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.
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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.
