World Cup: A Betting Preview of the Final Round of Group Games

It’s fast becoming an unforgettable World Cup tournament!

From early goals (Cristiano Ronaldo’s fourth minute winner against Morocco) to late winners (Coutinho, Neymar and Toni Kross’ extra-time goals against Costa Rica and Sweden respectively), this edition of the tournament will definitely not be forgotten anytime soon.

This weekend, the second round of group stage games will come to an end. Going forward, the new week will feature the final round of group games wherein the boys will finally be separated from the men.

Although some teams have made sure of their qualification (France, Russia, Croatia), some other teams have it all to fight for. This means there will be more than enough action starting Monday. As we anticipate the action, here’s a betting preview of games to watch out for:

1. Uruguay vs. Russia

Both teams have qualified for the next round having won their opening two matches. But this game will determine which of the two teams will finish top of the table.

For Russia (the joint highest scoring side in the tournament so far), all they need to achieve that aim is to draw their game. It’s a must-win game for Uruguay if they’re to finish first.

2. Group B matches

With Spain and Portugal joint group leaders (points, goals scored and goals conceded), both teams will be looking to outscore each other in the final group games. But it may be a hard task for both teams, especially Portugal against Iran.

Iran has not conceded more than a single goal since the tournament began. They have three points – one behind Portugal – and will fancy their chances of qualifying out of the group.

3. France vs. Denmark

The French team has already qualified. The game against Denmark is one that the Danish team needs to ensure their qualification. Should they lose and Australia wins their game against Peru with a good amount of goals, Denmark may be on their way out.

Going into this game, Ericksen and co. will be wary of their poor record against France. In their last six meetings, they’ve only managed one win, with the rest games ending in losses for them.

4. Nigeria vs. Argentina

The Argentines, despite being rock-bottom of the group, still have a chance of qualifying. All they need to do is defeat Nigeria – like they’ve routinely done in each of their meetings at the World Cup.

For the Nigerians, a win/draw will be good enough to send them through to the next round.

Save for their last meeting in Brazil, the other two meetings ended in 1-0 victories for Argentina. But recent history between both teams suggests that this game may be full of goals. Nigeria have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 4 matches against Argentina in all competitions.

5. Group E games

All top three teams in Group E can still qualify out of the group. As things stand, the final games in this group will be more or less like a final for all, save for Costa Rica.

Serbia vs. Brazil is the game to watch in this group.

Serbia’s game against Switzerland was the first game in this World Cup where a team came from a losing position to win the game. They were the losing team on the night.

Going against a Brazil team that scored two goals after the 90 minute mark against Costa Rica with that kind of record will not be too helpful. But both sides have conceded at least a goal each in this tournament.

Which of these games are you looking forward to seeing in the coming week? Leave us a comment and share your thoughts with us.