teams go for a win.Switzerland vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina (Group B)Standings: Switzerland (1 point, T-1st), Bosnia-Herzegovina (1 point, T-1st)Time: 3 p.m. ETTV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish)Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.These European countries are probably a little disappointed to be entering this match with one point. Switzerland and Bosnia-Herzegovina both led a majority of their opening matches. Now, all four teams in this group are tied after matching 1-1 draws. That means this match can swing things drastically if either is able to pick up a win.The Athletic’s World Cup projector expects both teams to advance as things stand (Bosnia at 74 percent and Switzerland at 73 percent). A win for either moves their chances to 99 percent, while a draw doesn’t change things as drastically. With one point in hand, both will still be alive going into the final group games no matter what happens. These teams could get aggressive, even if it’s tied late.Canada vs. Qatar (Group B)Standings: Canada (1 point, T-1st), Qatar (1 point, T-1st)Time: 6 p.m. ETTV: FS1 (English), Telemundo (Spanish)Venue: BC Place, VancouverBoth of these teams got their first World Cup points in their opening matches, but are still in search of their first wins. This is the first meeting of two teams searching for their first World Cup wins since 2010 when Slovakia and New Zealand met (and tied).Canada trailed for nearly an hour of the match against Bosnia until Cyle Larin scored in the 78th minute. Qatar trailed for more than 70 minutes against Switzerland before snatching its draw with a 94th-minute goal from Miro Muheim. Those goals and the resulting draws were essential in what is shaping up to be the tightest group in the tournament.Even with Group B looking incredibly tight, Canada is a heavy favorite in this game and the biggest favorite of the day. The Canadians put a lot of pressure on Bosnia while trailing, with 61 percent of the possession. Qatar absorbed a lot of pressure against Switzerland (expected goals were 3.2-0.6 for the Swiss) and survived. Expect Canada to be on the front foot in this one as well.Canada star Alphonso Davies missed the opener, and his status for this game remains unclear.The Canadians come in with an extra day of rest, having last played on Friday while Qatar played on Saturday.Mexico vs. South Korea (Group A)Standings: Mexico (3 points, 1st), South Korea (3 points, 2nd)Time: 9 p.m. ETTV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish)Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, MexicoThe order of matches on Thursday almost feels like a fight card, with things slowly ramping up to this finale. The first match of the day involves the two teams that lost, then it’s the incredibly tight Group B before we get to see a meeting of two teams that won their openers.Mexico passed its opening test with flying colors, getting by South Africa 2-0. El Tri scored early and was rarely threatened in a match that featured three red cards. One key note: Defender César Montes will serve a suspension against South Korea for picking up a red card in the 92nd minute against South Africa.The level of opposition goes up a solid amount, though. South Korea beat the Czech Republic 2-1 and controlled play with 62 percent possession and a 2.3-0.82 edge in expected goals. Korean star Son Heung-Min struggled to finish his chances, but Mexico won’t find it as easy to control the midfield. El Tri is favored, but only at around even money.Best betsMike Hume: Canada-Qatar draw, +470 (FanDuel)Two countries enter seeking their first-ever World Cup wins. One must leave as the winner, right? This is, in fact, not Thunderdome. And particularly after every team in the group captured only one point from its opening match, I’m curious to see how cautiously these sides play if the score is tied in the second half.With the Swiss looming, I’d imagine Canada will try to put the hammer down, but Qatar looked fairly resolute when they faced Switzerland in their first game. Besides, two teams seeking their first-ever wins earning their second straight draw would be rather ironic … at least more so than some of the examples Canadian songstress Alanis Morissette once invoked.Dan Santaromita: Mexico-South Korea draw, +235 (BetRivers)Both teams got wins in their opening matches, and a draw would likely be enough to get them through to the knockout stage. Pressure will be on Mexico to deliver at home, but South Korea is a strong team. I think this one will be tight.Dean Jones: Czech Republic to beat South Africa, -130 (Fanatics)The thinking here is simple: South Africa are one of — if not the — most unimpressive teams we have seen so far. And they had two players sent off in their opening game, meaning they have suspensions already.The Czechs lost late to South Korea, but have a set-piece ability that should help them produce moments that define the outcome here.Vik Chokshi: Czech Republic to beat South Africa and under 3.5 goals parlay, +140 (DraftKings)Two South African players were shown red cards in the team’s first match, making an already weak team even weaker. This is a mismatch on paper, so I expect the Czech Republic to come through. Especially because it’s a must-win spot for them with Mexico on deck. I could’ve just stuck with the Czech Republic to win, but I’m pushing the envelope here a little with a parlay to get plus money. Envisioning a 2-0, 2-1 Czech win.Betting recordsUnitsRecordDan3.875-2Mike3.534-3Vik-14-4Dean-2.352-5