It’s a big day in Groups C and D at the World Cup as the fate of several teams is decided.
There’s plenty of permutations as to who qualifies for the knockout stages and which teams will be making an early exit.
Group C gets us underway today with Australia needing a win over Peru, while already-qualified France take on Denmark.
This evening it’s the turn of Group D and all eyes will be on Argentina as they face Nigeria to see if they can qualify despite a disastrous first two games. Iceland need to better Argentina’s result against an impressive-looking Croatia if they are to stand any chance of making the latter stages.
Our betting expert runs through the World Cup betting odds ahead of the four games.
Australia v Peru
Only a win will do for the Socceroos if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.
An unfortunate defeat to France was followed by a 1-1 draw with Denmark and both their goals so far in this tournament have come from the penalty spot and Mile Jedinak’s boot.
Peru have showed encouraging signs despite their two defeats and although they are already out, they will want to go home on a high.
I fancy Australia to hold up their end of the bargain though and I will be going for an Australia win with both teams to score at 9/2.
Denmark v France
France hold all the aces and can ultimately decide the fate of who they would like to qualify alongside them from Group C.
Didier Deschamps’ side have not looked great so far, but have done enough to get maximum points and that’s all that counts at this stage of the tournament.
Denmark have looked impressive but failed to hold onto the lead against Australia in their second game, meaning a point will be enough to see the Danes progress.
I think that will be the case as well, with a draw and both teams to score looking a solid bet at 3/1.
Iceland v Croatia
Iceland were unable to build on their impressive opening draw with Argentina and they go into the final game needing a win over the Croats to stand any chance of securing a surprise spot in the last-sixteen.
Croatia have looked impressive in their opening two fixtures and while they may look at this as an opportunity to rest key players or those currently carrying a booking, I still believe they will do the job and a half-time/full-time bet on Croatia to pick up the win is 5/2.
Nigeria v Argentina
The biggest shock so far of the tournament would be if Argentina fail to make it past the group stages and they have it all to do against Nigeria in St. Petersburg.
The Super Eagles have performed well in their opening two games and they have the power up front to cause a weak and ageing Argentine defence problems.
As much as many people will want to see Lionel Messi and co. in the latter stages of the tournament, I cannot see it happening and believe a double chance bet of a Nigeria win and the draw at 6/4 looks good value.
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