The final round of matches in World Cup Group D take place in the early hours of Friday when Paraguay clash with Australia and Turkey take on the USA
Group D Update
With the maximum 6 points USA top this group and they cannot be caught. The runners up spot rests between Australia and Paraguay who both have 3 points whilst Turkey have lost both their matches and they can no longer qualify for the knockout rounds.
A reminder that the final round of matches in each group share the same kick off time. Should two or more teams finish equal on points in their group the first criteria used to determine the final standings is the head to head record. The 8 best third placed finishers from the 12 groups will also qualify for the Round of 32.
Paraguay vs Australia (San Francisco)
Paraguay
Paraguay bounced back to form and into contention for a Round of 32 place with a 1-0 win over Turkey in San Francisco in their second group match. They took the lead through Matias Galarza after just 64 seconds and it was largely backs to the wall for the remainder of the game and especially so after Miguel Almiron was sent off for “covering his mouth” on the stroke of half time. However Paraguay held on despite their opponents raining 32 shots on them and being awarded 12 corners to nil.
Paraguay’s opening game against co-hosts USA in Los Angeles was something of a disaster as they crashed to a 4-1 defeat. An own goal from Damian Bobadilla on just 7 minutes had USA off to a flyer and Paraguay were 3-0 down by half time. They pulled a goal back through Mauricio on 73 minutes but conceded again deep into injury time.
Australia
Australia lost their second group match 2-0 to the USA in Seattle to leave them needing to avoid defeat here to rubber stamp a Round of 32 place or face a wait to see if they qualify as a best third place finisher. Cameron Burgess put through his own net early in the defeat to the USA and they were 2-0 down by half time. They was improvement in the second half but overall they were very much second best.
Australia were underdogs in this competitive looking group but they started 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 that victory could yet see them through.
The Betting:
Paraguay are priced at around 19/10 to win the game with the draw available at 23/10 and Australia can be backed at around 28/10.
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 2.05/1 and its 12/10 for both teams to score
The Verdict:
Australia have the better goal difference so the runners up spot is theirs to lose. Despite a heavy loss to USA Paraguay had been very reliable in defence in reaching these finals and it was normal service resumed against Turkey in the backline.
I’m with Paraguay to keep a clean sheet.
Bets: Paraguay to keep a clean sheet? Yes at 12/10 with SuperSportBet
Note, odds are subject to change
Turkey vs USA (Los Angeles)
Turkey
Turkey’s failure to find the net again cost them dearly when they lost 1-0 to Paraguay in San Francisco and it cost them any hope of making the knockout rounds. They were 1-0 down in no time and had a numerical advantage for just over half the game but failed to find a way through and they will be heading for the airport shortly after this game has finished.
Turkey conceded goals in each half in their 2-0 defeat to Australia in Vancouver first time out. They dominated possession and the Australian keeper had a terrific game. The stats show they had 30 shots of which 8 were on target and they were awarded 8 corners in total. The Australian woodwork was hit once but Turkey couldn’t find a way through.
USA
Already assured of topping the group the USA can look forward to a clash with one of the third placed finishers in San Francisco on Thursday 2nd July. The co-hosts got the job done with a 2-0 win over Australia in Seattle to make it 2 wins from 2 matches. They were full value for the victory which came courtesy of an early own goal and a second from Alex Freeman just before half time and they were largely dominant throughout.
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.
The Betting:
Turkey are priced at around 26/10 to win the game with the draw available at 3/1 and the USA can be backed at around 19/20.
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 7/10 and its also 7/10 for both teams to score
The Verdict:
Given the chances they have squandered it would be ironic if Turkey finally scored a goal having already being eliminated. Meanwhile USA could understandably rotate some players if they so wish and this one look tricky to me. USA will be keen to extend the 100% record but I don’t think they would be too fussed if this ended in a draw.
Bets: Match result draw at 3/1 with BetOlimp
Note, odds are subject to change
