World Cup 2022 - Group Stage 3rd Round

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I opened a new topic because the odds have changed a lot.
Plus, there could be calculations as some national teams have secured the knock-out stage.

 

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Ecuador vs Senegal Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Ecuador:
Galindez; Porozo, Torres, Hincapie; Preciado, Mendez, Caicedo, Estupinan; Plata, Sarmiento; Estrada

Senegal:
Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs; Sarr, Mendy, Gueye, Diatta; Dia, Diedhiou

The situation in Group A is clear - Qatar lost both games, which means they won’t advance beyond the group stages of the World Cup they’re hosting. The Netherlands should collect one or three points against already eliminated Qatar, so they are virtually in the knock-out phase. Because of that, the match between Ecuador and Senegal will likely be a "winner-takes-all" clash at the Khalifa International Stadium. Ecuador secured a 2:0 win over Qatar in the first round. The key name on that match was Enner Valencia who scored both goals. He continued his scoring show in the second match against the Netherlands. Valencia secured an 1:1 draw with his goal in the 49th minute. He is the leading scorer on the tournament with three goals. Ecuador will qualify for the knock-out round of the tournament if they remain unbeaten here. Furthermore, the South American side could finish first in Group A if they better the Netherlands result. But coach Gustavo Alfaro has big injury concern as key player Enner Valencia was stretchered off in the match against the Netherlands. He is rated as doubtful and this is a big problem. Brighton & Hove Albion striker Jeremy Sarmiento is ready to deputize if necessary.

Senegal started the campaign with a 2:0 defeat to the Netherlands. It was disappointing result, but somehow expected in Mane's absence. As You probably know, he suffered an injury playing for Bayern Munich in Bundesliga. Nevertheless, the African champions beat Qatar 3:1 in the second round and remain in the battle for top-two spots in the group. Three goals were scored by three different players - Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou and Bamba Dieng. The victory against the host nation was imperative following a disappointing late collapse to the Netherlands in their first Group A encounter. The atmosphere in the squad is much better now, while the players confidence is higher. Senegal are one point behind the opponents, so only a win will be good enough for them. Coach Aliou Cisse has no injury or suspension worries ahead of the crucial match. Despite being rocked at the beginning of the tournament with the injury of Sadio Mane, he has good players. The defense look solid with Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo, but I see attacking issues as strikers Boulaye Dia and Famara Diedhiou are nowhere near Mane.

Ecuador vs Senegal Prediction:

This is a "Do or Die" match for both national teams. I expect a tight match full with nervous. The possible absence of Valencia is huge handicap for Ecuador, but don't forget Senegal are without biggest star Sadio Mane. Considering these facts, I expect a low scoring match at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Ecuador vs Senegal Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.61 with Pinnacle

 

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Wales vs England Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Wales:
Ward; Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Roberts, Ramsey, Ampadu, Williams; James, Moore, Bale

England:
Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham; Sterling, Mount, Foden; Harry Kane

Wales face England at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in the last round of Group B. Wales have one point from the first two matches and slim chances for progress - they must triumph and hope that other results go their way. The Dragons are last in Group B with only one point. They played an 1:1 draw with United States in the first match, but then lost 2:0 to Iran. The key moment was Wayne Hennessey's red card for a dangerously high tackle on Taremi. Iran took advantage from that, scoring through Roozbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Razaeian in the finish of the match. Rob Page's players now must beat England and hope that Iran's clash with the USA ends in a draw. Nobody believe in such scenario, not because it is impossible, but because Wales look poor. Even before the red card Wales played bad and Page evaluated his team's performance as "not acceptable." He has some additional issues as goalkeeper Hennessey must serve a suspension, with Danny Ward most probable replacement. There are any new injury concerns, but Joe Allen is still rated as doubtful.

England have four points and they are close to secure the knock-out phase. The two matches were extremely different. First was very efficient as the Three Lions scored six goals and won 6:2. Jude Bellingham gave his national team a lead with a soaring header from Luke Shaw's cross 10 minutes before the break. The winners were decided before the half-time thanks to Bukayo Saka's fine strike and Raheem Sterling's classy volley with the outside of his foot from Harry Kane's cross. England continued with goals early in the second half with Saka's second goal, while Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish also found the back of the net. In the second round Southgate's men were unable to score against United States and the match finished with a goalless draw. A positive result in this match will probably means first place in the group. At the end I will mention this will be the first time in history that England have faced a fellow British nation in the World Cup. Southgate has almost all players available, including James Maddison who has recovered from a knee injury. But on other side, he is facing some selection dilemmas. However, Harry Kane should lead the line despite the fact he hasn't scored from open play in England's shirt in 2022.

Wales vs England Prediction:

England are clear favorites to qualify for the knock-out stage, they only need to avoid a four-goal defeat against Wales to progress. England won the last six mutual games in a row and they could continue the winning series, however, I expect an efficient match as the players from both national teams will be motivated. This is something like a derby, so I expect an open approach from both coaches.

Wales vs England Pick: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.02 with Pinnacle

 

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Poland vs Argentina Preview:

Possible starting lineup:s:

Poland:
Szczesny; Cash, Glik, Kiwior, Bereszynski; Zielinski, Bielik, Krychowiak, Frankowski; Milik, Lewandowski

Argentina:
E. Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; Fernandez, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Di Maria

Poland and Argentina will be looking for the top of Group C when they face at Stadium 974 on Wednesday. Poland sit first with four points. They played a goalless draw with Mexico in the first round. What is important to be mentioned, Robert Lewandowski missed a penalty. At that moment he was yet to score at World Cups. But everything look much better after the second match. Poland secured a 2:0 win against Saudi Arabia, while the Polish captain finally celebrated his first World Cup goal. The Barcelona striker redeemed himself when he took advantage from a defensive error eight minutes from time, after Piotr Zielinski had opened the scoring earlier. Lewandowski was happy and said that he has now 'fulfilled his dream' on the biggest international stage. Nevertheless, he must stay fully focused as his national team are иn good position to secure the Last 16 of the World Cup for the first time since 1986. The strong defense is key for success, Czeslaw Michniewicz's side are one of only three nations who are yet to concede a goal after their first two group matches. Brazil and Morocco are the remaining two. But keeping the net untouched against Argentina is definitely a challenging job for Poland, as they have conceded in each of their 11 previous meetings with La Albiceleste. Michniewicz has no injury or suspension worries and should name an unchanged starting lineup against Argentina, with Arkadiusz Milik and Lewandowski leading the line.

Argentina were shocked in the opening match against Saudi Arabia. They had an early 1:0 lead, controlled the situation in the first half and nobody could imagine Saudi Arabia are able to turn out the result. But football is full of surprises and the Green Falcons flipped the game on its head in a stunning 10-minute period after half-time. Saleh Al Shehri leveled the result with a low effort and Salem Al Dawsari completed the misery for Messi and his teammates. That is why the second-round clash with Mexico at Lusail Stadium was something like a final. Argentina dominated the first half, but without success, so the result remained 0:0 after the 45 minutes. However, Messi changed all that after 64 minutes when he took one touch to control a pass with his left foot before drilling an unerring finish past Mexico keeper Guillermo Ochoa into the bottom corner from 20 yards. The Argentinian fans celebrated the goal and felt a big relief as their World Cup campaign got back on track. Enzo Fernandez set the final result with a curling shot into the top corner three minutes from time. Coach Scaloni has lot of option and some alterations are expected. Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina and Juan Foyth are battling for a place at right-back position, while Nicolas Tagliafico and Marcos Acuna are in contention for left-back. Fernandez has impressed as substitute in both previous games and the could be handed his first start of the tournament, while Leandro Paredes will also be pushing to start after being dropped to the bench against Mexico. Finally, Paulo Dybala is a fresh option.

Poland vs Argentina Prediction:

Victory for Argentina would secure their place in the Last 16, while a draw will be good enough for Poland. Of course, many things depend of the other group match between Saudi Arabia and Mexico. However, defeat is unacceptable for any side. I expect a careful approach from both teams and no more than two goals. After all, Wojciech Szczesny is yet to concede in Qatar, while Emiliano Martinez also registered a clean sheet against Mexico .

Poland vs Argentina Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.77 with Pinnacle

 

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Japan Vs Spain

When two teams are compared, Spain performs more steadily. Spain perform well this season, getting 1W-1D in group fixtures. So far, they have scored 8 goals but conceded only 1 goal. It is believed that Spain are going to win.

Pick: 2

BTTS: Y

Spain to Score First

 

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Cameroon vs Brazil Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Cameroon:
Epassy; Fai, Castelletto, Nkoulou, Tolo; Hongla, Anguissa, Kunde; Aboubakar, Choupo-Moting, Toko Ekambi

Brazil:
Alisson; Militao, Marquinhos, Silva, Telles; Casemiro, Guimaraes, Paqueta; Antony, Jesus, Vinicius Jr

Here are the situation in Group G:

1. Brazil 6 points
2. Switzerland 3 points
3. Cameroon 1 point
4. Serbia 1 point

A point is enough for Brazil to finish top, while Cameroon need a victory to progress to the knock-out stage. But even that could not be enough - the African nation must win and hope for either a draw, or for Serbia to beat Switzerland by a one-goal margin. The Indomitable Lions were not at desired level so far. In the first round they lost 1:0 to Switzerland. Breel Embolo scored the only goal against the country of his birth. He refused to celebrate, but the fans in Yaounde were angry and attacked his family house with stones. However, Cameroon were unfortunate to lose after a solid display at the Al Janoub Stadium. In the second match they played a 3:3 draw with Serbia. Cameroon took the lead through Jean-Charles Castelletto but Strahinja Pavlovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Aleksandar Mitrovic replied to give Serbia a two-goal advantage. In arguably the tournament's most entertaining game so far, Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's equalized the result and kept alive their qualification hopes. Coach Rigobert Song will be without Andre Onana due to disciplinary reasons after a disagreement between two of them. That means inexperienced Devis Epassy should start between the sticks, as he did in the last match. Vincent Aboubakar is pushing for a starting spot after scoring from the bench last time out.

Brazil are between only two teams that started the World Cup campaign with maximal effect. Portugal are the other national team in position to finish the group stage with nine points. The Selecao beat Serbia 2:0 in the first and Switzerland 1:0 in the second round. Tottenham striker Richarlison netted a second-half brace against the Eagles, while three points against the Swiss national team were secured by Casemiro. The five-time champions have reached the World Cup knock-out stage, but need a point that will guarantee top spot in Group G. The tournament favorites have extended their unbeaten run in the group stages to a record 17 games. Tite was without injured star player Neymar and his team lacked inspiration in the final third. Neymar sustained a lateral ligament injury on his right ankle during Brazil’s victory over Serbia following a tackle from Nikola Milenkovic. The team’s doctor also said Neymar had small bone swelling. His absence is a huge handicap for the Brazilians as Neymar is simply irreplaceable. The Paris-Saint Germain forward is working very hard to recover from his ankle injury and continue to represent his country, but it seems this match comes too soon. Alex Sandro is ruled out through a hip issue that forced him off against Switzerland. To be worse, Danilo is also sidelined due to injury. Tite may decide to rest some players in order to be fresh for the knock-out stage. That means other players, like Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Jesus and Antony, could receive a chance to impress.

Cameroon vs Brazil Prediction:

Brazil need a point to secure the top of the group, but I expect an offensive approach. The Brazilians simply don't know to calculate. Neymar's absence is a big handicap, but Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison are also good strikers. Cameroon, meanwhile, need three points to stay in the battle for the second place. A draw is not good enough for them. It won't be easy, but they must try to win the match. Considering the previously mentioned facts, I expect an open and efficient game.

Cameroon vs Brazil Pick: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.70 with Everygame