We take a look at four FIFA World Cup group stage fixtures taking place on Tuesday the 23rd and Wednesday the 24th of June from a betting perspective below. Portugal face Uzbekistan while Colombia take on DR Congo in Group K. In Group L England face Ghana before Panama and Croatia clash in what looks a must win match for both sides.
TUESDAY
Portugal vs Uzbekistan
Portugal were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw in their opening fixture against D.R. Congo. Joao Neves handed the Europeans the lead just minutes after the first whistle, but they were unable to build on their advantage and eventually had to settle for a point after conceding in first half stoppage time.
Uzbekistan began their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 defeat against Colombia. They trailed at the interval before Abbosbek Fayzullaev briefly restored hope with an equaliser shortly after the hour mark. However, defensive lapses proved costly as Colombia struck twice more to leave Uzbekistan without any points in the standings.
Head-to-Head
There have been no previous meetings between Portugal and Uzbekistan.
Betting – Click here to bet
Portugal 1.21
Draw 7.00
Uzbekistan 15.00
Verdict
Portugal will be disappointed not to have claimed maximum points in their opening match and should approach this fixture with urgency. Uzbekistan showed some attacking promise against Colombia but looked vulnerable defensively throughout. The Portuguese possess significantly greater quality across the pitch and should be capable of recording a comfortable victory here.
BET: Result and Totals – Portugal and Over 2.5 Goals at 1.78
England vs Ghana
England produced one of the most entertaining performances of the opening round after defeating Croatia 4-2. Harry Kane struck twice before Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added further goals in thrilling contest.
Ghana also started positively by edging Panama 1-0. The Africans remained patient in a tight encounter before Caleb Yirenkyi found the breakthrough deep into stoppage time. While the performance was not spectacular, Ghana showed strong defensive organisation and resilience to secure all three points.
Head-to-Head
The only previous meeting between the nations ended in a 1-1 draw during an International Friendly in 2011.
Betting – Click here to bet
England 1.23
Draw 6.75
Ghana 14.00
Verdict
Both teams opened their campaigns with victories, but England were considerably more convincing. Ghana are well put together and should make life difficult for periods of the match, however England’s attacking depth and creativity looked superb in the first outing and should take its toll over ninety minutes.
BET: Result and Both Teams to Score – England and No at 1.83
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WEDNESDAY
Panama vs Croatia
Panama settled for a narrow 1-0 defeat against Ghana in their first game of the World Cup. They defended well for most of the match and appeared on course for a point before conceding in stoppage time.
Croatia were involved in one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far but ultimately fell two goals short against England. Martin Baturina and Petar Musa both beat the keeper before half time, yet defensive weaknesses were exposed after the interval as England pulled away.
Head-to-Head
There have been no previous meetings between Panama and Croatia.
Betting – Click here to bet
Panama 6.50
Draw 4.25
Croatia 1.56
Verdict
Croatia were beaten by a strong England side but still demonstrated plenty of attacking quality. Panama are competitive and difficult to break down, however, the Europeans hold more experience and should have enough game time at the highest level to secure a much needed three points without much trouble at the back.
BET: Result and Both Teams to Score – Croatia and No at 2.45
Colombia vs D.R. Congo
Colombia made an impressive beginning to the tournament by defeating Uzbekistan 3-1. Daniel Munoz opened the scoring before Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz produced goals after the break. The South Americans were clinical in the final 30 minutes and looked balanced across all areas of the pitch.
D.R. Congo earned a valuable point from their opening fixture after drawing 1-1 with Portugal. Yoane Wissa found the equaliser shortly before half-time and the African side defended resolutely thereafter to frustrate one of the stronger sides in the group.
Head-to-Head
There have been no previous meetings between Colombia and D.R. Congo.
Betting – Click here to bet
Colombia 1.51
Draw 4.25
D.R. Congo 7.25
Verdict
D.R. Congo deserve credit for their display against Portugal, but Colombia looked sharper in attack and carry greater momentum into this clash. The team have multiple avenues to goal and should be capable of breaking down a stubborn Congolese defence although I see this as a low scoring affair.
BET: Result and Totals – Columbia and Under 3.5 Goals at 2.05
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
