Some stunning results to start the FIFA World Cup.
BetDeluxe looks at four big upcoming clashes to see if some big names can bounce back and if the smaller nations can continue their winning ways.
Wales vs. Iran
25th November 9:00PM
Wales wasn’t tipped to do much in this tournament, but an impressive 1-1 draw against the USA showed that they aren’t just here to make up the numbers. A sturdy defensive game stifled most American passages to goal, and that defensive set-up could be their big strength.
As predicted, Gareth Bale holds the key to the Welsh hopes and stepped up when needed, converting a late penalty. As if he wasn’t already the primary focus for opposition planning, Bale looks set to receive extra attention as his team eyes off progression from the group stage.
Iran had a horror start to this World Cup with a thrashing at the hands of England.
They did manage two second-half goals through Mehdi Taremi, which is no mean feat against one of the World Cup favourites. He will be hungry for more and is the primary target for Iran up forward.
Of the many headaches from the loss, the injury to keeper Alireza Beiranvand might be the biggest. He held firm for the opening part of the game, but it was a hampered defensive outfit without him. He is unlikely to participate in this game which could open the floodgates for Wales.
Suggested Bet: Same game multi
Leg 1: Wales to win
Leg 2: Gareth Bale to score
Leg 3: Mehdi Taremi to score
Leg 4: Over 4.5 corners
Total: $12
France vs. Denmark
27th November 3:00AM
The two standouts from Group E had vastly different starts to their campaigns.
France dominated Australia in its match, running away 4-1 winners thanks mainly to the sublime skill of Kylian Mbappe. But it wasn’t a one-man show, with Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud having outstanding games.
That performance should go up a notch to remind contenders Denmark that they are a distance from the French team in all areas.
The Danes fought out a tough draw against relative minnows in Tunisia. World-class goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel held the fort for a Denmark team that was sometimes under siege.
Denmark has high expectations following a strong Euro 2020 performance and must improve if it is any chance to challenge Les Bleus. Expect a more extensive performance from Christian Eriksen, who knows how to score important goals at World Cups.
Suggested Bet: Olivier Giroud to score at $4.50
Tunisia vs. Australia
26th November 9:00PM
This game will go a long way toward shaping the fortunes of both teams. As expected, Australia found the going tough against France despite getting the first goal of the match through Craig Goodwin. There isn’t much to write home about after a 4-1 loss, but the performances of Mat Leckie and Kye Rowles gave the Socceroos some positives. At the same time, the late cameo from Garang Kuol could signify something bigger to come against less formidable opponents.
But Tunisia should not be easily dismissed after holding a quality Denmark team to a nil-all draw. Some class work in the midfield from Ellyes Skhiri and Aissa Laidouni set the tone for Tunisia, while Issam Jebali was unlucky not to come away with a score to his name. This could be tight, and it seems a draw would be the most likely result.
Suggested Bet: Draw at $3.10
Japan vs. Costa Rica
27th November 9:00PM
This match suddenly took on a new level of importance after Japan’s shock win over Germany. Japan’s ability to come back from an early deficit is as strong a sign as you can find that they are here to go deep into the tournament and are now in the box seat to progress from Group E.
Their bold, attacking approach has paid dividends and should continue in the clash with Costa Rica. Takuma Asano and Ritsu Doan were the players who converted for the Japanese team. Still, with increased output from star Takumi Minamino and a rock-solid Shuichi Gonda in goals, they should have no problems accounting for a Costa Rica team that Spain clinically dismissed to the tune of 7-0.
The Costa Rican team probably has the grimmest prospects of any of the 32 nations. Unless Joel Campbell and Celso Borges can step up to pull something special out of the hat, they are staring down the barrel of another heavy defeat.
Suggested Bet: Takuri Minamino, first goal scorer at $5
