A fruitful Friday was followed by a superb Saturday as the Netherlands delivered a goalfest, Germany came back to beat Ivory Coast and Japan strolled past a sorry Tunisia side. That all leaves us in tip-top shape to attack an intriguing Sunday card of World Cup wagers, with a nice 6pm kick off involving my fancy to go all the way – Spain. Let’s see what’s in store.
Odds provided by Stake.com.
Spain v Saudi Arabia
World Cup Group H, Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, USA, 6pm CET, Sunday 21st June
Prices: 1.08 Spain, 9.60 Draw, 27.00 Saudi Arabia
Spain suffered the ignominy of drawing 0-0 with Cape Verde in the first game, but it’s my opinion that these freak results happen – just look at Argentina in 2022 – and it shouldn’t derail their campaign too much. They’re fortunate to have the opportunity to respond with a kind fixture against Saudi Arabia, who themselves upset the odds with a draw against Uruguay in game one.
The Saudis are a huge price to pull off an even bigger upset than their famous win over Messi’s Argentines in 2022, and Spain, who peppered the Cape Verde goal last week, will be even hungrier for this, and it could be a chastening afternoon for the Saudi Arabian team. You know they’ll line up with a two banks of four or five and do their best to contain a Spain team that will complete 1,000 passes and surely can’t fail to score again.
Last week I tipped Pedri who had a shot on target, and I’m sticking with my man to find the back of the net given his recent international scoring record. My other pick is Fabian Ruiz, who had five shots against Cape Verde, and will get plenty more opportunities in this one, and I think at the prices these are two to side with, particularly as they’ll have space to run into once Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams peg the Saudi Arabian defence back. Hopefully both come in and we can have a double celebration!
Tip: Fabian Ruiz to score anytime @ 3.85. 0.5 units; Pedri to score anytime @ 4.40. 0.5 units.
Belgium v Iran
World Cup Group G, Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, USA, 9pm CET, Sunday 21st June
Prices: 1.40 Belgium, 4.50 Draw, 7.40 Iran
Group G is in a tantalizing position after the first round of matches with all four teams on one point. Iran would probably be most disappointed with their position at this stage, they were expected to beat New Zealand and went behind twice, pegging them back on both occasions.
Belgium also came from behind against Egypt, and it was the old legend Romelu Lukaku who came on to get the Belgians back into it, and he is the one the Iranians will be worried about facing. Chris Wood caused them all sorts of problems dropping off, holding the ball up and knocking it on to the runners, with Eli Just benefitting to score two goals. Lukaku can do the same job, and will have Kevin de Bruyne and Yori Tielemans pinging the balls into him. Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard had strong ends to the season with the two top teams in the Premier League.
Iran will fight hard, and can get at the Belgian defence, but I feel that the Red Devils can get on top early against Iran and get their campaign up and running with straightforward win here.
Tip: Belgium to win & over 2.5 goals @ 2.42. 1 unit.
Uruguay v Cape Verde
World Cup Group H, Miami Stadium, Miami, USA, 12am CET, Monday 22nd June
Prices: 1.43 Uruguay, 4.10 Draw, 7.60 Cape Verde
I’m sure I’ll be left with egg on my face but I’m very surprised at the prices for this game. Yes, Uruguay disappointed in their opener against Saudi Arabia, but they enjoyed 65% possession and had 27 shots, with ten on target, and they will expect similar numbers against Cape Verde.
Cape Verde were the story of the first round of fixtures, and it was brilliant to see the scenes from their fans all around the world, but can lightning strike twice? I’m not so sure. It’s an incredible story, but Uruguay know that victory is absolutely imperative here if they’re not to head for an embarrassing early exit, and Marcelo Bielsa will not allow for a repeat of the Saudi Arabia. Uruguay will be on it and, similar to Spain, will show that the first game was a one off in a strong performance here.
Tip: Uruguay to win to nil @ 2.19. 1 unit.
New Zealand v Egypt
World Cup Group G, BC Place, Vancouver, Canada, 3am CET, Monday 22nd June
Prices: 5.60 New Zealand, 3.90 Draw, 1.58 Egypt
These teams will have a clear picture of what’s required having seen Belgium v Iran earlier in the day. New Zealand were a real surprise in the first round and Chris Wood’s performance was fantastic, but it’s at the back where they may face problems here. They’re not blessed with pace and they’re up against Mo Salah and Omar Marmoush here, which no side will want to contend with. Marmoush had five shots against Belgium with an xG of 0.49 and I think he’s a massive price to find the net here, so we’ll keep it simple and follow the market on this one.
Tip: Omar Marmoush to score anytime @ 2.70. 1 unit.
Check out Tommy the Punter’s Tipping Record here.