We have three matches from three different World Cup groups to look forward to on Friday. First up Mexico clash with Korea Republic in Group A followed by USA v Australia in Group D and finally Scotland take on Morocco in Group C
Group A Mexico v Korea Republic (Guadalajara)
After the opening round of Group A matches Mexico topped this group with 3 points and a +2 goal difference. South Korea also have 3 points and a +1goal difference and Czech Republic and South Africa were yet to open their account. Bear in mind that a day earlier than this game takes place the Czech’s and Bafana will meet in Atlanta and you can read our preview here.
Mexico
The co-hosts opened their campaign with a more than comfortable 2-0 win over South Africa in Mexico City in the opening match of the tournament at the Azteca in Mexico City. Julian Quinones pounced on a defensive error to give Mexico a ninth minute lead and it stayed that way to half time. Bafana were reduced to 10 men before Raul Jimenez made it -0 on 67 minutes. There was another red card for South Africa inside the last 10 minutes and the only blemish on Mexico’ss day came when Cesar Montes picked up a straight red in injury time with the game won. Mexico dominated possession (60%) and of only 4 corners awarded 3 were theirs. They hit the woodwork and 4 of their 16 shots were on target.
Korea Republic:
South Korea came from a goal down to beat Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening game which was also staged at this venue. They had the better of the game but it took 59 minutes for the first goal and when that arrived it was Czech Republic who scored it. The Korean’s drew level through Hwang In-beom on 67 minutes and the same player then set up substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu to make it 2-1 on 80 minutes. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu them made 2 terrific late saves to preserve the lead and the game finished 2-1. Korea had 61.5% of the ball and 6 of 16 shots were on target whilst their corner count ended on 4 whilst the Czech’s were awarded 5.
The Betting:
Mexico are priced at around even money to win the game with the draw available at 22/10 and Korea Republic can be backed at around 3/1.
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 12/10 and its even money for both teams to score
The Verdict:
With 8 best third place finisher positions available then barring a disaster we should both nations in the knockout rounds although topping the group could, in theory, lead to a more favourable Round of 32 tie. As hosts there is probably more onus on Mexico to force the issue but his looks a tricky one to me.
I’m looking for no more than a single goal in the first half and likewise in the second.
Bets: Both halves under 1.5 total goals? Yes at 11/10 with Betway
Note, odds are subject to change
Group D USA v Australia (Seattle)
USA top Group D with 3 points and a better goal difference than Australia who also have 3. Turkey and Paraguay are the teams playing catch up and they meet in the early hours of Saturday morning
USA
USA were quickly out of the blocks and went on to beat Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match in Los Angeles. A 7th minute own goal sent them on their way and a brace from Folarin Balogun had them 3-0 up at half time. Paraguay did find a goal on 73 minutes but Giovanni Reyna rounded off the scoring deep into injury time and it finished 4-1. USA had 65.3% of possession, 6 of their 16 shots were on target and they were awarded 3 corners to Paraguay’s 1.
Australia
Australia were underdogs in this competitive looking group but they took a giant stride towards the knockout rounds with a 2-0 win over Turkey 2-0 in Vancouver. Nestory Irankunda gave them a first half lead on 27 minutes and Connor Metcalfe made it 2-0 on 75 minutes. Goalkeeper Patrick Beach made numerous saves to keep Turkey out and although Australia only had 28.5% of the ball they are off to a winning start. Of their 9 shots 4 were on target, they were awarded 5 of the games 13 corners and managed to avoid any cards.
The Betting:
USA are priced at around 6/10 to win the game with the draw available at 2.95/1 and Australia can be backed at around 44/10
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 19/20 and its even money for both teams to score
The Verdict:
Both sides made a cracking start and won’t want to give up any ground gained. I still see scope for goal though not necessarily a bucket load and 2-3 in total is my play.
Bets: Goal Range 2-3 at even money with Betway
Note, odds are subject to change
Group C Scotland v Morocco (Boston)
Following the opening round of Group C matches it’s Scotland who top the group with 3 points. Brazil and Morocco have 1 and Haiti have yet to open their account. Brazil will take on Haiti in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Scotland
Scotland’s 36 year wait for a World Cup Finals victory ended in Boston on Sunday when they edged out Haiti 1-0. The only goal of the game was a deflected effort from John McGinn on 28 minutes and both sides registered just 2 shots on target whilst Scotland earned 4 corners to Haiti’s 3. Haiti just edged the overall possession but the points belonged to Scotland.
Morocco
New Jersey was the venue for Morocco’s opening match against Brazil, they came flying out of the blocks and took a first half lead but it was 1-1 by half time and that’s the way it finished. Ismael Saibari was set up by playmaker Brahim Diaz to give Morocco a deserved lead on 21 minutes and the bulk of their 14 shots (3 on target) came in that opening spell. Only 2 corners were awarded to Morocco who had just under half of the possession and they didn’t pick up any cards.
The Betting:
Scotland are priced at around 39/10 to win the game with the draw available at5/2 and Morocco can be backed at around 8/11
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 12/10 and its 23/20 for both teams to score
The Verdict:
Scotland have got huge backing from their traveling fans and they will need it against a Morocco side who looked really useful against Brazil.
I’m with both teams to find the net here.
Bets: Both teams to score? Yes at 11/10 with Betway
Note, odds are subject to change