The final round of matches in World Cup Group G take place early on Saturday when Egypt clash with Iran and New Zealand take on Belgium
Group G Update
Nothing is settled in this group which Egypt top with 4 points, Iran and Belgium both have 2 and New Zealand have 1.
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.
Egypt vs Iran (Seattle)
Egypt:
Egypt moved to the top of the group with a 3-1 win over New Zealand in Vancouver in their second group match. They were a goal down o 15 minutes and it stayed that way until Mostafa Zico squared things up just before the hour mark. Mo Salah then made it 2-1 and Trezeguet added the third as Egypt closed in on qualification for the knockout rounds.
Egypt’s opening match against Belgium in Seattle finished in a 1-1 draw. They took the lead through Emam Ashour on 20 minutes and it stayed that way until midway through the second half when Mohamed Hany’s own goal squared things up.
Iran:
Iran’s goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand was in outstanding form in their 0-0 draw with Belgium in Los Angeles, a result which keeps them very much in the mix for qualification although they will need a positive result here.
Iran’s opening match against New Zealand in Los Angelese finished in a 2-2 draw. They were 1-0 down early doors but Ramin Rezaeian made it 1-1 by half time. Iran conceded again early in the second half before a 64th minute equalizer from Mohammad Mohebbi rounded off the scoring.
The Betting:
Egypt are priced at around 14/10 to win the game with the draw available at 1.65/1 and Iran can be backed at around 26/10.
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 16/10 and its 11/10 for both teams to score
The Verdict:
Egypt have surely done enough and it’s a case of how hungry they are to clinch top spot in the group against an Iranian side who are still in with a shout of qualification themselves.
I think it’s really tricky, a point could do for Iran but a draw could also leave Egypt’s top spot vulnerable (to Belgium). I’ll go with a 0-0 at half time but that’s a tentative call.
Bets: Half time correct score 0-0 at 1.32/1 with Betway
Note, odds are subject to change
New Zealand vs Belgium (Vancouver)
New Zealand:
New Zealand’s 3-1 defeat to Egypt in Vancouver in their second match leaves them at the foot of the group and needing to turn Belgium over here to stay in the tournament. Finn Surman gave them an early lead in that game but Egypt scored 3 unanswered second half goals t turn things around.
New Zealand’s first action of the tournament came against Iran in Los Angeles, they were in the lead twice but had to settle for a 2-2 draw. Both of New Zealand’s goals came from Elijah Just in the early stages of both halves and both assists came from Chris Wood.
Belgium:
Belgium continue to make hard work of the group stage and after a 0-0 draw with Iran in Los Angeles they are still looking for a first win. They dominated possession and all the ley stats but couldn’t find the breakthrough and their task was made harder when Nathan Ngoy picked up a ed card for a professional foul half way through the second half.
Belgium opened their tournament against Egypt in Seattle and they had to come from a goal down to force a 1-1 draw. Egypt were in front after 20 minutes, Kevin de Bruyne hit the woodwork in the second half and shortly afterwards it needed a 66th minute own goal for Belgium to square things up.
The Betting:
New Zealand are priced at around 13/1 to win the game with the draw available at 58/10 and Belgium can be backed at around 1 / 5.
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 5/10 and its 5/4 for both teams to score
The Verdict:
There is no doubt Belgium have been really disappointing so far but they have the guns to score 3 goals or more against New Zealand here and I think Doku (back from the birth of his child) gets one of them.
Bets: Belgium total goals over 2.5 at 17/20 with Betway
Anytime goalscorer Doku at 1.65/1 with Betway
Note, odds are subject to change