World Cup Predictions & Tips | Day 3: Sunday 14 June

Qatar took part in the finals for the first time four years ago as the host nation. This time around they have earned their spot through qualification but have had a disrupted lead-up with three friendlies cancelled. They have played one match this year and it was a 1-0 loss to Ireland. They begin their campaign against a Swiss team that has been incredibly consistent for an extended period. This is their 6th consecutive appearance in the finals and they have made the knockout stages in 4 of the last 5. They went undefeated in qualifying and conceded a total of only 2 goals in 6 games played. The Swiss have always brought that with them on the world stage with 9 cleans sheets in their 19 games played in the finals from 2006 onwards. They have a very experienced squad with the duo of Xhaka and Freuler to provide them with complete control in the centre of the park. One goal with be enough for the Swiss to collect maximum points but they may grab a second late to seal victory.

Tips

Best Bet: Switzerland WIN/Under 3.5 goals ($1.91)
SGM: Switzerland WIN, Both Teams To Score – NO, 1st Half Result – Draw ($5.23)

Brazil may have won this tournament more times than any other nation (5) but have not lifted the trophy since 2002. Furthermore, the current squad does not have the aura or quality of those in the past. Finishing 5th in qualifying in unheard of for Brazil who at one stage lost consecutive games to Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina. They are an ageing squad with the likes of Marquinhos (32), Danilo (34), Casemiro (34) and Neymar (34) all well into their 30s. Carlo Ancelotti was appointed last year and despite winning their last three friendlies, they have conceded at least once in each of their last 5 games. At present, the gap between these two teams is minimal and this is reflected in the rankings with Brazil at no.6 and Morocco just behind them at no.7. Morocco have developed into the heavyweights of African football. They knocked out Spain and Portugal en-route to a 4th place finish in Qatar and have gone to another level since winning the Africa Cup of Nations and African Nations Championship. Their last loss in regulation came four years ago against Croatia. They will be finding the back of the net at least once and with the likes of Hakimi and Brahim Diaz on the pitch, they are a genuine chance of causing an upset.

Tips

Best Bet: Both Teams To Score – YES ($2.00)
SGM: Morrocco Double Chance, Over 2.5 goals, 1st Half Over 0.5 goals ($6.38)
First Goalscorer: Brahim Diaz ($10)

More than half a century has passed since Haiti last qualified for the finals (1974) and they will be hoping that they can collect at least a point this time around. Their presence in the tournament comes on the back of a perfect storm. Not only are there now 48 teams instead of 32, but the three biggest CONCACAF nations did not take part in qualifying as they are co-hosts (Mexico, USA and Canada). Scotland on the other hand topped a group that included Denmark and Greece. This is a golden generation for the Scots as the trio of Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay and John McGinn are household names in the world’s biggest leagues. They have played with a purpose in their recent friendlies with of 4-1 over Curacao and 4-0 against Bolivia. In a group that also includes Brazil and Morocco, the aim for Scotland in this match is not only to win, but to win by as many goals as possible.

Tips

Best Bet: Scotland WIN ($1.53)
Value: Scotland Over 3.5 goals ($6.00)
SGM: Scotland WIN, Over 2.5 goals, Shankland Anytime Goalscorer ($3.41)

This is the 6th consecutive appearance for Australia and they will be hopeful that they can overachieve as they did in Qatar where they made the Round of 16. The biggest thing holding them back is a lack of spark in attack. From 2006 onwards they have played 17 games in the finals and have scored only 17 goals (1.0 goals per game). The same pattern is present with the current squad as they have scored 2+ goals in only 1 of their last 8 matches. A single goal will not be enough here as Turkey have scored 22 goals in their last 8. That stretch comprises of 7 wins and a single draw which came against Spain in qualifying. Expecting Turkey to be in complete control of this contest thanks to their midfield trio who will be the best three players on the park. Calhanoglu will hold the fort in the pivot role with Arda Guler and Yildiz to do all the creating. The Socceroos will not give up but the gap in quality will be telling at the end of 90 minutes.

Tips

Best Bet: Turkey WIN ($1.72)
SGM: Turkey WIN, Both Teams To Score – YES, Turkey To Score in Both Halves ($5.20)