The FIFA World Cup Round of 32 concludes on Friday night and Saturday morning South Africa time, as 6 nations battle it out to decide the 3 remaining spots in the last 16. We look at each match from a betting angle below.
Australia face Egypt in what promises to be a closely contested encounter, while Argentina take on surprise package Cape Verde as they continue their World Cup title defence. Colombia meet Ghana in a game where the Africa nation is a clear underdog with the bookies.
Australia vs Egypt
Australia booked their place in the Round of 32 after finishing second in Group D. They opened the tournament with an impressive 2-0 victory over Turkey before suffering a difficult 2-0 defeat against the USA in their second outing.
Their final group fixture saw them produce a disciplined defensive display in a goalless draw against Paraguay, a result that secured qualification and extended their unbeaten run to two matches heading into the knockout stages.
Egypt also progressed after finishing second in Group G with an unbeaten group stage campaign. They began with an impressive 1-1 draw against Belgium before producing an excellent 3-1 victory over New Zealand to move into a commanding position.
A hard fought 1-1 draw against Iran in their final outing ensured they advanced to the last 32 without suffering defeat and full of confidence ahead of this encounter.
Head-to-Head
Egypt won the only previous meeting between these nations, recording a comfortable 3-0 victory in an International Friendly during 2010.
Betting – Click here to bet
Australia 3.40
Draw 2.90
Egypt 2.60
Verdict
This looks set to be one of the more evenly matched ties in the Round of 32. Australia have impressed defensively, keeping clean sheets against Turkey and Paraguay but they have struggled to create consistent attacking opportunities against stronger opposition. Egypt arrive unbeaten after an excellent group campaign that included taking points from Belgium and Iran while comfortably defeating New Zealand. Their greater attacking quality gives them the edge, and I expect the Africans to progress in regulation time.
BET: Egypt to Win at 2.60
Argentina vs Cape Verde
Argentina arrive in the playoffs with a perfect record after dominating Group J. They opened their campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria before defeating Austria 2-0 to secure qualification with a game to spare.
They rounded off the group stage by overcoming Jordan 3-1, with Lionel Messi once again being on the scoresheet as Argentina completed the group phase with maximum points and looked every bit one of the tournament favourites.
Cape Verde have exceeded expectations to reach the Round of 32 after finishing second in Group H without losing a match. They began with an outstanding goalless draw against Spain before earning another valuable point in a 2-2 draw against Uruguay.
Their final fixture ended in another stalemate as they held Saudi Arabia to a 0-0 draw to book their spot in the knockouts.
Head-to-Head
There have been no previous meetings between Argentina and Cape Verde.
Betting – Click here to bet
Argentina 1.18
Draw 7.50
Cape Verde 18.00
Verdict
Argentina have been one of the standout teams of the tournament so far, winning all three group matches while conceding just one goal. Cape Verde deserves enormous credit for remaining unbeaten and frustrating both Spain and Uruguay, but holding an attacking force like Argentina with Lionel Messi on fire looks a big ask.
Argentina possesses too much attacking talent, and I am backing them to win this one by at least 3 goals.
BET: Asian Handicap, Argentina -2.5 goals at 2.50
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Colombia vs Ghana
Colombia qualified as Group K winners after an excellent unbeaten group stage campaign. They began with an impressive 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan before edging D.R. Congo 1-0 to secure qualification.
Their final group match finished in a goalless draw against Portugal, ensuring Colombia advanced without defeat while keeping another clean sheet.
Ghana progressed as one of the best third-placed teams after finishing behind England and Croatia in Group L. They started with a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama before pulling off an outstanding defensive display to hold England to a goalless draw.
Their most recent action ended in a 2-1 defeat against Croatia but results elsewhere ensured Ghana still booked their place in the knockout stages.
Head-to-Head
There have been no previous meetings between Colombia and Ghana.
Betting – Click here to bet
Colombia 1.54
Draw 4.00
Ghana 7.25
Verdict
Colombia have looked one of the most balanced sides in the competition, remaining unbeaten while conceding just a single goal during the group stage. Ghana have navigated a difficult group and producing an impressive draw against England, but they have struggled to create chances consistently against stronger opposition. I believe they will be up for this though and will hold the Colombian side out as they did England and the game will be level after 90 minutes of play.
BET: Draw at 4.00 – if you are looking for longer odds consider the 0-0 draw at 9.50
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
