Thursday sees the final matches in Group E and Group F take place, and both groups couldn’t be more intriguing.
In Group E, Germany are currently in bottom position, and they can qualify by beating Costa Rica and hoping Spain defeat or draw with Japan. Interestingly, Spain also could meet their demise if results go against them.
Meanwhile, in Group F, Belgium play leaders Croatia. Anything less than a win will likely result in a Belgium exit, but if they win, then it’s Croatia who could be the biggest casualties from Group F.
With so much to be decided, you can live all the action at Bet9ja, with more than 160 markets for every single match at the World Cup!
Check out our betting tips for Thursday’s matches:
Group F: Croatia vs Belgium
Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
Thursday 1st December, 16:00
In a crucial Group F clash, both teams know victory will take them through to the Last 16. Croatia have the advantage, currently sitting top of the group with four points, and a draw would be enough to secure a safe passage through. The 2018 runners-up started the tournament slowly with an uninspiring goalless draw with Morocco. But on Sunday, Croatia put Canada to the sword, winning 4-1 despite falling behind to an early goal. Despite their team having changed a lot from the class of 2018, the likes of Dejan Loven, Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Ivan Perisic continue to be crucial members. Traditionally a tough nut to crack, expect Croatia to be hard to break down knowing all they need is a draw.
Often among the favourites to win major tournaments in recent years, Belgium are looking every part the aging outfit Kevin De Bruyne suggested they were in a recent interview. In the shock 0-2 defeat to Morocco, seven of the starting XI were 30 or over, and it was evident. The performance from Roberto Martinez’ side was slow and laborious, lacking creativity throughout. It was a similar story in the narrow 1-0 victory against Canada; a match where Belgium were lucky to come away with three points. Of course, record scorer Romelu Lukaku has been a big miss. Coming into the tournament carrying an injury, the forward has been limited to just one late substitute appearance so far, but will surely expect a more prominent role in this one.
It’s been reported the Belgium camp is unhappy and only victory will do on Thursday. Barring a heavy Canada win against Morocco, a draw won’t be enough for Belgium. It’s going to take a big turnaround for them to compete against Croatia. Given recent performances and the fact Croatia are tough to beat, a draw at 3.30 might be the way to go at Bet9ja. Goals could be hard to come by, with under 0.5 goals odds of 9.60 and under 1.5 goals at 3.30.
Bet9ja odds (at time of writing): Croatia win: 2.70, Draw: 3.30, Belgium win: 2.68
Group F: Canada vs Morocco
Al Thumama Stadium
Thursday 1st December, 16:00
Morocco have impressed with their displays at this World Cup so far. Not many gave them a chance at the start of the tournament, especially being drawn against the 2018 runners-up and a side that finished third. But after a solid display in the 0-0 draw with Croatia, they were great value for the 2-0 win against Belgium. Hakim Ziyech impressed in the Belgium win and the Chelsea attacking midfielder will be crucial against Canada. The likes of Achraf Hakimi, Romain Saiss and Youssef En-Nesyri make this Morocco outfit a very efficient one.
Canada looked strong at times during their first two matches, but ultimately lack experience at this level. Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies did score the nation’s first ever World Cup goal, which is at least something to take out of this campaign. Although Canada are capable of a result, Morocco should have just enough considering a win will book a spot in the Last 16 for the first time since 1986. Ziyech is 8.40 to score first.
Bet9ja odds (at time of writing): Canada win: 3.55, Draw: 3.35, Morocco win: 2.17
Group E: Costa Rica vs Germany
Al Bayt Stadium
Thursday 1st December, 20:00
Always fancied pre-tournament, it’s been another disappointing campaign for Germany so far. Hansi Flick’s men were stunned by two late Japan goals in their opener before saving their skins against Spain. A late goal from new boy Niclas Fullkrug earned Germany a precious point going into the final group fixture.
A win against Costa Rica will take the Germans to four points. Providing they win by two or more goals, that would be enough to overtake Japan if the Japanese draw or lose to Spain. Germany will be struggling though if Japan manage to beat Spain, as the Spanish have a vastly superior goal difference. An attacking force of Jamal Musiala, Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry and Kai Havertz should have more than enough for a Costa Rica side who were thrashed 0-7 by Spain. But to add to the drama, a surprise Costa Rica win would take themselves through to the Last 16.
Germany are strong favourites. A German win and over 3.5 goals is 1.85, which might be tempting at Bet9ja.
Bet9ja odds (at time of writing): Costa Rica win: 19.00, Draw: 9.40, Germany win: 1.13
Group E: Japan vs Spain
Khalifa International Stadium
Thursday 1st December, 20:00
It would feel like a missed opportunity if Japan fail to qualify for the Last 16. After beating Germany, they suffered themselves, being defeated 0-1 by Costa Rica. That makes things more complicated for the Asian side, knowing they must get a result against a strong Spain team.
Spain probably edged the match against Germany, drawing 1-1 following a 7-0 victory against Costa Rica. Alvaro Morata will be pushing for a start after two goals in two substitute appearances so far. He is 5.05 for first goalscorer and 2.35 to score anytime. A 0-1 Spain win is priced up at 6.90 with Bet9ja.
Bet9ja odds (at time of writing): Japan win: 8.60, Draw: 4.70, Spain win: 1.40
