World Cup Predictions & Tips | Day 17: Sunday 28 June

England failed to find a way through Ghana and now hold the record for the most 0-0 draws in the history of this competition (13). They cannot afford a repeat of that hear as it would open the door for either Ghana or Croatia to top the group. Panama’s 1-0 loss means they cannot make the knockout stages and the shackles are effectively off. They have nothing to lose and that should see them employ a more attacking mindset with the limited possession that they will have. The last time Panama faced a top 10 ranked nation was Brazil in May where they were comprehensively beaten 6-2. England were patient in their build-up play against Ghana but suspect they will have more intent in the opening 15minutes this time around. The big names have put on a show so far in the tournament (Mbappe, Haaland, Messi, Vinicius Junior etc) and Harry Kane will not want to go a second game without finding the back of the net.

Tips

Best Bet: England WIN/Over 2.5 goals ($1.55)
Value: England Over 4.5 goals ($5.25)
SGM: England Score in Both Halves, England Over 6.5 corners, Kane Anytime Goalscorer ($3.62)
First Goalscorer: Harry Kane ($2.80)

An impressive defensive display saw Ghana hold England to a 0-0 draw and they only need a draw in this one to secure a top two finish and avoid a group winner in the Round of 32. Croatia managed to keep their hopes alive with a narrow 1-0 win over Panama but were less than convincing. The created a total of only 6 shots despite winning the line share of possession and did not look threatening. That spells trouble here as Ghana were able to keep a clean sheet against an England side that had 79% possession and 19 shots. Ghana are defending as a unit and using Ayew up top as an outlet to hold the ball up rather than try to flood numbers forward on the counter. Modric is still driving the bus for Croatia but was dropping very deep to get on the ball against Panama. There will be no complaints from Ghana if he does the same here and they will have little difficulty containing Croatia’s attack. By the time kick off arrives Croatia will know if they can progress even if they lose. If that is the case, we could see them take a conservative approach. Croatia should NOT be odds on to win this match with Unders 2.5 goals a special.

Tips

Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals ($1.64)
Value: Draw ($3.30)
SGM: Ghana Double Chance, 1st Half Result – Draw, Under 3.5 goals ($3.53)

With a goal difference of -7 it would take a miracle for Uzbekistan to finish as one of the top 8 third placed teams. Congo on the other hand control their own destiny courtesy of a valuable 1-1 against Portugal in their opening game. It means a win here would guarantee them a spot in the next phase and they have played well enough to get there. Holding Portugal and Colombia to a single goal each is a testament to their defensive structure. With a total of 7 goals allowed across their last 8 games, the number don’t lie. Under 2.5 goals is 13-2 in their last 15 games and Uzbekistan are unlikely to contribute to the total having failed to score in 4 of their last 7 games. Congo will record a narrow but very valuable win.

Tips

Best Bet: Congo WIN ($1.80)
Value: Congo WIN/Under 2.5 goals ($4.00)
SGM: Both Teams To Score – NO, 1st Half Under 1.5 goals, Congo Most Corners ($3.03)

Order was restored for Portugal with a thumping 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. Ronaldo grabbed a first half double and ended the game with 7 shot attempts. They were more direct with their attack and it paid dividends. Colombia will pose a greater attacking threat than their first two opponents but that may be beneficial. Portugal have sometimes had difficulty against teams who park 11 players behind the ball but Colombia does not fall into that category. They have been one of the most entertaining sides to watch with 35 shots through two games. Whenever the likes of Diaz and James Rodriguez have had an eye on goal, they have not hesitated to let it fly. Over 2.5 goals has hit in 9 of their last 12 matches and they have scored at least once in each of their last 8. Both teams with take part in the Round of 32 but top spot in the group means a favourable draw in the next stage. A draw will be enough for Colombia but with Portugal needing all three points we should be treated to an enthralling contest. Goals galore. 

Tips

Best Bet: Both Teams To Score – YES ($1.85) 
Value: Over 3.5 goals ($3.50) 
SGM: Ronaldo Anytime Goalscorer, Luis Diaz 3+ Shots, 1st Half Over 1.5 goals

The first fortnight of the tournament has been the Messi show with the reigning Golden Ball winner scoring 5 goals across the opening two games. Argentina has clinched top spot in Group J on the back of wins in the first two games and the biggest concern for fans is Messi being rested. The manager has indicated that he will rotate the squad but Messi insists on starting to maintain his rhythm. He will likely be substituted early and that is good news for Jordan who must go all out for the win. They have managed to score in both games but have nothing to show for their efforts. Breaking through against Argentina will not be as easy as the defending champions have gone five games without conceding a single goal! We were right on the money with the correct score (2-0) in their last game and a goal in each half will see them repeat that score.

Tips

Best Bet: Under 3.5 goals ($1.50)
Value: Argentina 2-0 ($6.20)
SGM: Argentina To Score in Both Halves, Under 8.5 corners, 1st Half Under 1.5 goals ($5.93)

A come from behind win over Jordan has put Algeria’s campaign back on track but a negative goal differential means they sit third behind Austria. Neither side can overcome Argentina at the top of Group J but a point would be enough for Austria to secure second place. Under 2.5 goals is 6-2 in Austria’s last 8 games and they have conceded a total of only 6 goals during that stretch. Austria have scored 2+ goals just 3 times in their last 8 games so there is limited concern of them picking off Algeria on the counter. Instead, we are more likely to see them focus on their defence and play for a draw. We have already seen other teams make this mistake (South Korea just one example) but do not be surprised if Algeria dominate possession.

Tips

Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals ($1.44)
Value: Algeria WIN ($3.70)
SGM: Both Teams To Score – NO, 2nd Half Over 0.5 goals, Algeria Over 4.5 corners ($6.64)