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FIFA Soccer: World Cup Day 13 News & Notes 6/26/18

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(@shazman)
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Betting news, trends, odds and predictions from various handicappers and websites for Tuesday 6/26/18 .

 
Posted : June 26, 2018 8:58 am
(@shazman)
Posts: 57398
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Matchday 13 - Best Bets
June 25, 2018
By Toby Maxtone-Smith

World Cup: Matchday 13 Betting Preview

Tuesday, June 26

Australia vs. Peru (FS1, 10:00 a.m. ET)

Australia need to beat already eliminated Peru, hope that France beat Denmark and hope that the goal difference swing is big enough for them to qualify.

However, the Socceroos have won none of their last 15 matches against teams ranked above them, including 10 defeats, and Peru look to have a clear edge in this match-up. Both these sides have had the familiar failings of the less fancied teams at this World Cup.

There have been strong points for both. Australia are dogged and organised; Peru bright and bold. But neither has managed to score a goal from open play. In Russia it is finishing that is separating the good teams from the bad teams.

Once again Peru will have a lot of possession and will get in a lot of good areas. And with the pressure finally off them after their elimination, their front players may be more efficient finishers. They are 6/4 favourites, and even though the match is more important for Bert van Marwijk’s side, Peru still look the value to come away with a consolation win.

Prediction: Australia 0-2 Peru
Top Bet: Peru at 6/4

Denmark vs. France (FOX, 10:00 a.m. ET)

At one stage during the second round of matches, there was potential for a very high number of games where a draw would suit both sides.

As it happens, this is the only one. France need a draw to win the group, while a draw would guarantee that Denmark qualify in second ahead of Australia and face a last 16 match with Croatia. And so, the draw is very short at 17/10 with France 5/4 and Denmark 15/4.

However even with that in mind, it looks the best bet.

Despite guaranteeing qualification with a game to spare, France have not impressed in Russia. Their outright odds have drifted to 7/1 after stuttering wins against Peru and Australia. Their faults were predictable: too many stars and not enough cohesion, although the form of N’Golo Kanté has been the big positive.

Denmark were fortunate to beat Peru and did not deserve more than their draw against Australia, but they remain a solid defensive unit. Christian Eriksen sparkles as ever. It is hard to see either team getting very near winning the trophy, and both will be happy with a draw here.

Prediction: Denmark 1-1 France
Top Bet: Draw at 17/10

Group D Table & Results

Iceland vs. Croatia (FS1, 2:00 p.m. ET)

Barring an incredibly unlikely goal swing, Croatia won Group D with a game to spare after their stunning 3-0 thrashing of a dismal Argentina.

The reaction to that match focused more on Argentina’s myriad woes, but Croatia were ruthless. Luka Modric put in one of the tournament’s best individual performances, while Ivan Rakitic was also instrumental.

Iceland need to win here and hope that Nigeria do not beat Argentina and that the goal difference works out in their favour.

They have no choice but to go for it, and that could lead to them being hit on the counter-attack as they were by Ahmed Musa in their defeat to Nigeria.

That is not Iceland’s normal game plan, and they are facing one of the most clinical sides at this World Cup.

Croatia are 5/4 favourites - but they would probably be 4/6 if this was the opening game.

One word of caution: Iceland beat Croatia in qualifying 1-0 and even finished above them in the group.

Given that there is very little at stake for Croatia, I am wary about backing the 5/4. But this should be an exciting game, so betting on lots of goals looks the best way to go.

Prediction: Iceland 2-3 Croatia
Top Bet: Over 2.5 goals at 6.5

Nigeria vs. Argentina (FOX, 2:00 p.m. ET)

This is it for Argentina. They must win - preferably comfortably - and hope that things go their way in the Croatia vs. Iceland match. They were given a lifeline by Nigeria’s win over Iceland, and they face the Super Eagles in one of the most fascinating clashes of the World Cup so far.

Argentina are 11/20 and it is impossible to make the case for them at this price. There were a few positives from their 1-1 draw with Iceland, but the embarrassment of drawing against such minnows forced Jorge Sampaoli to completely panic with his selection for the Croatia game. Argentina were a broken team. Messi was anonymous. They are in a deep, deep crisis.

Nigeria were just as hopeless in their opening match against Croatia, but bounced back well with a good second half performance against Iceland. There remain doubts over their creativity, but it is not hard to create chances against Argentina’s lumbering backline.

It could be that Lionel Messi pulls Argentina through once again, but at the prices a sensational early exit for Argentina looks a good bet.

Prediction: Nigeria 2-2 Argentina
Top Bet: Draw at 10/3

 
Posted : June 26, 2018 9:01 am
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