We take a look at four FIFA World Cup group stage fixtures taking place on Sunday the 14th and Monday the 15th of June across groups E and F and suggest a pick for each game.
Germany begin their campaign against little known Curaçao while the Netherlands face a difficult opening test against Japan. Ivory Coast take on Ecuador before Sweden and Tunisia meet.
SUNDAY
Germany vs Curaçao
Germany arrive at the tournament in excellent form and have won each of their last eight matches. They defeated USA 2-1 in their most recent fixture after a comfortable 4-0 victory over Finland and prior to that they edged Ghana 2-1 as well as claimed a thrilling 4-3 success away against Switzerland.
Curaçao come into this debut fixture after a 4-0 win over Aruba but have struggled badly when stepping up in opposition in matches before this. They suffered heavy defeats against Scotland and Australia, conceding four and five goals respectively, while also losing 2-0 to China just over two months ago.
Head-to-Head
There have been no previous meetings between Germany and Curaçao.
Betting – Click here to bet
Germany 1.04
Draw 19.00
Curaçao 41.00
Verdict
Germany are in strong scoring form and should dominate possession from the opening whistle. Curaçao have shown they can beat weaker opposition but recent defeats against stronger teams suggest this will be a major step up in class. With Germany expected to control the match comfortably, I believe a handicap angle looks the best way to find value.
BET: Asian Handicap, Germany -3.5 at 2.00 (Germany must win by 4 goals or more)
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Netherlands vs Japan
Netherlands head into their opener after an inconsistent run of recent trips to the pitch. They bounced back with a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their latest outing which took place on Monday after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Algeria. Before that they drew 1-1 with Ecuador and edged Norway 2-1.
Japan arrive in outstanding form and have won their last six matches consecutively. They beat Iceland 1-0 in their most recent fixture after impressive 1-0 victories over England and Scotland. They also defeated Ghana and Bolivia without conceding and edged Brazil 3-2 in a thriller late last year.
Head-to-Head
Netherlands are unbeaten in three previous meetings with Japan, winning twice and drawing once. Their most recent clash ended in a 2-2 draw in a 2013 International Friendly.
Betting – Click here to bet
Netherlands 2.10
Draw 3.65
Japan 3.65
Verdict
Netherlands have enough attacking quality to cause problems but Japan’s recent form makes them a very dangerous opponent. The Japanese have been excellent defensively and have already claimed strong results against European opposition. With the Netherlands looking slightly inconsistent and Japan difficult to break down, I am expecting a tight encounter.
BET: Under 2.5 Goals at 1.87
SATURDAY
Ivory Coast vs Ecuador
Ivory Coast come into the World Cup in excellent form and have won their last four matches while conceding just once. They defeated Philadelphia Union II 2-0 in their latest travel after an impressive 2-1 victory over France which followed them beating Scotland 1-0 and South Korea 4-0.
Ecuador also arrive in strong shape and are unbeaten across their last eight matches despite drawing five and winning three.
They met with Guatemala a few days ago where they recorded a 3-0 win after beating Saudi Arabia 2-1. Earlier draws against Netherlands, Morocco, Mexico and USA will give the side hope in their abilities to keep games competitive.
Head-to-Head
There have been no previous meetings between Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
Betting – Click here to bet
Ivory Coast 3.65
Draw 2.90
Ecuador 2.40
Verdict
Ivory Coast have built strong momentum and look dangerous at both ends of the pitch, while Ecuador have been one of the most consistent sides in recent months. Both teams enter with solid defensive records, but their recent scoring form suggests chances should arrive at either end. I think this will be a competitive match with both sides capable of finding the net.
BET: Both Teams to Score – Yes at 2.20
Sweden vs Tunisia
Sweden are on the back end of a poor run of performances in the last few months, but they have remained dangerous going forward. They recently drew 2-2 with Greece after losing 3-1 to Norway and before that they secured victories over Poland and Ukraine, scoring three goals in both matches.
Tunisia arrive in poor recent form after losing their last two matches without scoring. They were beaten 5-0 by Belgium in their latest outing after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Austria. Prior to that they held Canada to a goalless draw and defeated Haiti 1-0.
Head-to-Head
Sweden have won two of the three previous meetings between the nations, while Tunisia have claimed one victory. Their most recent encounter came in 2003 when Tunisia secured a 1-0 friendly win.
Betting – Click here to bet
Sweden 1.93
Draw 3.50
Tunisia 4.25
Verdict
Sweden have been inconsistent defensively, but they have shown enough attacking threat to trouble this Tunisia side. Tunisia have struggled badly in their latest matches and come into the tournament after failing to score in back-to-back games. I believe Sweden’s greater goal threat will enable the side to get off to a solid start.
BET: Sweden to Win at 1.93
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
