World Cup Predictions & Tips | Day 15: Friday 26 June

With H2H results now being the initial tiebreaker, Germany secured top spot in Group E when they beat the Ivory Coast. It means that they have the luxury of resting key players and rotating the squad to ensure they are perfectly prepared for the knockout stages. In contrast, Ecuador is likely to need all three points to progress and only have themselves to blame after failing to score in both of their matches thus far. It should not come as a surprise to anybody as they play a style that does not place a great emphasis on scoring. They registered a total of only 14 goals in their 18 qualifying matches and the reality is that Germany could play a second-string side and still maintain a clean sheet. These two nations met at the equivalent stage back in 2006 with Germany posting a comfortable 3-0 win. We could see an identical scoreline this time around.

Tips

Best Bet: Germany WIN ($1.94)
Value: Germany WIN/Under 3.5 goals ($2.70)
SGM: Germany Most Corners, Ecuador Under 0.5 goals ($5.30)
First Goalscorer Promo: Nick Woltermade ($6.00)

Ivory Coast were moment away from holding Germany to a draw but the European powerhouse was able to find a 95th minute goal to claim a 2-1 win. Despite the result, they still control their own destiny as Ecuador could only manage a draw against Curacao. It could prove to be a valuable point for Curacao as an upset win for them here would see them finish second in the group. We must take our hats off to Curacao – a nation with a population of only 150,000. They put on a tremendous defensive display against Ecuador and with the Ivory Coast needing only a draw, we could see another low scoring game. Keeping a clean sheet will be a huge test for Curacao as Ivory Coast have scored at least once in each of their last 7 matches in this competition. If the African nation manages to find the lead they will be happy to sit on it and pick Curacao off on the counter.

Tips

Best Bet: Curacao +2.5 ($1.60)
Value: Ivory Coast WIN/Under 2.5 goals ($3.40)
SGM: 1st Half Under 1.5 goals, 2nd Half Ivory Coast Under 1.5 goals, Over 9.5 corners ($4.19)

Sweden were flying when they opened the competition with a 5-1 win over Tunisia but they were brought back down to earth when they lost to the Netherlands by the same scoreline. Japan on the other hand extended their unbeaten run to 9 games on the back of an impressive 4-0 win over Japan. It is a result that was in the making as they had won 6 in a row leading into the tournament and began their campaign with a credible 2-2 draw against Netherlands. Their defence deserves mention as they have recorded 6 clean sheets in their last 7 which will make life very difficult for Sweden. Over 2.5 goals is 6-0 in Sweden’s last 6 and this is effectively a free hit to claim second spot as three points will be enough to qualify as one of the 8 best 3rd placed team. What it all means is a very open contest with goals galore.

Tips

Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals ($1.78)
Value: Over 3.5 goals ($2.80)
SGM: Japan WIN, Both Teams To Score – YES, 2nd Half Over 1.5 goals ($4.28)

When the schedule was released Tunisia would have been happy to receive the Netherlands in the final group game as there would be the potential that they would rest players if they had already secured qualification. The Dutch have managed to secure qualification but top spot is still up for grabs with Japan and Sweden both in contention. The bigger issue for Tunisia is that they have been awful. They were picked apart in a 5-1 loss to Sweden and were just as bad in a crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Japan. The scary part is that the Netherlands are the superior attacking side in the group. They were clinical in a 5-1 win over Sweden with the duo of Brobbey and Gakpo both scoring doubles. A scary stat emerged about Netherlands earlier this week and it is that they have not lost a match in regulation time since a 1-0 Round of 16 loss against Portugal in 2006! Tunisia will be heading home without a single point.

Tips

Best Bet: Netherlands Over 2.5 goals ($1.70)
Value: Netherlands Over 4.5 goals ($4.80)
SGM: Netherlands WIN, Depay Anytime Goalscorer, 2nd Half Netherlands Over 1.5 goals ($2.75)

If you were to look at the stats alone, one could be forgiven for thinking that Turkey were sitting at the top of Group D. Through two games played they lead the competition in shot attempts (62) and are second behind only Portugal in possession. Sadly for them, they have failed to turn that into a single goal and losses to Australia (2-0) and Paraguay (1-0) mean they are heading home regardless of the result in this game. The USA have managed just 26 shot attempts but have found the back of the net 6 times in two games. Both teams to score has hit in 8 of their last 10 games with 3+ total match goals in 70% of those matches. The co-hosts may have one eye on their Round of 32 match put Mauricio Pochettino will want his side to carry momentum into that contest. That means playing for a win here and we have already seen the impact that the home crowds have had. They have set the tone with goals in the opening 15 minutes of both games and it will not be a surprise if that trend continues here.

Tips

Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals ($1.72)
Value: Over 0.5 goals 0:00-15:00 mins ($2.90)
SGM: USA Double Chance, 1st Half Over 1.5 goals, Over 9.5 goals ($2.00)

A win over Turkey in their opening game placed Australia in the box seat to qualify for the Round of 32 but with Paraguay also scoring an upset win over Turkey, the Socceroos only need a draw to claim second spot in the group. Both teams were able to hold Turkey to nil but Australia has a superior goal difference with Paraguay losing 4-1 to the USA. The Socceroos were guilty of over-pressing the USA in the early stages of their clash and the co-hosts did an excellent job of moving the ball quickly and getting on the outside. They will rectify that here and will be aided by the fact that Paraguay will be more than happy to settle for a point. Under 2.5 goals is 4-0 in Australia’s last 4 games and this is a one of those rare scenarios where both teams along with their supporters will be happy to see them play out a scoreless draw.

Tips

Best Bet: Both Teams To Score – NO ($1.70)
Value: Correct Score 0-0 ($4.60)
SGM: 1st Half Under 0.5 goals, Australia Double Chance, Paraguay Most Corners ($4.81)