Author: Best Of Bets

As the Group stages of the World Cup reach their climax, the scrap for the knockout stages heats up over the coming days.

With France, Brazil and England as some of the bigger names to have already progressed, before Friday is through, Qatar 2022 could see the early exit of a world football heavyweight.

Here, we showcase three games with high stakes.

* all times GMT

Australia vs Denmark, Wednesday, 15:00

Wednesday sees the finale of both Groups C and D, with the latter getting the action under way as Australia face Denmark in Al-Wakrah.

Needing just a point to progress for only the second time, the Socceroos have scored in all Group games so far, with the Danes retaining just a single goal to their name this tournament.

Denmark have looked a shadow of their Euro 2020 selves but edge the record between the two here in a fifth meeting.

With Australia just needing a draw as stated, that is an outcome we can see here at 7/2 with SpreadEx and as an added option, a repeat of their 1-1 draw in the last World Cup might be on the cards at a lofty 43/5 with SBK.

Alternatively, a goal for Denmark could open up proceedings so on the flip side, a Denmark win with BTTS can be found with BoyleSports at 11/4.

Poland vs Argentina, Wednesday, 19:00

Later on Wednesday, Argentina look to complete their resurrection from defeat against Saudi Arabia, as they face Poland.

Having edged their Latin American clash with Mexico on Saturday evening to stay alive, the top two meet in what could be a see-saw Group C finale with all four teams still able to advance.

The Poles need only a draw to finish ahead of the Argentines and should that occur, a Saudi win against El Tri will knock one of the strong pre-tournament favourites out, with the Arab nation finishing top themselves.

This will be the first meeting between Argentina and Denmark since 2011 and in their third World Cup clash, the record is level at one win apiece.

Straight off the bat, a Lionel Messi-Robert Lewandowski scorer double top price of 9/1 is more than inviting with Lewandowski having finally broken his World Cup duck, whilst elsewhere, Messi should be busy in front of goal in any event, with a 9/2 punt for 3+ SOT on the table. Both prices with SkyBet.

For an outright result, Argentina’s exit would send seismic ripples across the globe and yet to impress, Poland will fancy their chances of causing a sensation.

For the Poles to send Messi and co. packing, a rather inviting 15/2 price with Coral shouldn’t be dismissed.

Croatia vs Belgium, Thursday, 15:00

When the draw for Group F was made earlier this year, on paper, this clash looked like it could be a straight battle to determine who would finish King of the Castle.

However, there is now far more riding on this encounter.

Belgium were hugely fortunate to defeat Canada in their opener but were not afforded the same luck with a confidence-sapping loss to an impressing Morocco.

The Croatians defeat of the North Americans, meanwhile, sees them level on four points with the Atlas Lions coming into this, leaving the France 2018 semi-finalists dangling over the chasm of elimination.

Only a win for Roberto Martinez’ men will put them through here, unless Morocco lose by four to the already homeward bound Canadians. In which case, a draw could be enough.

Belgium have looked an ageing side in the desert so far and their golden era could be set to go out with a whimper.

Croatia were afforded huge amounts of space last time out and the Belgians have shown little evidence they can control a game in the midfield. Therefore, Croatia look excellent value at 17/10 with Betfair and Betfred.

The last meeting between these two sides meanwhile, saw a narrow 1-0 win for Belgium in June 2021 but in their first major tournament clash, it might be a different story here.

Nevertheless, must finally show some fight to stay in the competition and a Belgium win with BTTS at 9/2 with BoyleSports could be smart.

If the Croats are your inclination however, Andrej Kramaric netted twice against Canada and a third goal and for Croatia to win can be snagged at 6/1 with William Hill.

Qatar 2022: England-Wales specials

With the outcome of Group B still up in the air, England and Wales meet in their final World Cup Group game on Tuesday evening at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan.

After England’s dismal goalless draw with the USA on Friday, the Three Lions are, nevertheless, almost certain to progress. Their fellows Brits, however, need a lot to go their way to make it into the knockouts after a humbling defeat to Iran.

Rob Page’s men need to win by four goals to swing a goal difference margin of six but even in that eventuality, a US or Iran win will see them finish only second. England are through barring a heavy defeat and will top the standings with just a draw if Iran do not win and the US fail to win by four also. They could also win the Group with a narrow defeat if Iran and the US draw. Any win for Gareth Southgate’s men should guarantee passage as winners.

For the Welsh, following Wayne Hennessey’s dismissal, Leicester City stopper Danny Ward is set to deputise, presenting an interesting narrative. Wales have looked out of their depth for large periods of the 180 minutes played in Qatar but will be motivated to go out on a high here at the very least. As stipulated, England can still progress with a loss so is it so unlikely a Welsh win materialises at 37/5 with VBet and SBK? It could be worth a small flutter.

With that said, England have won their last six meetings with their bordering neighbours however, and Wales have scored just one single goal in that time via Gareth Bale’s fumbled free-kick by Joe Hart at Euro 2016.

On the subject of Bale, the Real Madrid man has very much looked a man in his senior years after continued injury and fitness issues with LAFC, yet, his threat will be a menace in this contest. For Bale to either score OR assist, a 9/4 price with PaddyPower should interest, or a Bale goal outright can be snapped up at a best price of 4/1 boosted with William Hill.

On the other side of the coin, the winner of the Golden Boot in Russia 2018, Harry Kane, is yet to register a goal, but has been impressive in creating openings with his hold-up play. With two assists against Iran, for the England skipper to score or assist here, evens with SkyBet does looks extremely appealing.

England’s hugely underwhelming show versus the US brought fan optimism crashing back down to earth, but when compared to the fate of other well-fancied sides like Argentina and Belgium who must both win their final game to merely get out of the Group, needing only a draw to guarantee moving forward doesn’t look so bad a plight and a draw would be far from disastrous play, if not a well-received one. A 15/4 price with SpreadEx for the draw could be a clever move.

It may be another close affair even though Wales need goals, so the unders market for less than 2.5 goals to be scored at evens with Bet365 and BetVictor might also raise a few eyebrows.

We have also cast our punters’ net for some stats betting and an aerial battle looks on the cards, particularly with set-pieces. For each team to have 2+ corners in each half, a 6/1 shot with Betfair intrigues. Any Battle of Britain meanwhile, is sure to have an edge to it and Slavko Vincic is the referee to provide appropriate discipline in the middle. Both teams scoring could be the thorn in this particular bet but for BTTS, 3+ corners each and 2+ cards each, 7/1 with PaddyPower could be a nice acca play.

Qatar 2022: Marquee matches #1

As the World Cup moves into the second Group matches, the coming days present some tantalising games, some now with far more riding on them than expected before the competition began.

* all times GMT

Argentina v Mexico, Saturday, 19:00

None more so than Saturday’s Central versus South American clash between Argentina and Mexico.

After Lionel Scaloni’s men suffered what has statistically been proven to be the biggest World Cup shock in history with defeat to Saudi Arabia, this is now close to must-win territory for La Albiceleste – certainly must-not lose.

Mexico would not have expected to have more points than their more illustrious Americas rivals at this stage, but a goalless stalemate against Poland has presented that scenario.

Argentina will be expected to bounce against a side they have beaten on eight of the last nine occasions and a Lautaro Martinez goal and an Argentine win carries a 5/2 punt with BoyleSports.

For Mexico meanwhile, Alexis Vega was central to their efforts against the Poles and the Chivas forward will be hopeful of getting in behind a rocky defence. Vega is 13/2 to score anytime with Bet365.

Another play we will be looking at also will be on cards, with a history of fiery encounters between these two sides.

If we throw Daniele Orsato into the mix as referee, the Italian showed six yellows in the opener between Qatar and Ecuador and should be a busy man here.

For Mexico to have 2+ cards in each half, a 7/1 shot with PaddyPower is interesting, or as another option, for over 5.5 cards to be shown in total might be a better play at 9/5 with Betfair.

France v Denmark, Sunday, 16:00

Sunday, meanwhile, is lining up particularly nicely, and before the evening’s main event, France play Denmark in Doha.

Les Bleus came from behind to beat Australia first up but here, they face a Danish side that beat them home and away in the Nations League this past year.

Christian Eriksen made a momentous return to the international tournament stage against Tunisia and will be keen to assert a greater authority over Les Bleus.

To have 1 or more SOT from outside the box, a 2/1 flutter with Betfair could land, whilst for Denmark to win either half meanwhile, the same price from a boosted 5/4 can be had with BoyleSports.

On the flip side, the French recovered well from an early scare against the Socceroos to romp home 4-1, as Olivier Giroud notched a brace to continue his excellent form this season in Italy for AC Milan.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea man looks good value for at least another here and if France can put behind them two successive losses to the Danes, for Giroud to score and France to win at 9/4 from 5/2 – again with BoyleSports – may be favourable.

Spain v Germany, Sunday, 19:00

Then to the showpiece of the evening as the action moves 35km from the capital to Al Khor and a classic European showdown; One which for Germany, could spell another shock early exit from a major tournament.

As Spain arrive from a seven-nil demolition of Costa Rica, an ever-plucky Japan stunned Hansi Flick’s men last Wednesday, leaving this game with huge stakes at play.

On paper even before kick-off, the odds are not in the Germans favour, having lost four of the last seven versus La Furia Roja, with just one win since the turn of the millennium.

Though their last meeting saw Spain dismantle the Germans 6-0, in the previous five games a maximum of two goals have been scored.

With the stakes high especially for Flick, therefore, this looks like another close encounter and a bet of under 2.5 goals at 3/4 with UniBet could close to double your stake.

Luis Enrique’s charges were in destructive form to open their campaign and Marco Asensio hit a double playing as a false nine between Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres.

The Real Madrid midfielder has had a tough time with injury of late but looks at home in a more advanced role and taking on side already shaken up can be snapped up at 3/1 for an anytime goal with Bet365.

If you are inclined to think DFB Team can turn things around however, hedging your bets with a 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 for Germany is priced at very decent 4/1 with BoyleSports.

After an electric start to their World Cup campaign with a 6-2 win over Iran, England play their second Group B game against the USA on Friday night in Al Khor.

Putting behind them a run of bad form this year, the Three Lions will be buoyant in a 12^th meeting against Gregg Berhalter’s men who were held late versus Wales on Sunday.

Carrying one of the biggest threats of any side in the tournament through wide play, Gareth Southgate has a raft of options at his disposal but two-goal Bukayo Saka will again be a key figure here.

For the Arsenal man to score and England to win, an 11/4 price with BoyleSports can be snagged, or, an England win with BTTS at 14/5 with SpreadEx might be a more thoughtful approach.

The two sides either side of the Atlantic have met twice before in the World Cup and their last meeting in 2010 saw a 1-1 draw, punctuated by Rob Green’s fumbled stop that let Clint Dempsey in for a point in Rustenburg 12 years ago, after Steven Gerrard’s fourth-minute opener.

Could we again see an early goal in the shadows of Doha this time around? For a goal between 0-15 minutes to occur, a 5/2 shot with Betway is available.

For the US, Christian Pulisic retains the chief threat and the Chelsea man will be keen to remind the country of his employment of his potency, despite having become a peripheral figure in the Premier League.

Pulisic will be a danger to England on the wing and to register an assist, William Hill are offering a very inviting 6/1 price. Alternatively, a Pulisic goal OR and assist will fetch an 11/4 boosted offer with Betfair.

Sticking with the same bookie, both Timothy Weah and Jude Bellingham were on the scoresheet in their respective opening Group games and for both men to have 1+ SOT, a 9/2 bet looks favourable.

This contest is very likely to be dominated by the counter-attack with both sides playing particularly high lines. Though England were dominant against Iran – dubious VAR calls aside for the penalty – conceding two goals did nothing to disperse defensive concerns and Harry Maguire will be under scrutiny.

With the width the US have and their play through the middle, the Manchester United defender will be tested and for Maguire to be carded can be snapped up with SpreadEx at a price of 17/5.

At the other end, Maguire will of course be a menace and we feel this could be his time to pounce against a porous back line that has struggled aerially in the past. A Maguire anytime goal carries welcoming 12/1 value with VBet, while to score with his head, a longer 20/1 shot with SkyBet is on the table.

Finally, returning to the cards menu, Jesus Valenzuela will be the man in charge on Friday night and the Venezuelan has shown at least six yellow cards in his last four games in the middle.

Given the Americans are a fairly physical outfit, for the game to see over 50 booking points, 6/5 odds with SkyBet look more than attainable, or even to push to 60 for at 2/1.

 

Our Best Of Bets France vs Australia picks and predictions with betting news, tips, live odds and free bets.

France and Australia kick off their World Cup runs in the group stage on today at 7pm. The star-studded French squad is attempting to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 – and that quest begins this evening. However, Les Blues have bee riddled with injuries and are playing without midfielders N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba and striker Karim Benzema. The replacements for Kante and Pogba are expected to be Real Madrid’s 20 year old Eduardo Camavinga and 22-year-old Aurélien Tchouaméni, both of whom will be making their World Cup debuts; but with players including Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud on World Cup defence mission, the French squad looks stronger than ever and shouldn’t have too many issues to take care of Australian in the opener.

Mbappe announced himself to a global audience four years ago with some electric performances, and he hasn’t slowed down since. With key contributions in France’s run to UEFA Nations League glory last year and a red-hot start to this season with PSG (12 goals in 13 league games), there’s no scarier prospect for defenders than Mbappe in full flight with the ball at his feet.

Make no mistake, he is the undisputed focal point of this French team. With significant changes in midfield to address injuries to N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, France will be counting on Mbappe’s movement and eye for goal to smooth that transition. There’s less margin for error and the team’s superstars have to perform.

Having said that, Argentina was the firm favourite to win over Saudi Arabia today and that ended up in absolute tatters as Messi’s team ended up losing 2-1 in what can only be described as one of football’s biggest ever upsets. Australia, who are hoping that lightning will strike more than once, will hope that a compact, gritty game plan can stifle a France team that may need a few games to find top gear. But the fact that Australia haven’t won a World Cup game since 2020 and have just two wins in their last 12 World Cup games, makes entertaining reading for the French. In fact the Socceroos haven’t scored a non-penalty World Cup goal since Tim Cahill in 2014. 

With the hosts Qatar having opened the tournament on Sunday, the following afternoon sees England embark on their 17^th World Cup campaign, taking on Iran in Khalifa.

Having reached the last four of the previous two major tournaments, The Three Lions are again fancied to do well and might have been handed far tougher opposition than Carlos Queiroz’s men first up. But is this game such the foregone conclusion?

Here at BestofBets we have already stated our reservations about England with a worrying lack of form despite their most recent tournament showings. If an England win is the only result you can see though, an evens bet for victory with William Hill should be your number one stop at a maximum stake of £10.

Meanwhile, at an identical price with SkyBet, a Harry Kane goal or assist can be backed, but concerns over fatigue and a lack of form might be factors to merit a second thought. Instead, a 3/1 flutter for Phil Foden to find the net with Bet365 is a further option to think on.

Iran will be pushovers, right? Though a team who have only won two World Cup matches in their history, Iran are a vastly improved side from Russia 2018 where they narrowly failed to progress from the Group stages after beating Morocco but losing to Spain by only a single goal and drawing with Portugal.

Part of a stunning upset of the USA at France ’98, this time around Team Melli have the players to cause England worries, though an upset for many would seem quite the stretch. Any form of result is of course against the odds but – as one swaying ingredient – the stifling conditions could favour the rank underdogs and a 15/4 price for a draw with Bet365 could be a good cover measure.

Iran possess two dangerous front men, firstly in the shape of FC Porto hitman Mehdi Taremi. With 28 goals for his country, Taremi may have only netted three times in his nation’s colours, but his height and physicality could cause an oft-shaky England defence problems.

Strike partner Sardar Azmoun, dubbed ‘the Iranian Messi,’ meanwhile, was prolific for Zenit St. Petersburg in previous years and though yet to find his feet in the Bundesliga combines with Taremi to form a potentially potent double. Backing either player to score on Monday fetches good odds, with Bet365 dangling a 15/2 price individually on either man to score. As another alternative, Iran should at the very least threaten the England goal and for both men to have over 2 SOT combined, a 9/1 shot with ‘Hills is an interesting option.

One other name we might be having a flutter on would be Karim Ansarifard. The Omonia forward will be no stranger to certain personnel in the England XI having given his club a surprise Europa League lead over Manchester United earlier this season and the 32-year-old was also the man to score from the spot in the last World Cup over the Portuguese. His appearance may only come from the bench, but an Ansarifard goal carries real weight at 9/1 with Bet365.

Finally, Brazilian referee Raphael Claus has been assigned this game and though his card ratio in Serie A this term has been under 4.6 per game this term, the Sao Paulo native has often been a man to stamp his authority on a game. Iran look set to have men behind the ball here for large periods of the game but with a capability to counter at speed, there could be some late challenges flying – not only from Iran. Is a 9/4 shot with SkyBet for both teams to receive 20+ booking points out of range? It may not be.

So let’s now focus on the real meat and bones of World Cup betting; the outrights.

Starting with two potential winners, just a second South American winner since the turn of the millennium looks a strong bet and both Brazil and Argentina hold persuading cases. The latter arrive in Qatar as Copa America winners from last year and have gone 35 games without defeat. With Lionel Messi set for a World Cup swansong and retaining sheer quality throughout their ranks, many feel Argentina’s time may finally have come. Equally, in the case of Brazil, Argentina are the only side to hand defeat to the Selecao in the past three years. You can still get Brazil to win the tournament at 4/1 with SkyBet and new bookie Midnite, whilst Argentina are 11/2 across the board. To reach the final, both teams are 5/2 and 4/1 respectively with Bet365.

What of England’s chances? Having suffered Nations League relegation, uncertainty hangs over the Three Lions. Without a win in six games and having lost half of those contests, England’s quality cannot be refuted but Gareth Southgate’s men have been lacking for the majority of 2022. Currently fifth favourites though, England have reached the last four of the past two major comps and to repeat that feat are a best price of 19/10 with Coral.

On the other hand, whilst a Group containing Iran, USA and Wales – on paper – may look one to easily negotiate but we have a feeling it won’t be so straightforward. It is unthinkable to ponder England crashing out early and failing to reach the knockouts. Right? A punt at 8/1 with QuinnBet and Bet365 might yet be worth a bob or two.

Holders France, meanwhile, are again amongst the favourites to retain their crown; but the picture may not be as clear-cut. Indeed, like England, France dropped down to League B of the Nations League recently and have won just a one of their last six, losing three. It is well worth remembering also, that the last time France entered the World Cup as defending champions, a shock exit in the Group stages followed. Could history repeat 20 years on ? Ladbrokes will offer you similar 8/1 odds.

For a tournament dark horse meanwhile, The Netherlands could suit. Twice runners-up in 1974 and 1978, 12 years ago in South Africa the Oranje fell short in the final once more but with few people having the Dutch on their betslip, could 2022 finally be their year? With a strong spine of Frenkie De Jong, Mathias De Ligt and Memphis Depay, Holland are unbeaten since surprise Euro 2020 last 16 exit to the Czech Republic. A few bucks may well be had on unlikely Dutch glory at 14/1 with PaddyPower, or to reach the last four at 11/4 with Betfred.

As far as the Golden Boot goes, Harry Kane is favourite at 17/2 with UniBet, despite concerns over fatigue. Kylian Mbappe follows close by at 10/1 at BetUK, whilst Messi and Neymar come in at 11s and 13s respectfully with SportingIndex. After a long shot? Angel Di Maria may be worth a ponder. Netting twice against the UAE in midweek , the Juve man is now fully fit and importantly, fresh. A regular scorer for his country and with Argentina set to go deep in Qatar, Di Maria’s 200/1 price with UniBet looks well worth a small gamble.

Finally for now, taking a look at the African contingent in Qatar, AFCON champions Senegal’s hopes have been dealt a hammer blow with the news Sadio Mane is out of the tournament. With four other nations from the continent taking part, we might be persuaded to now look at Morocco instead. Though Group F looks a tough assignment with Belgium, Croatia and Canada, The Atlas Lions themselves hold a decent threat and could surprise. To finish Top African Team, Morocco are 10/3 with BoyleSports.

So here we are.

After weeks, months – indeed years – of build-up, controversy and a summer bereft of a major men’s tournament, the 22^nd World Cup has finally arrived in Qatar.

Sunday sees the opening game of the competition as the hosts take part in the traditional curtain-raiser against Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Kohr.

Many will scoff at Qatar’s chances in their first World Cup appearance, but disputes aside, the Arab nation have vastly improved since their international debut some 52 years ago. Beating both South Korea and Japan en-route to the Asian Cup in 2019, on home soil here, The Maroon will be no pushovers.

Nevertheless, with Group A containing both AFCON winners Senegal and an evolving Holland – both potential dark horses themselves – a win here is surely a must for any hopes of making it to the last 16.

It is Ecuador, however, who are regarded as favourites to deflate the early bubble of optimism for Qatar and to win at 16/11 with VBet. The hosts’ last win came back in August against fellow World Cup participants Ghana but two wins and two defeats have since followed. Nevertheless, A Qatari win would set up the tournament nicely and a 13/5 price with UniBet.

In the case of their opposition, having avoided calls to be banned from competing in this year’s tournament for fielding an ineligible player, in their fifth World Cup appearance, La Tricolor are made up chiefly of players from MLS and Liga MX. The South American outfit’s main concern will be finding the net despite boasting a decent attack. Indeed, Ecuador have failed to score more than a single goal in all of their last nine games. Backing under 1.5 goals at 9/5 with LiveScoreBet, therefore could make sense.

It could be even tighter though and for those punters brave enough, a goalless draw will stack up to 7/1 with William Hill, however with that said, in the three previous meetings between these two sides, all games have seen at least two goals scored, with a 4-3 encounter played out in Doha four years ago.

As we noted, this game could be quite a feisty affair with a fair amount riding on it, not least with the Ecuadorians involved. Indeed, In their last five World Cup CONMEBOL qualifiers, Gustavo Alfaro’s men have been shown three yellow cards. For just one further card in the game at over 3.5 cards, an evens punt, again with LiveScoreBet should go close. For a red card to be shown meanwhile, a 7/2 punt with PaddyPower and Betfair is also on the table.

For the goalscorer punters out there, Qatar’s main man in attack is Akram Afif. Netting twice in the FIFA Arab Cup 12 months ago, the Al Sadd converted winger more recently also netted against Chile and Ghana and with penalty duties also, a 4/1 shot with BetUK for Afif to score in the opener may appeal.

As the World Cup gets under on Sunday, the 22^nd edition of the tournament will be the first to use the still much-maligned VAR system.

Will this have an affect on the cards market?

Looking back, the last World Cup in Russia saw just FOUR red cards – the least amount since Argentina ’78. Though the heat in the Arab nation will be sapping, we are not anticipating a dearth of dismissals, especially via referral.

The previous two competitions in Brazil and South Africa saw 10 reds and 17 in respectively, whilst Germany 2006 holds the record for most sendings off with a mammoth 28 reds – nine of which were straight reds. To back over 9.5 red cards in 2022 therefore, a 6/4 with SkyBet could be a no-brainer.

It might also be worth a few custom bets and we might have a flutter on the count getting to 20. You can do this in one example for over 19.5 reds on #YourOdds with William Hill at a mighty 66/1. If, however, you think the red card mount may not get into double figures, you can back under 7 reds at 3/1, also with ‘Hills.

As the tournament inches closer, more markets are opening up, including one for individual team cards with BetUK. Ecuador are our fancy here.

Having received at least three yellow cards in their last five World Cup qualifiers, of the most likely candidates to be shown one, Piero Hincapie is a prime contender.

A regular name in the book for Bayer Leverkusen this term, the versatile defender saw yellow cards against Atletico Madrid and home and away against Porto in the Champions League, whilst he has also seen red twice already this term in the Bundesliga.

Ecuador are unlikely to shy away from a tackle in Qatar, so a treble-your-money 2/1 for Hincapie to be the most booked player for La Tricolor makes a lot of sense.

As we have stated, card markets will open up as the tournament progresses and one games that punters should keep an eye on during the opening week is Argentina’s clash with Mexico on the first Saturday of the World Cup.

A spicy history between the two, this fixture in 2006 saw Maxi Rodriguez score one of the all-time great tournament goals in their last 16 meeting. It also saw six yellows cards, but when the two last met in a ‘friendly’ international back in 2019, eight cards were shown. Therefore, having a flutter on booking points should be considered nearer the time.