• Guest, Read the rules. The Rules are simple. Don't spam. Be nice to the people here. If you own a betting site you can advertise it in Betting picks or Personal Threads(But to post a link a user should have at least 3 posts)

FIFA World Cup 2022

S

spkutano

Professional Bettor
Joined
Dec 1, 2018
Messages
1,826
Reaction score
176
Points
63
1668401476349.png
 
Everygame
1668802662750.png


Qatar vs Ecuador Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Qatar:
Al-Sheeb; Miguel, Al-Wari, Salman, Hassan, Ahmed; Hatem, Boudiaf; Al-Haydos; Ali, Afif

Ecuador:
Dominguez; Preciado, Torres, Hincapie, Estupinan; Gruezo, Caicedo, Cifuentes; Plata, Valencia, Ibarra

Host nation Qatar will face Ecuador in the opening match of the World Cup 2022. Netherlands and Senegal are big favorites for the first two spots in Group A, however Qatar should not be underestimated. Usually the hosts have big support from their fans, and it is not impossible to upset the favorites. Of course, some referee's help isn't unknown in the history of tournaments. It won't be easy, but they will do everything to avoid becoming only the second hosts to be eliminated after the group stage. As You probably know, South Africa are the only hosts that failed to reach the knockout phase in 2010. Coach Felix Sanchez Bas is feeling some pressure as the fans expectations are not realistic. They are dreaming about big success, particularly after they won the last four friendlies against Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and most recently Albania. The atmosphere in the national team is very good, while the players confidence is high. Most of the players are ready, but striker Ahmed Alaaeldin is rated as doubtful. He came off in the 26th minute against Albania last week with an unspecified injury. His absence is not a big handicap as he wasn't expected to start anyway.

As I wrote above, the Netherlands and Senegal are expected to finish on the top-two positions of the group, but Ecuador showed they are good team during the qualifications. Ecuador have scored 27 goals, their highest-ever goals tally during a single qualification campaign. It is interesting to be mentioned they had the youngest average starting eleven in CONMEBOL with 25 years and 334 days. This fact could be a tricky one as the experience sometime provide as pivotal. Coach Gustavo Alfaro composed a solid team full of young and talented players, but will be led by all-time best goalscorer Enner Valencia. The strong defense is a key for success. Not only they are unbeaten since June, but also kept the net untouched on the six matches they played. The opponents were not naive at all - Mexico, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Iraq. Coach Alfaro also has one worry as Byron Castillo suffered an injury on the last friendly game. The 24-year-old defender has been left out of the 26-man squad, while Angelo Preciado or Robert Arboleda should deputize. Carlos Gruezo and Jeremy Sarmiento are rated as doubtful due to thigh and muscular injury.

Qatar vs Ecuador Prediction:

I expect Under 2.5 goals here. The World Cup opening match regulations have changed many times. Between 1974 and 2002, the defending Champions were involved in the first match. Since 2006, as the defending champions no longer qualify automatically, the opening matches involve the host nations. However, one thing is common for most of them - they are low scoring. Eight of the twelve games in that period have ended with Under 2.5 goals. There were some exception, like Germany against Costa Rica (4:2), Brazil versus Croatia (3:1) or Russia against Saudi Arabia (5:0), but Qatar are miles away from teams like Germany, Brazil and Russia. Furthermore, Ecuador are defensively oriented side, they haven't conceded a single goal on the last six matches they played. The odds are low, but I think no more than two goals will be scored.

Qatar vs Ecuador Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.52 with Pinnacle
 
1669017660089.png


France vs Australia Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

France:
Lloris; Pavard, Upamecano, Konate, Lucas Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud

Australia:
Ryan; Atkinson, Wright, Rowles, Behich; Hrustic, Mooy, Irvine; Leckie, Duke, Goodwin

The reigning World Champions France begin the defense of the title against Australia at the Al Janoub Stadium. It won't be easy, on contrary. Only Brazil did it so far in the history. But there were lot more different stories. Each of the past three champions - and four of the previous five – defending champions have been eliminated in the group stage. France should be extremely careful. They have been to more World Cup finals (three) than any other team since 1998, but the last time Les Bleus went into a World Cup as holders, they finished bottom of their group. There are some additional worries for coach Didier Deschamps - injuries. The last victim was the Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema who picked up a thigh issue on the first training since coming to Qatar. Deschamps is still thinking about his replacement. Previously he has been forced to swap Presnel Kimpembe and Christopher Nkunku out for Axel Disasi and Randal Kolo Muani respectively. At last, Manchester United defender Raphael Varane will probably miss out the opening match, but should be ready for the next games.

Australia secured a place at World Cup after beating Peru on penalties in an intercontinental play-off in Qatar. Manager Graham Arnold showed he is an excellent tactician. He made the crucial change ahead of penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne, who replaced Mat Ryan just before the penalties was the hero after saved Alex Valera's final kick. Redmayne's efforts ensured that Australia would be present at the World Cup again, but so far without any significant result. The Socceroos' best achievement is a Round-of-16 in 2006. What is a worrying fact is they haven't scored from open play since 2014 when Tim Cahill found the back of the net against the Netherlands. The current form isn't bad, Australia have five successive victories. One of them were against Peru, while the last two were friendlies against New Zealand in September. Winning 2:0 and 1:0 versus their neighbors should not be overrated. Arnold also has some injury concerns. Hibernian striker Martin Boyle is struggling with a knee problem and has been unable to train with the team. Arnold has to decide about Boyle, with Marco Tilio ready to deputize if necessary. Stoke City defender Harry Souttar has recovered from ACL surgery, but the lack of match practice could be a reason not to start here.

France vs Australia Prediction:

Deschamps has lost Karim Benzema through injury and this is a big handicap. Imagine Senegal without Mane or Argentina without Messi, it will be a catastrophe. But France are used to play without Benzema at World Cups, he wasn't part of the squad in Russia 4 years ago. Les Blues have four top class forwards - Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. Each of them are able to make the difference in this game. Varane will also miss in defense, but Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool and Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich are excellent players. According to me, there is a class difference between France and Australia. Deschamps' men should win in handicap.

France vs Australia Pick: France -1.5 AH @ 1.89 with Pinnacle
 
1669114842805.png


Germany vs Japan Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Germany:
Neuer; Kehrer, Sule, Rudiger, Raum; Kimmich, Gundogan; Gnabry, Musiala, Sane; Muller

Japan:
Gonda; Sakai, Tomiyasu, Yoshida, Nagatomo; Shibasaki, Endo, Kamada; Ito, Asano, Minamino

The previous World Cup in Russia was the first one since 1950 (when they didn’t participate) that Germany failed to get past the first round. That was a big disappointment for the whole nation, something like a catastrophe. It is understandable, having on mind they reached at least the semi-finals in every other World Cup this century. Die Mannschaft responded well in the qualifications by becoming the first national team to secure their place in Qatar. The Germans have won 9 of the 10 matches in the group, but lost 2:1 to North Macedonia. It was a match that showed the vulnerability of Joachim Loew's side. The coach resigned after the Last-16 elimination to England in the recent European Championships, while Hansi Flick took the job. A poor record of just two wins from their last eight games surely impacted the players confidence, however they beat Oman 1:0 in a warm-up friendly last Wednesday. Flick will be missing Marco Reus, who suffered yet another injury. Striker Niclas Fullkrug is back from illness and the duo of Thomas Muller and Antonio Rudiger also returning to full training. Muller has returned to the national team and he will try to improve his record of 10 goals and six assists in 16 World Cup matches for Germany.

Japan have a difficult job against the former World Cup winners, however, Hajime Moriyasu’s men will not give up easily. They can take heart from the fact that the team tends to exceed expectations. At the 2018 World Cup, Japan advanced to the Round-of-16, but the group was much easier and contained Poland, Senegal and Colombia. The fans agree that a win against Costa Rica and then at least a draw with either Germany or Spain is the most realistic way forward. Japan currently have several players playing in Europe, but they have lacked leadership without the presence of former Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa in attack. Japan have obtained convincing victories over South Korea and USA, but they will have to be more clinical in the World Cup if they want to advance to the knock-out phase. Takefusa Kubo and Takumi Minamino are between the most experienced names in the national team in that sense but they’ve yet to really perform when it matters. An attacking midfielder Kamada from Eintracht Frankfurt is the engine of the Japanese team and will arguably be their most important player in the World Cup. Most of the players are ready, including Karou Mitoma and Wataru Endo who overcame illness and a head injury respectively, but Sporting Lisbon midfielder Hidemasa Morita is doubtful with a calf injury. Arsenal's defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is also a doubt with a muscular problem but should be fine to play.

Germany vs Japan Prediction:

Germany could equal Brazil long-standing record of five World Cup titles should they go all the way in Qatar. I am sure the motivation will be at highest level. The quality is on their side, no doubt about that. I will suggest Germany's victory in handicap. If they win exactly with one goal, then Your stake will return back.

Germany vs Japan Pick: Germany -1.0 AH @ 1.75 with Pinnacle
 
To moderators, I didn't intend to duplicate the same post. I thought that it was lost so I will pay more attention next time.
 
1669142219551.png


Belgium vs Canada Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Belgium:
Courtois; Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Debast; Meunier, Tielemans, Witsel, Castagne; De Bruyne, Batshuayi, E Hazard

Canada:
Borjan; Laryea, Johnston, Steven Vitoria, K. Miller, Adekugbe; Buchanan, Hutchinson, Eustaquio; David, Larin

Belgium will face Canada at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Wednesday. According to the experts, this World Cup represents the last opportunity for the 'Golden Generation' to win a major tournament. Four years ago they beat Brazil to reach the semifinals and ultimately finish third, their best-ever result. But the 2018 success set new benchmarks and expectations that the Belgians have failed to meet in the past four years. Disappointment followed disappointment as the Belgians crashed out of Euro 2020 in the quarter-finals and then struggled to impress in the Final Four of the Nations League a few months later. Belgium were beaten twice by heavyweight opposition: Italy and France. Last summer, the Netherlands handed Belgium another disappointment in the Nations League, winning home and away. It is clear Martinez's men are dominant against smaller nations, but when it really matters against the very best, they often lack a cutting edge. What is worse, two of their three key players are struggling. Eden Hazard has become a fringe figure at Real Madrid, never replaying the top form from his days with Chelsea. Romelu Lukaku, meanwhile, was injured in the last period and his fitness remains uncertain. That means Kevin De Bruyne must do the whole job alone.

Canada will try to secure one of the first two places, but Belgium, Croatia and the African powerhouse Morocco, are tough opponents. Nevertheless, coach John Herdman is doing a fantastic job and the players confidence is very high. Most of them are young and inexperienced, but sometimes this could be an advantage. Even more as they will be hosts of the 2026 World Cup. The strong defense is pivotal for the success, they kept seven clean sheets during the final stage. Plus, they never conceded more than one goal, even some of the opponents were strong sides like Mexico and United States. But they are not in best form in the last period. Canada lost two of the last three matches in the CONCACAF qualifications - from Panama and Honduras. It is true that important strikers Jonathan David and Cyle Larin did not start in that game, but that shouldn't be excuse. Herdman has some additional issues as one of the key players Alphonso Davies suffered a hamstring injury with Bayern Munich two weeks ago and he will probably miss the opening match. The absence of Dedryck Boyata and Jason Denayer is also a big handicap.

Belgium vs Canada Prediction:

Belgium are huge favorites in this match. Canada are something like debutantes at World Cup, their only previous finals appearance came in Mexico 1986. To be worse, they lost all three games without scoring. Of course, the Canadians will try to collect some point, but the group is very challenging on paper. I think Belgium will win as they still have player able to make a difference - Kevin De Bruyne. Belgium should win in handicap.

Belgium vs Canada Pick: Belgium -1.0 AH @ 1.68 with Pinnacle
 
1669238335100.png

Brazil vs Serbia Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Brazil:
Alisson; Danilo, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Sandro; Casemiro, Paqueta; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr; Richarlison

Serbia:
V. Milinkovic-Savic; Milenkovic, S. Mitrovic, Pavlovic; Zivkovic, Gudelj, S. Milinkovic-Savic, Kostic; Tadic; Vlahovic, Jovic

Five-time world champions Brazil face Serbia at the Lusail Stadium on Thursday. The two nations will renew the rivalry after played in the group stage four years ago, when South American side won 2:0. The Selecao are the only nation in World Cup history to have qualified for every tournament since the first edition back in 1930. Brazil were excellent during the CONMEBOL qualifications, finishing first with 45 points, more than ever before. The fans are dreaming about the title, however, 20 years have passed since Brazil last time won the trophy. Coach Tite is feeling a pressure, as well as the players. They are ranked number one in the world by FIFA and only the title is good enough. Tite has most of the players available, only three players - Antony, Bruno Guimaraes and Alex Telles - are recovering from minor problems. The key star Neymar is ready to impress, while Tottenham's Richarlison has just recovered from a calf strain. Tite has to decide between him and in-form Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus to lead the line. According to me, it’s a shame that Roberto Firmino and Gabriel were not included in the squad.

Serbia will be the first opponents to Brazil in Qatar. It is true that Tite's players are full of confidence after winning each of their last seven games by an aggregate score of 26:2, but Serbia are the worst possible opponents. Coached by charismatic Dragan Stojkovic - Piksi, they were not afraid when visited Portugal in the decisive match of the group. The Eagles won thanks to a late goal scored by Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and booked a ticket for Qatar, while Ronaldo and his teammates were forced to play two more games. Serbia are in solid form under Stojkovic, they secured promotion to League A of the UEFA Nations League earlier this year. It is important to mention Serbia had only two losses suffered in their last 16 games across all competitions. But Stojkovic has some injury issues as key striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has not fully recovered from an ankle injury and is expected to begin from the bench. Most probably Juventus' striker Dusan Vlahovic will lead the line. Stojkovic has to decide about goalkeeper's position, with Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, Marko Dmitrovic and Predrag Rajkovic all in good form in their clubs.

Brazil vs Serbia Prediction:

Brazil are favorites in this match. According to their media, Tite will field a very attacking 4-1-4-1 formation. Serbia have lost seven of their nine World Cup matches in total, the most defeats by any European nation. But I think they will score here. Coach Stojkovic has good strikers - Mitrovic, Vlahovic, Jovic and Kostic. I think there will be goals on both sides.


Brazil vs Serbia Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.90 with Pinnacle
 
spkutano said:
View attachment 4597
Brazil vs Serbia Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Brazil:
Alisson; Danilo, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Sandro; Casemiro, Paqueta; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr; Richarlison

Serbia:
V. Milinkovic-Savic; Milenkovic, S. Mitrovic, Pavlovic; Zivkovic, Gudelj, S. Milinkovic-Savic, Kostic; Tadic; Vlahovic, Jovic

Five-time world champions Brazil face Serbia at the Lusail Stadium on Thursday. The two nations will renew the rivalry after played in the group stage four years ago, when South American side won 2:0. The Selecao are the only nation in World Cup history to have qualified for every tournament since the first edition back in 1930. Brazil were excellent during the CONMEBOL qualifications, finishing first with 45 points, more than ever before. The fans are dreaming about the title, however, 20 years have passed since Brazil last time won the trophy. Coach Tite is feeling a pressure, as well as the players. They are ranked number one in the world by FIFA and only the title is good enough. Tite has most of the players available, only three players - Antony, Bruno Guimaraes and Alex Telles - are recovering from minor problems. The key star Neymar is ready to impress, while Tottenham's Richarlison has just recovered from a calf strain. Tite has to decide between him and in-form Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus to lead the line. According to me, it’s a shame that Roberto Firmino and Gabriel were not included in the squad.

Serbia will be the first opponents to Brazil in Qatar. It is true that Tite's players are full of confidence after winning each of their last seven games by an aggregate score of 26:2, but Serbia are the worst possible opponents. Coached by charismatic Dragan Stojkovic - Piksi, they were not afraid when visited Portugal in the decisive match of the group. The Eagles won thanks to a late goal scored by Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and booked a ticket for Qatar, while Ronaldo and his teammates were forced to play two more games. Serbia are in solid form under Stojkovic, they secured promotion to League A of the UEFA Nations League earlier this year. It is important to mention Serbia had only two losses suffered in their last 16 games across all competitions. But Stojkovic has some injury issues as key striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has not fully recovered from an ankle injury and is expected to begin from the bench. Most probably Juventus' striker Dusan Vlahovic will lead the line. Stojkovic has to decide about goalkeeper's position, with Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, Marko Dmitrovic and Predrag Rajkovic all in good form in their clubs.

Brazil vs Serbia Prediction:

Brazil are favorites in this match. According to their media, Tite will field a very attacking 4-1-4-1 formation. Serbia have lost seven of their nine World Cup matches in total, the most defeats by any European nation. But I think they will score here. Coach Stojkovic has good strikers - Mitrovic, Vlahovic, Jovic and Kostic. I think there will be goals on both sides.


Brazil vs Serbia Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.90 with Pinnacle
Click to expand...
Think this will be one of the better games we see, but I see Serbia win 0-2
 
Back
Top