Football World Cup: Matchday 8 Preview

Fast-starters Belgium and Spain look to book their place in the Last 16 with a second win, while Germany are drinking in last-chance saloon as they look to avoid an early exit after their shock loss to Japan in Game 1. Here are all the best bets ahead of the action.

Japan v Costa Rica Prediction

Japan produced what was alongside Saudi Arabia’s win over Argentina – the biggest upset of the tournament so far. They beat Germany after going a goal down, showing excellent levels of energy, determination and pace in attack. They’re unlikely to go all the way but no-one will want to play them.

As for Costa Rica, they were well and truly thrashed by Spain, losing 7-0, though it should be pointed out that every shot on target that Spain had ended up being a goal. However, they were poor in attack and all in all Japan should be too good for them here.

But with Japan under no pressure to score early and being at their best in the second half against Germany, they may well go into the break with a draw, before going on to show their class in the second half.

Recommended Bet: Back Draw/Japan in the half time/full time market at 4.05!

Belgium v Morocco Prediction

Belgium got the win they needed against Canada but had to do it the hard way, saving a penalty and defending with their lives for the last 20 minutes or so. They’ll now face a Morocco side, who frustrated Croatia, holding them to a 0-0 that will almost have felt like a win to them.

Morocco could put in another gutsy display here that’s all about containing the opposition, while Belgium will know that avoiding defeat with a draw wouldn’t be a bad result at all and would them put on four points.

So, with both sides showing caution and 0-0 very much in play, as is another 1-0 win for Belgium, we should get at least one clean sheet in the match.

Recommended Bet: Back ‘no’ on both teams to score at 1.95!

Croatia v Canada Prediction

Croatia will need to improve after a slow start to the tournament, drawing 0-0 against Morocco in a match they really should have won.

Canada, on the other hand, can consider themselves extremely unlucky to not have taken a point from their game against Belgium. Not only did they miss a penalty but created plenty of chances with a quick and direct brand of attacking football. This is a side with goals in them and they’re likely to test Croatia’ somewhat fragile defence a lot more than Morocco did.

An early goal will put the other side under pressure and will mean they’ll have to go for broke to save their World Cup campaign. And that could lead to a really open and entertaining game. Given all that, over 2.5 goals should probably be the favourite, not the outsider, so rates a good bet…

Recommended Bet: Back over 2.5 goals at 2.13!

Spain v Germany Prediction

Even if Spain lose here, they’ll be in an extremely strong position in the group after that remarkable 7-0 win against Costa Rica.

Germany were stunned by Japan, but avoiding defeat here means they’ll have it all to play for in their last match, though they’ll have to win that one against Costa Rica to have any chance of progressing.

So, it’s anyone’s guess what might happen here between two sides well-matched on paper, but under very different sorts of pressure. In Germany’s case lots, in Spain’s case, much less.

But if we’re not sure who might get the most goals, we certainly think there will be goals!

Incredibly, the last match between these two ended in a 6-0 win for Spain two years ago. That’s highly unlikely to happen again, but there are plenty of goal scorers on the pitch on both sides who can come up with goals. And rather like with the Croatia v Canada match, an early goal could lead to a very open game.

If it’s Spain scoring first, Germany will have to take plenty of risks and possibly leave themselves very exposed at the back. Let’s hope so because that will increase our chances of landing our bet.

Recommended Bet 1: Back over 3.5 goals at 2.6!

Recommended Bet 2: Back Ferran Torres to score anytime at 3.10!

Playing in a more central role, Ferran Torres scored twice against Costa Rica and may even have got his hat-trick if he hadn’t been substituted. Another plus point about him is that he takes penalties and scored one in that first match.  So, if Spain get one, that will be an excellent opportunity for him to get a goal…

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*Odds may vary.

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