Day #7 World Cup

World Cup Day 7: Previews and Betting Tips

Tunisia v Australia 

Taking an early lead against the reigning world champions allowed Australia to dream, but only briefly. As soon as France got going, the Socceroos were no match, and so now they turn their attention to more manageable assignments. 

Tunisia will not roll over, however. They showed that much against Denmark, holding their own in the first half until they tired and began giving up territory later in the game. What their team lacks in star power, they make up for with intensity, and they have no glaring weaknesses. 

However, this game will be interesting to observe. It is not clear how Tunisia will handle the responsibility of being the protagonists, as their possession play is usually low tempo and they lack a reliable goalscorer.  

Tunisia also do not have a good record in World Cups – they have only won 2 of 16 matches to date at the Mundial, and have never made it through a Group Stage. Australia may not be the toughest opponent on paper, but the Carthage Eagles would need to overcome a major mental hurdle. 

• Tunisia to win either half at 1.65 odds   

Poland v Saudi Arabia 

It is possible that Poland’s 0-0 draw with Mexico was the worst match of the tournament so far. While Robert Lewandowski’s missed penalty stole the headlines, it was actually Mexico who were marginally the better side. The Poles, for their part, offered little to the spectacle. 

That does not bode well for them going into a meeting with a Saudi Arabia side floating on air at the moment. The manner in which they shut Argentina out has drawn tremendous plaudits all around the world. The effect of that result, beyond the confidence boost, is that it now allows the Saudis to go into their remaining group matches with the pressure off. Realistically, one more point could be all they need, especially if Argentina bounce back as expected. 

However, having never had this good of a chance before, Saudi Arabia will be keen to seize the moment and their own destiny. 

Poland will present a very different challenge, however, not least because they have a bit more pace in attack than Argentina, as well as a deadly no.9 who is desperately in search of a World Cup goal. Can the fairytale continue regardless? 

• Saudi Arabia to win or draw and under 3.5 total goals at 2.55 odds 

France v Denmark 

France were irresistible in full flow against Australia, shaking off a goal deficit like it was nothing. When everyone is firing, Les Bleus’ front four is probably the best in the entire competition, and are almost impossible to contain.  

They already look a more fluent side than four years ago when they won the thing, which should spell trouble for the other contenders. 

Denmark will pose a different test, however. The Danes were poor against Tunisia in their opener, surprisingly looking second-best for large periods of the first half. To compound matters, they lost influential midfielder Thomas Delaney to injury, and could be forced to do without him going forward. 

When these two sides locked horns in the UEFA Nations League, Denmark won home and away. However, this is the World Cup, and so it would be a mistake to expect the same outcome. That said, the Danes showed at Euro 2020 that a slow start is not always indicative of what one can expect from them; at their best, they can give any team in the competition a game. 

• Both teams to score at 1.97 odds 

Argentina v Mexico 

Argentina’s inability to break down Saudi Arabia led to one of the greatest upsets the World Cup has ever seen. For a team that was considered one of the favourites coming in, it was a massive blow, but one from which they have the quality to recover. 

The first step toward redemption would be beating Mexico. El Tri were poor against Poland, even though of the two teams they were the ones trying hardest to make things happen. They showed flashes of menace, although they were too reliant on star forward Hirving Lozano to create opportunities. 

Argentina simply must win here; nothing else will do. The prospect of bowing out early would be embarrassing, especially as this will be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup. The squad will be keen to send him off on more pleasant terms. They do need to get more speed into the team, though, especially in attack, else Mexico might follow Saudi Arabia’s tactical blueprint. 

• Argentina to win at 1.60 odds