World Cup Best Bets | Round of 32: Spain v Austria

Spain remain among the tournament favourites, but they’ve not really enhanced their reputation so far, with a rather humiliating 0-0 against Cape Verde followed by an expected win over Saudi Arabia and then a scrappy 1-0 with Uruguay.

Of course, they’re huge favourites against Austria, however, the Austrians can make it another tough grind for the European champions.

The Spanish have not won a knockout game since they became world champions in 2010, losing to both Russia and Morocco on penalties after disappointing draws.

The longer this goes on, the more the nerves will kick in.

Four of Spain’s last nine World Cup knockout games have gone to pens. Spain to win on pens could be a shout at $19.00

Although the focus is all on Spain’s attack, they’re yet to concede a goal at the tournament and I have enough faith in this young team that they won’t fall to the same fate as their predecessors.

On their way to glory in 2010, they won each of their knockout games 1-0, including the final… correct score 1-0 anyone?

I’ll be backing the European champs to win to nil.

When looking at this match-up for England, it feels like the kind of game that has provided them with issues for the last few years. In DR Congo, they are set to face a very compact low block, which they will have to somehow unpick through the central areas of the park. The problem with this England squad in particular is that they lack mavericks or creators who are able to produce a pass that can shatter a compact defence. Rather, they try to win via patterns of play and the system they have built the squad around.

Meaning I still see them getting the job done, but I don’t think it will be without stress for any England fans out there, as the two sides in this one scream a low-scoring affair.

Tips

Best Bet: Spain to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 3-0 @ $2.15

Best Goalscorer: Lamine Yamal ATS @ $2.30

Same Game Multi: Under 2.5 Total Goals, Spain to Win & Spain Over 5.5 Corners @ $4.22