World Cup Predictions & Tips | Day 16: Saturday 27 June

What a way to start the day with Mbappe’s France taking on Haaland’s Norway. They have been the dominant forces in Group I and this match is a battle for top spot. As we have already found out, the Norwegians can do more than just row. They have scored 7 goals through 2 games with Haaland accounting for four of them. France is one shy of that number (6) with Mbappe scoring the same amount as Haaland but Les Blues have conceded just the one goal. Over 2.5 goals has hit in France’s last 11 games with Norway posting an 8-3 record in that department over the same period. The 3-0 win over Iraq was the first clean sheet in 7 games for France with Norway conceded at least once in 7 of their last 8. It makes for a thrilling contest with the duo of Mbappe and Haaland both eager to leave a mark on the biggest stage.

Tips

Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals ($1.68)
Value: Both Teams To Score and Over 3.5 goals ($3.00)
SGM: 1st Half Over 1.5 goals, Mbappe Anytime Goalscorer, Haaland Anytime Goalscorer ($8.40)

A spot in the knockout stages remains up for grabs if one of these two nations can win. Senegal have looked the more likely after having struck back multiple times in a 3-2 loss to Norway and managing to find the back of the net against France. Iraq have been struggling with losses in 5 of their last 8 including being held to nil in four of those games. Leading into the final round of group games only four of the 3rd placed teams had collected 3+ points. That means it is highly likely that a win will be enough regardless of goal difference. Consequently, we could see a very tight contest with the potential leader in the game reluctant to continue pressing forward. Cannot trust Iraq to break the deadlock so will be taking Senegal to post a narrow win.

Tips

Best Bet: Both Teams To Score – NO ($1.65)
Value: Senegal 1-0 ($8.25)
SGM: Senegal WIN, Under 2.5 goals, Highest Scoring Half – Second ($7.05)

A goalless draw with Cape Verde was far from the ideal start for Spain but they were able to get back on track with a comfortable 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia. Uruguay had a chance to take control of the group but their own draw with Cape Verde means that a draw will be enough for Spain to top the group. It poses a difficult scenario Uruguay who have never beaten Spain in 10 prior attempts (5 draws and 5 losses). They have however won 4 of their last 6 against European nations in this competition but conquering Spain is something nobody has been able to do in recent year. They have compiled a run of 33 games without defeat in competitive matches and gaining possession against them is hard enough, let alone scoring. Expecting a controlled performance from 2010 champions who will top the group.

Tips

Best Bet: Both Teams To Score – NO ($1.75)
Value: Spain WIN/Under 2.5 goals ($3.50)
SGM: Spain WIN, 1st half Under 1.5 goals, Under 9.5 corners ($3.51)

Neither side were expected to come away with any points from their battles against Spain and Uruguay but both have defied the odds. Cape Verde’s defence was impenetrable in a 0-0 draw with Spain but then displayed some attacking flair in a 2-2 draw with Uruguay. Saudi Arabia also drew with Uruguay but were no match for Spain in a 4-0 loss. Did not expect Cape Verde to be so well organised defensively and they have now recorded clean sheets in 7 of their last 12 games. An additional positive for them is that Saudi Arabia have not looked dangerous in attack – at this tournament or leading into it. They have scored multiple goals in only 1 of their last 8 games and have been held to nil in half of those matches. A draw could be enough for Cape Verde to finish second in the group and if that is the case, they will not be conceding a goal.

Tips

Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals ($1.78)
Value: 1st Half Correct Score 0-0 ($2.90)
SGM: Both Teams To Score – NO, Cape Verde Double Chance, Under 8.5 corners ($5.48)

For the second time in as many games New Zealand managed to score first and do so very early against Egypt. Unfortunately, Egypt was able to level just before the hour mark and then take the lead not long after. One point from two games despite opening the scoring on each occasion is disappointing but the equation for the All Whites is simple – win and you are through to the next round. Had it been a decade ago beating Belgium would be near impossible but as we have seen in this tournament, they no longer and attacking force. Big wins in qualifying over minnows like Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein have exaggerated their capabilities but they still command respect as they did dominate Iran despite being relegated to 10 men with almost half an hour still to play. New Zealand will stick to the game plan of using Wood as a target and playing off him. It has been effective and the reason why they have been able to overcome a poor run of results leading in. Belgium brings a 14-game unbeaten run into the contest and with both teams playing for maximum points, this one is likely to turn into a goal fest.

Tips

Best Bet: Both Teams To Score – YES ($2.30)
Value: Draw ($7.00)
SGM: New Zealand +1.5, Over 2.5 goals, Belgium Most Corners ($5.24)
First Goalscorer Promo: Elijah Just ($13)

Creating and taking your opportunities when they are presented to is crucial to success in tournament football. Egypt did this with great success in a 3-1 win over New Zealand by getting the ball to their dangerous players out wide, stretching the defence, and then getting balls into the penalty area. Mo Salah was a man on a mission – scoring the goal that gave them the lead and setting up the clinching goal in the closing stages. Containing him will be a priority for Iran who could qualify with a draw depending on other results. Egypt have benefited from a tough schedule which includes matches against Brazil, Spain, Senegal and the Ivory Coast. They have gained a substantial amount of confidence as a result and it shows in their free-flowing football. Very likeable at the price.

Tips

Best Bet: Egypt WIN ($2.45)
Value: Egypt Over 1.5 goals ($2.88)
SGM: Egypt Double Chance, Iran Goalkeeper 4+ Saves, Highest Scoring Half – Second Half ($6.09)