Archie Wilson shares his picks and plays for Day 16 of the World Cup.
We start off red hot with the game of the day, in my opinion, as current tournament favourites France clash with another unbeaten side in Norway. The Norwegians have been outstanding in their long-awaited return to the biggest stage and have been riding the hot form of their striker, Erling Haaland.
Will the form of the treble-winning target man be enough to get the Norwegians over the hump against this high-octane French team? I am not so sure, which is why I do have the side with multiple world-class attackers securing a win and the group while they are at it.
Tips
Best Bet: France To Win @ $1.70
Best Goalscorer: Kylian Mbappe ATS @ $1.87
Same Game Multi: Kylian Mbappe ATS + Erling Haaland ATS @ $5.09
Two sides with no points to their names have a last-ditch opportunity to salvage something from this tournament. Senegal, of the two teams, do seem much more likely to get the job done, secure three points and give themselves an opportunity to progress.
What you will also find, though, is goal difference is likely a major factor in the way this one is played, as Senegal not only have to win, but try to win big, so I would expect an open game.
Tips
Best Bet: Over 2.5 Total goals @ $1.53
Best Goalscorer: Nicolas Jackson ATS @ $1.85
Same Game Multi: 2.5 Total goals + Nicolas Jackson ATS + Iliman Ndiaye ATA @ $4.70
Another ripper of a clash that will determine who can top Group H, with a win either way being enough to secure top spot. Uruguay, of course, will enter this one as underdogs as they are coming up against the Euros champions Spain, but there is an argument that Uruguay have been the best winless side at the tournament, regardless of results.
Will that level of performance they have been providing be enough to topple a high-powered Spanish team? That’s where my questions would start to come in, and I think this one will end with Spain leaving with something.
Tips
Best Bet: Over 2.5 Total Goals @ $1.83
Best Goalscorer: Lamine Yamal ATS @ $1.85
Same Game Multi: 2.5 Total goals + Lamine Yamal ATS @ $3.56
I mean, what a story, am I right? A country with the population of Cape Verde generally doesn’t even make the World Cup. But with their start to the tournament having them sit on two points, all they would need is a draw in their easiest game of the group stage, and they will give themselves a great chance at knockout football.
Standing in their way is a Saudi Arabia team who, if they win, will also likely progress to the Round of 32 and will feel like they have their best chance of doing that against Cape Verde, which should put the game in an interesting position.
Tips
Best Bet: Cape Verde or Draw @ $1.40
Best Goalscorer: Ryan Mendes ATS @ $3.75
Same Game Multi: Cape Verde or Draw + Ryan Mendes ATS + Under 2.5 Total Goals @ $10.49
New Zealand find themselves in a do-or-die situation entering game three of the World Cup, needing to somehow get the job done against Belgium, who are historically a European powerhouse of football. It would be fair to say they haven’t lived up to that billing just yet in the tournament, as anything less than a draw would confirm their exit from the World Cup already.
That’s why I think this one is worrying for New Zealand, as they are going to be facing a highly motivated Belgium side with quality in all areas of the field, which will spell plenty of danger for a side needing to pull off the upset of the tournament.
Tips
Best Bet: Over 3.5 Total Goals @ 2.15
Best Goalscorer: Jeremy Doku ATS @ $1.85
Same Game Multi: Over 3.5 Total Goals + Jeremy Doku ATS @ $4.30
Closing out Saturday’s action will see Egypt look to get their second win of the tournament, while Iran will aim to continue their form, which has garnered them two draws to date, and a very impressive one at that against Belgium.
When looking at the two sides across the park and based on the performances so far, they do seem relatively evenly matched and should be poised for a close game. The difference may just be that extra bit of superstar quality Egypt have in Mo Salah, who has started his World Cup campaign with three G/A already.
Tips
Best Bet: Mohamed Salah To Score Or Assist @ $2.40
Best Goalscorer: Mohamed Salah ATS @ $3.10
Same Game Multi: Mohamed Salah To Score Or Assist + Both Teams to Score: Yes @ $3.64
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