World Cup Predictions & Tips | Day 10: Sunday 21 June

With the Netherlands and Japan sharing the points, Sweden took full advantage with a thumping 5-1 win over Tunisia. Ayari was the star with a double and if he continues to shine in the coming weeks, the offers will come flooding in for the Brighton midfielder. His combination with the duo of Isak and Gyokeres had the Tunisian defenders in a spin meaning the Dutch defence will be on high alert. The midfield trio of Gravenberch, Reijnders and de Jong hold the key for the Netherlands but all three do their best work when on the ball. The history between these two nations spans more than a century with the Netherlands leading the H2H 8-7 with 5 draws. Both teams have scored in 5 of the last 6 clashes and that has been a theme in Sweden’s recent fixtures. Over 2.5 goals is 6-1 in their last 7 with both teams finding the back of the net in all those games. Sweden have scored 14 goals across their last 5 and are finding form when it matters most. With just one point on the board the Dutch will need to push for the win and that will suit the underdogs. Have both teams scoring with Sweden a good shout to score multiple goals.

Tips

Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals ($1.88)
Value: Sweden Over 1.5 goals ($3.70)
SGM: Both Teams To Score, Sweden Double Chance, 2nd Half Over 1.5 goals ($5.10)

Of the European giants, Germany have attracted the least amount of attention from the media. That changed following a 7-1 win over Curacao with Havertz grabbing a double. The duo of Kimmich and Undav claimed two assists each but the battle against the Ivory Coast will be far more challenging. Their battle against Ecuador looked destined for a goalless draw until a touch of class from Man Utd’s Amad Diallo gave them all three points. They play Curacao in the final group game which means this game is almost a free throw at the stumps for them. Ivory Coast has won its last two games against European opposition (2-1 vs France and 1-0 vs Scotland), both of which took place this year. These two were scheduled to face off in a friendly in March this year but that was cancelled once they were drawn in the same group for this tournament. Germany have won their last 10 games but it is worth mentioning that they have conceded at least once in 4 of their last 5. Expecting another game with goals galore.

Tips

Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals ($1.68)
Value: 2nd Half Over 2.5 goals ($3.70)
SGM: Both Teams To Score – YES, 1st Half Result – Draw, Both Teams 3+ Corners ($6.40)
First Goalscorer Promo: Kai Havertz ($4.80)

A lack of goals has been the problem for Ecuador over an extended period and it proved costly in their opening group game. A 1-0 loss to the Ivory Coast means they must win this one by a significant margin to give themselves a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages. Curacao were poor against Germany and I don’t expect any improvement from them here. Ecuador have scored multiple goals in only 3 of their last 14 games but that is irrelevant in this instance as they are facing an inferior opponent and need to push for goals. In their last three games against teams present in this competition, Curacao have conceded 16 goals and 4+ in each games (Germany 7-1, Australia 5-1 and Scotland 4-1).

Tips

Best Bet: Ecuador WIN/Over 2.5 goals ($1.50)
Value: Over 4.5 goals ($3.40)
SGM: Both Teams To Score – YES, Ecuador WIN, 1st Half Over 1.5 goals ($4.81)

A heavy 5-1 defeat against Sweden has left Tunisia behind the eight ball. In contrast, Japan earned themselves a valuable draw against group favourites Netherlands and have put themselves in a position to win the group. The winner will likely come down to goal difference so look for Japan to go on with the job if they take an early lead. They have prepared themselves very well for this tournament by scheduling friendlies against nations from each of the confederations that they will face in this tournament. They were 2-0 winners over Ghana in November last year and extended their unbeaten run to 8 games (6 wins, 2 draws). Japan have recorded 5 clean sheets in their last 6 while Tunisia have failed to score in 4 of their last 5. Japan to win by multiple goals.

Tips

Best Bet: Japan WIN/Over 1.5 goals ($1.95)
SGM: Japan Score in Both Halves – YES, Tunisia Under 0.5 goals ($4.71)