The round of 16 at the World Cup has been more entertaining than we could’ve anticipated and there’s a distinct feeling in the air that there is plenty more edge-of-your seat stuff to come as we head into the final two games of this stage of the competition.
Some of the biggest stars of the game are going head-to-head in the day’s late kick off with Colombia against England, with over-achievers Sweden and Switzerland facing off just a few hours prior.
A victory mean a spot in the quarter-finals as the gleam of the World Cup trophy draws that much nearer, and our football betting expert has run through some of the best bets as we gear up for another thrilling day of football.
Sweden v Switzerland
Switzerland’s route to the last 16 was more or less as expected, finishing second in their group behind Brazil, whereas Sweden’s journey to this point was rather less predictable. The Scandinavians ended up topping their group ahead of Mexico, Korea and, of course, current World Cup holders Germany.
The Swedes will be looking to reach the quarter-finals of a World Cup for the first time since 1994, when they finished 3rd in the competition, while Switzerland’s last appearance in the quarter-finals was back in 1954 when they hosted the tournament.
A draw after 90 minutes seems like a likely outcome, with Grosvenor Sport going 15/8 for a 1-1 scoreline before extra time. Switzerland are favourites to take the game but I can see this one turning out to be a tight one, with both sides careful not to open themselves up by playing potentially risky football.
A 4/1 punt for the Swedes to go into the break enjoying a 1-0 lead could be the way to go, with Ola Toivonen who grabbed a goal against Germany 7/1 to net the opener here.
Colombia v England
England endured a somewhat bittersweet defeat to Belgium last week, meaning that their quarter-final opponents will come in the form of either Sweden or Switzerland. But first they must overcome Colombia – a side who put three past Poland before overcoming Senegal to reach the last 16 for the third time in their history.
Confidence will be running high for the South American nation who progressed as winners of their group, despite losing their opening game to Japan, and they are a healthy 3/1 with Grosvenor Sport to take the game here.
Meanwhile, England will no doubt be pleased to escape a potential clash with heavyweights Brazil but Colombia must not be taken lightly and the Three Lions may have to dig deep to keep their hopes of bringing football home alive. Gareth Southgate’s side are an overwhelming Evens to dispatch Colombia and head into the quarters.
Raheem Sterling, Jesse Lingard and Jordan Henderson are all expected to make a return to the line-up, following their one-match respite against Belgium. With arguably England’s strongest XI set to walk out at Otkritie Arena, I’d expect a rip-roaring start which could see former Arsenal keeper David Ospina pick the ball out of his net a couple of times at least, with Golden Boot contender Harry Kane 7/1 to score two or more looking like a worthwhile gamble.
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