We take a look at four FIFA World Cup group stage fixtures taking place on Monday the 22nd and Tuesday the 23rd of June from a betting perspective below. Argentina face Austria and Jordan take on Algeria in Group J while France take on Iraq and Norway meet in Group I.
MONDAY
Argentina vs Austria
Argentina made a dream start to their World Cup campaign after securing a dominant 3-0 victory over Algeria. Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a sensational hat-trick, opening the scoring in the 17th minute before adding two goals in the second half.
Austria also came out of Round 1 with maximum points after defeating Jordan 3-1. Romano Schmid gave the Europeans an early lead before an own goal restored their advantage late in the match after Jordan had levelled. Marko Arnautovic then converted deep into stoppage time to put the result beyond doubt.
Head-to-Head
The only previous meeting between these nations ended in a 1-1 draw during an International Friendly in 1990.
Betting – Click here to bet
Argentina 1.63
Draw 4.00
Austria 5.75
Verdict
Both nations arrive with confidence after opening victories, but Argentina were particularly impressive against Algeria and will be extremely tough to contain. Austria will certainly put up a fight, but the South Americans should create enough opportunities to secure another important victory.
BET: Argentina to Win and Over 1.5 Goals at 2.05
France vs Iraq
France began their run in convincing fashion by defeating Senegal 3-1. The match remained goalless until midway through the second half when Kylian Mbappe broke the deadlock. Bradley Barcola doubled the lead shortly afterwards and although Senegal managed to pull one back 5 minutes into stoppage time, Mbappe struck again moments later to seal the deal.
Iraq experienced a difficult opening fixture after falling 4-1 when meeting with Norway on Wednesday. Aymen Hussein briefly brought the side level during the first-half, but Iraq struggled to hold the Norwegian attack out thereafter and ultimately finished on the wrong side of a heavy defeat.
Head-to-Head
There have been no previous meetings between France and Iraq.
Betting – Click here to bet
France 1.10
Draw 11.00
Iraq 31.00
Verdict
France looked sharp in attack once they found their rhythm against Senegal and now face an Iraqi side that conceded four goals in their opener. The difference in flair and depth between the teams is substantial and I expect the French to produce another commanding display.
BET: France -2.5 Asian Handicap at 1.83
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TUESDAY
Norway vs Senegal
Norway made a powerful statement in their first match by cruising to a 4-1 victory over Iraq. Erling Haaland scored twice before Leo Ostigard and an Iraqi own goal concluded the scoring. The Norwegians looked dangerous every time they moved forward and will be encouraged by the result.
Senegal were competitive for long periods against France but eventually fell to a 3-1 defeat. The Africans frustrated the French for over an hour before conceding twice in quick succession and although they managed a late goal through Ibrahim Mbaye, another concession followed immediately afterwards to put the nail in the coffin.
Head-to-Head
The only previous meeting between the nations came in a 2006 International Friendly where Senegal recorded a 2-1 victory.
Betting – Click here to bet
Norway 2.35
Draw 3.50
Senegal 3.15
Verdict
This promises to be one of the more evenly matched contests of the round. Norway carry momentum after scoring four goals in their opener while Senegal showed enough quality against France to suggest they remain dangerous. With both teams possessing attacking threats, goals could be on the cards and although I think they both beat the keeper, I am backing Norway to come out triumphant.
BET: Result and Both Teams to Score – Norway and Yes at 4.75
Jordan vs Algeria
Jordan were unable to start their tournament with a positive result after losing 3-1 against Austria. Despite finding an equaliser through Ali Olwan early in the second-half, they were unable to maintain that momentum and their defensive line was breached twice later on to leave them empty handed.
Algeria suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Argentina in their opening Group J fixture. Lionel Messi proved the difference between the sides with three goals and although Algeria battled hard throughout, they lacked the attacking quality required to trouble one of the tournament favourites.
Head-to-Head
The only previous meeting between the nations ended in a 1-1 draw during an International Friendly in 2004.
Betting – Click here to bet
Jordan 5.75
Draw 4.00
Algeria 1.61
Verdict
Both sides enter this match under pressure after opening defeats, but Algeria arguably faced the tougher opponent and should find this assignment more manageable. Jordan have shown they are capable of competing though and for that reason I am putting money on this fixture resulting in a draw after a tense 90 minutes.
BET: Draw at 4.00
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
