We take a look at the two Round of 16 matches taking place in the World Cup on Monday and suggest a bet in each.
Brazil are the 5/2 favourites to win the World Cup at the time of writing and you can click here for all of the updated long-term markets including Top Goal Scorer.
JAPAN v CROATIA
JAPAN
Japan topped Group E on 6 points with an opening round 2-1 come from behind victory over Germany followed by a 2-1 win over Spain in a once again come from behind performance after Spain had taken the lead in the 11th minute only for Japan to hit back with two goals just after half-time. In Japan’s other group match they surprisingly lost 1-0 to Costa Rica having started the game as 5/10 favourites.
CROATIA
Croatia finished second to surprise winners, Morocco in Group F and they were unbeaten in the group campaign, playing out a goalless draw against Morocco and then a goalless draw against Belgium. In between those two games they had a 4-1 victory over Canada.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
These sides met in a World Cup game in 2006 where the game finished goalless.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Japan 3/1
Draw 9/4
Croatia 11/10
Suggested Bet: The draw at 9/4
Both of these teams will be delighted to be in the last 16, but I am expecting a cagey encounter here with 0-0 correct score line certainly tempting at odds of 13/2. In the end I am going to take the more conservative route and just bet the teams will be level after 90 minutes.
Place a multiple on any 5 Soccer World Cup 2022 matches, and if any of your selections lose, but still qualify for the Last 16, we will refund your stake in Free Bet vouchers.
BRAZIL v REPUBLIC OF KOREA
BRAZIL
Brazil finished top of Group G on goal difference after losing their final game 1-0 to Cameroon. They earlier had secured their spot in the knock-out stages with a 2-0 win over Serbia and a 1-0 victory over Switzerland.
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
The Republic of Korea finished second behind Portugal edging out Uruguay for the second qualification place from the group. They opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Uruguay before a 3-2 defeat to Ghana appeared to consign them to an early trip home. They then caused an upset beating Portugal 2-1 in the last game, a result which could be backed at 33/10 prior to kick-off. Portugal had taken the lead in the 5th minute, but Korea equalised before the break and scored the winner in injury time.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
These sides met in a friendly International earlier this year with Brazil winning 5-1 and they have never met in the World Cup.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Brazil 2/7
Draw 9/2
Republic of Korea 11/1
Suggested Bet: Correct score Brazil 2, Korea 0 at 4/1
Brazil have been workmanlike in this Tournament and I am not expecting them to run away with this game, but their defence has been impressive and I am battling to see how the Republic of Korea are going to get on the score sheet. I am going for something of a speculative play here in the game where the match betting looks about right.
Click here for betting on all of the World Cup Matches
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
