All articles by: Elliott Jackson

Belgium vs Tunisia – Match Preview

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Belgium vs Tunisia
Saturday 23rd June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group G, Spartak Stadium, Moscow

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 13:00

Belgium vs Tunisia – Belgium can qualify for the round of 16 with a victory when they face Tunisia on Saturday in Group G.

Roberto Martinez’s side kicked off their World Cup campaign with an emphatic victory against Panama. Despite the 3-0 scoreline, it took Belgium until the second-half to open the scoring. Romelu Lukaku then continued his fine run in front of goal with two goals to seal the victory. Belgium have incredible players on paper, but as usual, they failed to click in the first-half. Kevin De Bruyne, operating in a much deeper role, looked the most likely to break down Panama but in general, there was little purpose to their play. Defensively they were never really troubled, and once the first goal went in there was little doubt over the three points.

When Belgium face a bigger test, such as England, it will be interesting to see how they perform. Given their individual talents they rarely have to get out of second gear to win, but that will not be the case later on in the tournament. Although, as first games go, they’ll be pleased, with three goals and most importantly three points.

Tunisia will have to avoid defeat in this game to stand any hopes of qualifying for the round of 16. Harry Kane’s late goal subjected them to an opening-game defeat. Tunisia rode their luck for much of the first-half but after equalising from the penalty spot, contained England well. However, they were fortunate to avoid conceding a spot-kick themselves, with Kane twice being brought down. With that in mind, any bets regarding Belgium to be awarded a penalty could be good value.

Tunisia proved they are capable of causing problems going forward. Against Belgium, they have to avoid defeat, so it will be interesting to see if they play with a little more attacking intent. Belgium will need to play better in this match to win, but once again, their individual quality should carry them through.

Prediction: Belgium 2-0 Tunisia.

Suggested Tips –  Belgium vs Tunisia – (BET365):

  • Correct score,  Belgium to win 2-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  Belgium vs Tunisia – (SKYBET):

  • Belgium to score a penalty – 4/1.
  • Lukaku to score and win – 11/10.
  • Lukaku to score, Belgium to win to nil, Belgium to score 2+ goals and 6+ Belgium corners – 5/1. (NAP).
  • Hazard and De Bruyne to both score – 10/1.
  • Popular RequestABets – Eden Hazard 2+ Shots on Target, Lukaku 2+ offsides, and Alderweireld 2+ tackles – 18/1.
  • Scorecast Boost – Eden Hazard to score first and Belgium to win 2-0 – 28/1.

Markets and Prices Updated at 10:49 GMT on 23rd June 2018. Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

FIFA World Cup 2018 – Promotional Offer by BET365

 

Nigeria vs Iceland – Match Preview

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Nigeria vs Iceland
Friday 22nd June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group D, Volgograd Arena Volgograd

Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 16:00

Nigeria vs Iceland. The Europeans, Iceland will be hoping to build on their draw with Argentina with victory against Nigeria, with both sides needing a win.

Iceland impressed in their opening Group D match, drawing 1-1 with Argentina despite going behind. They defended for their lives and held a very impressive defensive shape, limiting Lionel Messi and co to speculative efforts on goal. When they needed their ‘keeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson, a part-time movie director, he came to the rescue – denying Messi from the penalty spot. After that impressive draw, a win against Nigeria could put them in a great spot to qualify from Group D. Despite playing on the counter-attack against Argentina, they looked dangerous in attack. Glyfi Sigurdsson was at his creative best despite missing the last two months through injury – he could be crucial in their next two group games.

Nigeria were lacklustre in their opening match defeat against Croatia. They gave away two sloppy goals and failed to pose any threat in attack, despite registering seven shots on target. The reality is, they never looked like scoring and that has to change in this next game. Realistically this is now a must-win match for Nigeria. If they don’t win they will be without any hope of snatching second place in the group.

Whilst there’s very little chance of Nigeria playing as poorly as last time, I still think Iceland will win. They showed a lot of grit and determination against a superior side. Now it’ll be interesting to see if they can translate that level of performance against a weaker opponent.

Prediction: Nigeria 0-1 Iceland

Suggested Tips –  Nigeria vs Iceland – (BET365):

  • Correct score, Iceland to win 1-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  Nigeria vs Iceland – (SKYBET):

  • Sigurdsson to score and win – 9/2.
  • Iceland to win to nil – 3/1.
  • Scorecast Boost – Victor Moses to score first and Nigeria to win 2-1 – 100/1. (0.5pt Outsider).
  • Draw 1-1 and no booking points – 100/1. (0.5pt Outsider).
  • Draw 0-0 and no booking points – 125/1. (0.5pt Outsider).

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

FIFA World Cup 2018 – Promotional Offer by BET365

Brazil vs Costa Rica – Match Preview

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Brazil vs Costa Rica
Friday 22nd June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group E, Saint Petersburg Stadium, St. Petersburg

Live on ITV 1 – Kick-Off: 13:00

Brazil vs Costa Rica. The South-American favourites face Costa Rica in Group E, with both sides looking for their first win after disappointing results in their first World Cup matches.

The bookies’ favourites for the competition didn’t get off to the best of starts, as they were held by Switzerland. Despite taking the lead through Phillipe Coutinho’s wonder goal, Brazil surrendered their lead and drew 1-1. With Switzerland defending so deep and compact, Brazil struggled to carve a way through. Although they did have chances to win the game, which they should have converted, few would begrudge the Swiss of a point. Neymar found himself with swarmed by two men whenever he picked up possession; a sign of just how dangerous the PSG star can be. That result has left Group E wide open, with three teams already having points on the board. In order to avoid an embarrassing early exit, Brazil need to master how to break teams down and how to keep the lead once they have.

Costa Rica find already find themselves playing catch-up after they lost 1-0 to Serbia. Aleksandar Kolarov’s wonderful free-kick separated the two sides, although in truth it was a goal that Serbia deserved. Costa Rica’s main issue, as I expected before the tournament began, is scoring goals. They’re solid, without being spectacular, in defence but lack any sort of threat up front. Joel Campbell was a surprise omission from their starting 11 but looked the most dangerous when he joined the action as a substitute. Costa Rica look a shadow of the side that blew England, Italy and Uruguay out of the water four years ago. There appears to be little pace or energy; which was the hallmark of their side in Brazil.

Brazil need to seize control of Group E. Anything other than winning the group would be seen as a major underachievement – making this game a must win. Costa Rica offered very little against Serbia and whilst that was just one game, I’m struggling to see them taking anything from this match.

Prediction: Brazil 2-0 Costa Rica

Suggested Tips –  Brazil vs Costa Rica – (BET365):

  • Correct score: Brazil 2-0 – (link no longer available).

Suggested Tips –  Brazil vs Costa Rica – (SKYBET):

  • Price Boost – Jesus to score first – 4/1.
  • Coutinho and Neymar to both score – 11/4.
  • Neymar to score, Brazil to win to nil and 4+ Brazil corners – 7/4 (NAP).
  • Brazil to win, Coutinho 1+ shots on target, Jesus 1+ shots on target & Neymar 2+ shots on target and 4+ Brazil corners – 11/8.
  • Over 1.5 goals, Coutinho 1+ shots on target, 4+ Brazil corners and 20+ match booking pts – 11/8.

Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.

FIFA World Cup 2018 – Promotional Offer by BET365