A mixed bag of results means there are plenty of possibilities as the group stage closes.
BetDeluxe looks at four huge games to predict how the cards will fall.
Australia vs. Denmark
1st December 2:00AM
Another big game with both teams in the hunt to progress, Australia is in a slightly better position going into this game and can draw as long as France accounts for Tunisia.
Harry Souttar’s defence and Mat Ryan’s goalkeeping were significant factors in holding Tunisia at bay last week and will be needed again when facing a determined Denmark team led by Christian Eriksen.
Chris Goodwin has been their standout player throughout the tournament and is a major scoring threat for the Socceroos again in this one.
Eriksen has been a little below par so far this tournament but is a massive danger for Australia, who struggled with the world-class skills of Kylian Mbappe in the loss to France. Look for him to score and set up a Denmark win and progression if he does.
Suggested Bet: Christian Eriksen to score the first goal at $5.50
Poland vs. Argentina
1st December 6:00AM
Argentina was expected to win group C easily, but the landscape significantly changed with a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in the tournament opener.
As it stands, the second favourites to win the Cup are still a chance to miss out on progressing through to the round of 16 and will be doing everything in their power to make it through.
For both teams, a loss means they are out, a win sees them through, and a range of possibilities are in play in the case of a draw.
Argentina’s attacking style served them well in the win over Mexico. Enzo Fernandez caused all sorts of problems for the Mexican defence, while superstar Lionel Messi has scored in both games and is the key to his team in his final World Cup.
Poland plays an accountable, efficient game with Robert Lewandowski, their leading man. He and Piotr Zielinski were the scorers in their defeat of Saudi Arabia and will be the key focus here. But with Argentina carrying a colossal expectation and having to make up ground after their first-up loss, expect them to get the win here.
Suggested Bet: Robert Lewandowski, anytime goalscorer at $3.50
Croatia vs. Belgium
2nd December 2:00AM
This promises to be a very attacking game, with both teams needing a win to make it past the group stage. Croatia let itself down against Morocco but brought back its spark against Canada. Perhaps the most significant positive of the Canada win was that the 4-1 scoreline came without a goal contribution from superstar Luka Modric.
Modric comfortably sits as one of the best footballers in the world and will be determined to showcase his full array of talents here.
Andre Kramaric is their weapon up forward, scoring two goals in their most recent game and will be a handful for a Belgium team that conceded two goals to Morocco.
The Belgians have more than a few problems to come from that game, not least of all a suspension of Amadou Onana, which significantly weakens them. They were one of the nations who came into this World Cup with their golden generation having one last crack at ultimate success. But they might have to concede that it wasn’t to be with Croatia to win this one and progress.
Suggested Bet: Croatia to win at $2.60
Japan vs. Spain
2nd December 6:00AM
Japan has probably had the most prominent contrast between its two games – a stunning victory over powerhouse Germany followed by a gob-smacking loss to lowly Costa Rica.
Despite conceding a heartbreaking late goal to lose their second game, they are still in the hunt. Their efficiency and pass accuracy has been elite, and there is no reason to believe they can’t challenge the all-conquering Spain.
To do so, they need a vast improvement from star Takumi Minamino who has been quiet so far, while Ritsu Doan will need to get some early touches to pressure the Spaniards.
Spain can progress with a win or a draw here and is one of the teams to beat after a thumping 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica.
Alvaro Morata looks likely to start on the pitch after coming off the bench to score in both of its games, while their elite players Gavi and Pedri should contribute enough to see off Japan.
Suggested Bet: Total goals over 2.5 at $1.70
