The Group Stage of the World Cup concludes, with a lot still to be decided from Groups G and H.
In Group G, Brazil are already through and any of Switzerland, Cameroon or Serbia can join them as it stands.
Then in Group H, Portugal have already booked a Last 16 spot, and any one of Ghana, South Korea or Uruguay can still join them. Considering qualified teams could follow in France’s footsteps by naming a weakened team, anything is possible in Friday’s matches.
Take a look at our preview for Friday’s matches and the best markets and odds we’re offering at Bet9ja:
Group G: Cameroon vs Brazil
Lusail Iconic Stadium
Friday 2nd December, 20:00
Pre-tournament favourites Brazil have looked extremely strong and efficient after two matches. A brilliant Richarlison double helped them comfortably see off Serbia 2-0, before a narrow 1-0 victory against Switzerland, courtesy of a Casemiro goal. Untroubled during large parts of both matches, there’s no clear weakness in this Brazil outfit, as they have a very experienced defence and a world-class forward line consisting of Neymar, Raphinha, Richarlison and Vinicius Junior. The fact they can rest all four and bring in the likes of Rodrygo, Antony and Gabriel Jesus, shows how strong their squad is. Expect plenty of changes, considering the Brazilians are already through and almost assured of top spot.
Cameroon can qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time since 1990, but it’s looking tough. First, they need to beat Brazil. Then they require Serbia to get a result against Switzerland, although goal difference will then play a big part, which for Cameroon is currently -1.
The Indomitable Lions have had a mixed campaign so far. They fell to a narrow 0-1 defeat to Switzerland, but showed sprit and fight to come back from 1-3 down to draw 3-3 with Serbia. Vincent Aboubakar, who was top scorer at this year’s African Cup of Nations, scored a fine goal in that draw and assisted Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s equaliser. Both players will be key if Cameroon are to get that win on Friday.
At Bet9ja, we offer goalscorer markets for the World Cup. Because we’re not sure what Brazil side will be fielded, Rodrygo to score first at 6.20 or any time at 2.75 could be tempting; so too could be Aboubakar at 9.50 anytime. Again, because of the uncertainty around selection, a draw at 4.80 can’t be ruled out.
Bet9ja odds (at time of writing): Cameroon win: 7.70, Draw: 4.80, Brazil win: 1.42
Group G: Serbia vs Switzerland
Stadium 974
Friday 2nd December, 20:00
The second qualification spot in Group G could well come down to the winner between Serbia and Switzerland. The Swiss currently occupy second place with three points and Serbia are bottom on one point. But that could all change on Friday.
Breel Embolo’s winner against Cameroon is Switzerland’s only goal of the tournament so far. In contrast, Serbia have three, but will be disappointed at throwing away a 3-1 lead against Cameroon. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Dusan Tadic and Aleksandar Mitrovic all provide viable goalscoring options for Serbia. That is a reason why they are slight favourites. A Serbia win and under 1.5 goals at odds of 8.50 catches our eye at Bet9ja.
Bet9ja odds (at time of writing): Serbia win: 2.58, Draw: 3.35, Switzerland win: 2.80
Group H: Ghana vs Uruguay
Al Janoub Stadium
Friday 2nd December, 16:00
In 2010, Luis Suarez denied Ghana a semi-final spot when he handled Stephen Appiah’s shot on the line. Subsequently, Asamoah Gyan missed the penalty, with Suarez visibly celebrating on the sidelines, and Uruguay went on to win on penalties. Fast forward 12 years and Ghana get their shot at revenge. What’s more is that Suarez is still part of the Uruguay squad.
Ghana go into this Group H clash with the advantage; currently second and two points ahead of Uruguay. That means a draw should be enough for them. After a narrow 2-3 defeat to Portugal in the first match, the Black Stars were on the right end of a 3-2 victory against South Korea. Ajax’ Mohammed Kudus has impressed so far, scoring twice in the South Korea win, while veteran Andre Ayew has been key as per usual.
Uruguay have looked underwhelming so far. A fairly ageing side, they were held to a goalless draw by South Korea before being easily beaten 0-2 by Portugal. Edison Cavani and Suarez have been a shadow of their former selves, but still have that quality for one moment of brilliance, which is all it might take.
Recent form and the historical context behind this fixture does point to a Ghana win. You can get good odds of 4.75 at Bet9ja. Alternatively, a draw is 3.70, and based on what we’ve seen so far, you might not want to bet against a Ghana result.
Bet9ja odds (at time of writing): Ghana win: 4.75, Draw: 3.70, Uruguay win: 1.78
Group H: South Korea vs Portugal
Education City Stadium
Friday 2nd December, 16:00
Already in the Last 16, it could be a case of Portugal resting players against South Korea. Portugal have been clinical so far, beating Ghana 3-2 and Uruguay 2-0. On the other hand, South Korea still have an outside shot at qualification. Portugal resting players would help of course and Son Heung-min has the quality to unlock any defence. In our correct score market, 1-1 at odds of 7.90 could be worth a punt.
Bet9ja odds (at time of writing): South Korea win: 4.30, Draw: 4.05, Portugal win: 1.78
