The FIFA World Cup Round of 32 continues Thursday night and Friday morning (South African time) and we take a close look at the 3 matches from a betting angle.
Spain take on Austria looking to build on recent momentum, while Portugal face Croatia in one of the standout European ties of the round. Switzerland play Algeria in what promises to be a competitive encounter.
Spain vs Austria
Spain booked their place in the Round of 32 after finishing top of Group H with seven points. They began their campaign with a frustrating goalless draw against Cape Verde before responding in dominant fashion with a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.
Confidence was further restored in their final outing as Alex Baena’s first half strike proved enough to secure a 1-0 victory over Uruguay, ensuring Spain advanced unbeaten without conceding a single goal throughout the group stage.
Austria advanced after finishing second in Group J with four points. They opened with a solid 3-1 victory over Jordan before suffering a 2-0 defeat against Argentina in their second outing.
A dramatic finale saw them seal qualification after playing out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Algeria, with Sasa Kalajdzic scoring deep into stoppage time to rescue a crucial point and ensure they were able to qualify.
Head-to-Head
Spain have won four of the previous six meetings between these nations. Their most recent encounter came in an International Friendly during 2009 where Spain recorded a commanding 5-1 victory.
Betting – Click here to bet
Spain 1.33
Draw 5.50
Austria 11.00
Verdict
Spain have looked extremely difficult to break down, progressing through the group stage while keeping three clean sheets. Austria have shown attacking quality throughout the tournament but have also looked vulnerable defensively. I am expecting Spain to dominate possession and create the better opportunities before securing another workmanlike victory.
BET: Spain to Win and Under 3.5 Goals at 1.91
Portugal vs Croatia
Portugal progressed to the Round of 32 after finishing second in Group K with five points. They began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against D.R. Congo before producing their best performance of the tournament in a dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan.
They rounded off the group stage having to settle for a goalless draw against Colombia, a result that confirmed their place in the knockout rounds while extending their unbeaten run.
Croatia qualified after finishing second in Group L with six points. They began with a disappointing 4-2 defeat against England before bouncing back with a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama.
Qualification was secured in their final appearance as Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic found the net in a hard fought 2-1 victory over Ghana.
Head-to-Head
Portugal have won three of the previous six meetings between these nations. Their most recent encounter came in the UEFA Nations League during 2024 where the sides played out a 1-1 draw after Portugal won their fixture 2-1 two months prior.
Betting – Click here to bet
Portugal 1.83
Draw 3.50
Croatia 5.00
Verdict
Portugal have steadily improved since their opening draw and looked particularly impressive during their victory over Uzbekistan. Croatia bounced back well from their opening loss to England and they have looked solid at the back since that defeat. I see this being more evenly matched than the bookies suggest and I am backing the draw.
BET: Draw at 3.50
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Switzerland vs Algeria
Switzerland reached the knockouts after finishing top of Group B with seven points. They opened with a 1-1 draw against Qatar before producing a commanding 4-1 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina.
They completed an impressive group campaign by edging Canada 2-1, with Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scoring after half-time to secure first spot.
Algeria qualified as one of the best third-placed teams from Group J after collecting four points. They began with a heavy 3-0 defeat against Argentina before responding with an important 2-1 victory over Jordan.
Their place in the knockout stages was confirmed following a thrilling 3-3 draw against Austria, with Riyad Mahrez scoring twice before Austria equalised in stoppage time, leaving Algeria with enough points to progress.
Head-to-Head
There have been no previous meetings between these nations.
Betting – Click here to bet
Switzerland 2.05
Draw 3.40
Algeria 4.00
Verdict
Switzerland have impressed throughout the tournament and deservedly topped their group after remaining unbeaten across all three fixtures. Algeria have shown resilience to reach the knockout rounds but have looked susceptible defensively against stronger opposition. Switzerland come in as the stronger side on paper, and I think they will get the job done in 90 minutes to reach the round of 16.
BET: Switzerland to Win at 2.05
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
