Group G comes to an end on Saturday morning South African time as Egypt face Iran while New Zealand take on Belgium in a decisive final round of clashes. We take a look at both matches from a betting front below.
Group G Update
Egypt currently lead Group G on four points after recording one win and one draw from their opening two matches. Iran and Belgium are level on two points, while New Zealand sit bottom of the group with one point.
The group remains wide open heading into the final round. Egypt require only a draw against Iran to secure qualification for the Round of 32, while Iran know that victory would see them leapfrog Egypt and guarantee progression.
Belgium remain in contention despite drawing both of their opening fixtures. A win over New Zealand would see them through. New Zealand, meanwhile, must claim all three points and hope other results fall in their favour if they are to keep their World Cup run going.
Egypt vs Iran
Egypt have made an impressive start to the tournament and arrive at the final group fixture unbeaten after two rounds of action. Their campaign began with a solid 1-1 draw against Belgium, where Emam Ashour gave Egypt the lead in the 19th minute before Belgium found an equaliser in the second-half through an own goal from Mohamed Hany.
They followed that result up with a strong 3-1 victory over New Zealand. Egypt fell behind in the 15th minute after Finn Surman opened the scoring, but they responded well after the break. Mostafa Ziko levelled the match in the 58th minute before Mohamed Salah put Egypt ahead nine minutes later. Trezeguet then added a third in the 82nd minute to complete an important comeback victory and move Egypt to the top of the rankings.
Iran have also avoided defeat so far but are still searching for their first win of the competition. Their opening fixture ended in a 2-2 draw against New Zealand after they were forced to come from behind twice.
Their second match produced a tight 0-0 draw against Belgium. Iran defended with great discipline throughout the contest and managed to keep one of the stronger teams in the group quiet, but they were unable to find the breakthrough at the other end and had to settle for another point.
Head-to-Head
There have been no previous meetings between these nations.
Betting – Click here to bet
Egypt 2.50
Draw 2.70
Iran 3.75
Verdict
Egypt have looked the most balanced side in the group so far and their second-half response against New Zealand showed real character. They have scored four goals across their opening two matches and possess enough attacking quality to trouble an Iran side that has been difficult to beat. Iran deserve credit for remaining unbeaten, but two draws have left them needing a result and that may force them to take more risks. I am expecting Egypt to edge a tight contest and secure top spot in Group G.
BET: Egypt to Win at 2.50
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New Zealand vs Belgium
New Zealand remain bottom of the group but still have a slim chance of progressing if they can produce a major upset in their final fixture. They began their campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Iran, with Elijah Just scoring in the 7th and 54th minutes to twice put New Zealand in front before Iran responded on both occasions.
Their second match ended in a 3-1 defeat against Egypt despite a promising start. Finn Surman opened the scoring in the 15th minute, and New Zealand led at the interval, though they were unable to withstand Egypt’s second-half pressure.
Belgium have endured a frustrating campaign so far and remain without a victory despite avoiding a loss. Their opening fixture ended in a 1-1 draw against Egypt, where they fell behind to an early goal before eventually finding a way back into the match through an own goal in the 66th minute.
They followed that with a goalless stalemate against Iran. Belgium controlled long spells but struggled to break down a well organised Iranian defence, leaving them on two points and under pressure heading into the final round.
Head-to-Head
There have been no previous meetings between these nations.
Betting – Click here to bet
New Zealand 17.00
Draw 8.50
Belgium 1.18
Verdict
Belgium have been disappointing from an attacking perspective, but they remain the stronger side on paper and should have enough depth to take care of business against New Zealand. The Kiwis have shown they can be dangerous going forward, scoring three goals across their opening two fixtures but they have also conceded five times and looked vulnerable once Egypt increased the pressure. With Belgium desperate for a win to boost their qualification hopes, I think they will finally deliver a performance solid enough to get into the winning column although I do not think New Zealand will hand it to them on a silver platter.
BET: Belgium to Win and Under 3.5 Goals at 2.20
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
