We look at four FIFA World Cup group stage fixtures taking place on Sunday the 21st and Monday the 22nd of June from a betting perspective below. In Group H, Spain face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay meet Cape Verde while in Group G Belgium take on Iran and New Zealand and Egypt battle for crucial points.
SUNDAY
Spain vs Saudi Arabia
Spain were frustrated in their opening fixture after being held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde. Despite controlling possession and creating the better opportunities throughout the contest, the Spaniards could not find a breakthrough and were forced to settle for a point. Nevertheless, they remained solid defensively and never looked in serious danger of losing the match.
Saudi Arabia earned a credible point from their opening Group H clash against Uruguay after drawing 1-1. Abdulelah Al Amri gave the side the lead shortly before half-time and they defended resolutely for much of the encounter before eventually conceding an equaliser in the 80th minute. The performance will provide confidence heading into a difficult assignment here.
Head-to-Head
Spain have won all three previous meetings between the nations. Their most recent encounter came in a 2012 International Friendly where Spain secured a comfortable 5-0 victory while they also claimed a 3-2 success in 2010 and a 1-0 World Cup win in 2006.
Betting – Click here to bet
Spain 1.11
Draw 10.00
Saudi Arabia 29.00
Verdict
Spain will view their opening draw as two points dropped and should be eager to respond with a more clinical attacking display. Saudi Arabia performed admirably against Uruguay but face a significantly tougher challenge against one of the tournament favourites. I expect Spain to find their rhythm in this fixture and eventually wear their opponents down for a comfortable win.
BET: Spain -2.5 Asian Handicap at 1.98
Belgium vs Iran
Belgium also opened their campaign with a disappointing result after drawing 1-1 against Egypt. The Europeans fell behind in the first half and relied on an own goal midway through the second period to rescue them and secure a share of the spoils.
Iran produced one of the more entertaining matches of the opening round as they played out a 2-2 draw with New Zealand. Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi found the back of the net for the Iranians, but defensive lapses prevented them from securing maximum points despite drawing level twice during the course of the game.
Head-to-Head
There have been no previous meetings between Belgium and Iran.
Betting – Click here to bet
Belgium 1.44
Draw 4.75
Iran 7.75
Verdict
Belgium possess greater quality throughout their squad and should be capable of producing a stronger performance after their underwhelming opener. Iran showed attacking promise against New Zealand but also looked vulnerable defensively and that could prove costly against stronger opposition. As a result of both sides first clashes, I am expecting goals but believe Belgium will clinch the win.
BET: Belgium to Win and Over 2.5 Goals at 2.30
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MONDAY
Uruguay vs Cape Verde
Uruguay were unable to start their World Cup campaign with a victory after settling for a 1-1 stalemate against Saudi Arabia. The South Americans found themselves behind for much of the match before Maximiliano Araújo struck ten minutes from time to salvage a point.
Cape Verde produced one of the surprises of the opening round by holding Spain to a goalless draw. They defended with discipline throughout the ninety minutes and frustrated one of the strongest attacking sides in the competition. The result will have boosted confidence significantly ahead of another difficult encounter and their goalkeeper will be the key if they are to perform well again.
Head-to-Head
There have been no previous meetings between Uruguay and Cape Verde.
Betting – Click here to bet
Uruguay 1.49
Draw 4.25
Cape Verde 7.75
Verdict
Cape Verde deserve plenty of credit for their defensive display against Spain, but Uruguay potentially possess enough attacking quality to break them down. The South Americans know victory is crucial and should approach this match with urgency after dropping points in their opener, but I see this ending level as well after another solid defensive display from Cape Verde.
BET: Draw at 4.25
New Zealand vs Egypt
New Zealand earned an encouraging result from their opening fixture after drawing 2-2 with Iran despite being the lowest ranked team Internationally heading into the tournament. Elijah Just scored both goals for the Kiwis and looked dangerous going forward throughout the contest. While there were defensive issues at times, the overall display suggested they can remain competitive in this group.
Egypt also collected a point in their first outing after drawing 1-1 with Belgium. Emam Ashour gave the African outfit an early advantage and they defended well for large periods before an unfortunate own goal denied them a famous victory.
Head-to-Head
The only previous meeting between these nations came in a 2024 International Friendly where Egypt secured a narrow 1-0 victory.
Betting – Click here to bet
New Zealand 5.75
Draw 4.00
Egypt 1.63
Verdict
Both teams enter this contest with confidence after earning respectable results in their opening fixtures. Egypt appear slightly stronger overall and have already shown they can compete against higher ranked opposition. With New Zealand likely to offer resistance, I still expect the Africans to edge a closely contested affair, and I am looking towards the exotic markets for my pick.
BET: Correct Score – Egypt 2-0 at 7.50
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
