It’s now or never for some of these sides and all but one (Canada) has plenty to play for. The final match of the Group Stages tends to produce plenty of drama, excitement, twists and turns. But we’re less concerned about that and more concerned with, as ever, finding the best bets ahead of these games. And that’s what we’re about to do.
Croatia v Belgium prediction
An uninspired 0-0 against Morocco was followed by a thrilling 4-1 win over Canada for Croatia and this after going a goal down early on. Croatia were fast on the break, ruthless with their finishing and were unrecognisable from that first game.
They’re now up against Belgium, who were stunned 2-0 by Morocco after labouring to a fortunate 1-0 win over Canada last week. Quite simply, Belgium look a shadow of that energetic, dangerous, star-studded team of the last few years…
A draw may yet prove enough to see Belgium through (Croatia would definitely be through), depending on what happens in the other game, so 0-0 could suit both sides. But more to the point, Belgium look slow and laboured in attack and may struggle to score against an organised Croatia’s defence.
Recommended bet: Choose Croatia clean sheet at 3.29!
Canada v Morocco prediction
Plenty of sides have been far worse than Canada this World Cup, yet are still in it. With back-to-back losses, Canada are one of the few sides who can’t progress to the Last 16 anymore.
With an opening day draw followed by a fine win over Belgium, Morocco have an excellent chance of going through. A win or a draw would be enough and even a loss would see Moroccans through if Croatia beat Belgium in the other match.
With nothing to lose, Canada will carry on playing their brand of fearless and aggressive football and that could mean anything in terms of a final result, because they’re more than capable of winning this. But what it will almost certainly mean is we get a game with a few goals.
Recommended Bet: Back over 2.5 goals at 2.03!
Costa Rica v Germany prediction
All to play for here after Costa Rica secured an unlikely win over Japan and Germany secured a creditable draw against Spain. Germany need to win, Costa Rica may yet settle for a draw and hope Spain beat Japan.
Germany are one of the shortest prices we’ve seen so far this World Cup but the question is: should they be? Germany were poor in that loss to Japan and not that much better against Spain, needing a late goal to stay in the tournament.
And yes, of course Costa Rica lost 7-0 to Spain but the result wasn’t a fair reflection of the game and they put in far better performance against Japan, suggesting they’re a decent side after all.
Germany may yet win but taking Costa Rica with a (2:0) handicap means a win for the Costa Ricans, draw or even losing by just one goal, would see us paid out at 3.32.
Recommended Bet: Back Costa Rica (2:0) on the handicap at 3.32!
Japan v Spain prediction
Spain are looking like genuine World Cup winners and will be disappointed they didn’t guarantee their place in the Last 16 after going 1-0 up against Germany. But avoiding defeat here will be more than enough to get through to the last round and given what we’ve seen from both sides so far, that looks almost a certainty.
Japan need to take some risks and Spain should be too good, so 0-0 looks unlikely. But it’s also unlikely that Spain will go out and win 4-0, not only because they don’t need to but because they’d rather keep key men fresh than win comfortably and risk fatigue. Spain to win with under 2,5 goals (1-0 or 2-0 to Spain) pays at 3.73 and looks the game’s best bet.
Recommended Bet: Bet on Spain and under 2.5 goals at 3.73!
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Recommended Combo Bet
- Croatia clean sheet at 3.29
- Over 2.5 goals in Morocco v Canada at 2.03
- Costa Rica (2:0) on the handicap against Germany at 3.32
- Spain and under 2.5 goals at 3.73
*Odds may vary.
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