The Final Day
Well, the treble was more than on after the Uruguay game and exciting start to the evening fixtures but not one corner after the 17th minute in the Serbia v Switzerland game and Brazil’s failure to score means we end the group stage betting with a loss. Still up slightly so have to be happy.
On to the knockout stages now so we will see what that brings.
No team has won all three group games, in fact every team has had a poor performance. I had hoped Argentina would go on to win but, victory against a lackluster Poland team aside, they haven’t looked as if they are firing on all cylinders. Brazil obviously looked good early on and it was their second string playing against Cameroon but I don’t think they’ll win it.
I think it’s England’s time. If they can get past France in the quarter finals, they can go all the way. Brazil v England final, England to win on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
If only I were a betting man…
Match Day 13 – The Final Group Games
These crazy results certainly don’t help when you’re trying to win money!
Treble was beaten by the early game again, as no goal in Belgium v Croatia but Spain game would have been a loser anyway.
We’re still up though and going to go out on a high!!!
Uruguay are the only team not to score at the tournament so far, and I can’t see them going home without a goal. Ghana have lost 5 goals in two matches and I expect they will concede again. Portugal will rest players v South Korea and we could see another upset if they do. I’m not touching it though.
Brazil should take care of Cameroon, no matter what team they put out and I think match of the day is going to be Serbia v Switzerland. A win will take Serbia through and they will be going all out to get it.
Friday’s No Lose Bet Builder Bonanza:
Ghana v Uruguay
Double Chance – Uruguay or Draw
Total goals – Uruguay – Over 0
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 5
Both Teams To Receive Card – Yes
Cards – Both teams combined – Over 2
Cameroon v Brazil
Double Chance – Brazil or Draw
Total Goals – Both Teams Combined – Over 1
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 4
Cards – Both teams combined – Over 1
Serbia v Switzerland
Total Goals – Both Teams Combined – Over 1
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 5
Both Teams To Receive Card – Yes
Cards – Both teams combined – Over 3
4.18/1
You may also want to look at a wee score any time double. Going for Darwin Nunez and Aleksandar Mitrovic will get you 7.25/1
Good luck!!
Match Day Twelve – Thursday
No winner on Wednesday’s bet. Denmark failing to score killed it early. Kind of glad as, had it been the lack of bookings in the Poland game, it would have been foot through the TV stuff.
Today’s treble:
Croatia v Belgium (Bet Builder)
Match Goals – Over 0
Both teams to receive a card – Yes
Cards – Both teams combined – Over 2
Corners – Both teams combined – Over 5
Germany HT/FT
Spain – 1
Odds on that treble 3.77/1
Good luck!
Match Day Eleven – Tuesday
Another winning bet, this time with the three game treble. Just about 4/1 so decent odds and it means I continue to play with the bookie’s money. Happy days. Had a wee go at the goal scorer double as well but, although Christian Pulisic kept his side of the bargain, Harry Kane failed to score yet again.
I’ll probably go back to Bet Builder for Wednesday’s games. France will rest players against Tunisia as they are already through, but their squad is so strong they should probably still win. Not great odds though so I will just leave.
Australia will be scrapping to get something from Denmark, who have to beat them. I see goals and bookings in this one.
Evening matches are intriguing with Argentina needing victory against Poland to be sure of going through and Mexico desperate for a win against Saudi Arabia. Lots of bookings in store I feel..
Bet Builder treble (not that I’m getting cocky…)
Australia v Denmark (going relatively safe in this to take in to the evening games)
Double Chance – Denmark or Draw
Total goals – Denmark – Over 0
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 5
Cards – Both teams combined – Over 2
Cards – Australia – Over 0
Poland v Argentina
Double Chance – Argentina or Draw
Total goals – Argentina – Over 0
Both Teams To Receive Card – Yes
Cards – Both teams combined – Over 3
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 4
Saudi Arabia v Mexico
Double Chance – Argentina or Draw
Total goals – Argentina – Over 0
Both Teams To Receive Card – Yes
Cards – Both teams combined – Over 2
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 4
3.71/1
A four fold of Denmark, France, Argentina and Mexico will pay 4.17/1. I think one of the favourites will slip up though.
Good luck!
Match Day Ten – Tuesday
We were only a goal in Brazil v Switzerland away in Monday’s matches from a glorious double double. The first one of the day came up so my stake was a wee bit higher on the second, due to three wins in a row but, as often happens, that’s the one that lets you down. However, a 4/1 win on first two games was nice.
Bet Builder has been relatively good to me but going for something different On Tuesday.
There have not been many first half goals in this tournament, but Qatar have been behind at the break in both their games so far. Netherlands need a win and I think they will beat the hosts easily. USA looked really good against England, and I expect them to beat Iran and finish second in the group. Wales may put up a decent fight against England but they’re not strong enough to take anything from the game. England win.
Netherlands HT/FT 8/11
USA 1/1
England 4/9
Accy 3.98/1
Other options that I may look at nearer kick off are goal scorers.
Harry Kane – first goal scorer 3/1
Or
Harry Kane to score any time
Christian Pulisic to score any time
6.87/1
Good luck!!
https://www.begambleaware.org/
Match Day Nine – Monday
A nice wee bet builder up on the two later Sunday matches. Not big odds but Saturday’s win allowed me to up the stake a bit. Here we go, two in a row..
BB again for me Monday. Double Double.
Cameroon v Serbia
Double Chance – Serbia or Draw
Total goals – Serbia – Over 0
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 5
Cards – Both teams combined – Over 2
South Korea v Ghana
Both teams to score – Yes
Both Teams To Receive Card – Yes
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 5
3.97/1
Brazil v Switzerland
Double Chance – Brazil or Draw
Total goals – Brazil- Over 0
Goals – Both teams combined – Over 1
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 5
Cards – Both teams combined – Over 2
Portugal v Uruguay
Goals – Both teams combined – Over 1
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 6
Both Teams To Receive Card – Yes
Cards – Both teams combined – Over 3
4.04/1
I think Brazil and Serbia will win but can’t split the other two matches. I have a feeling Portugal v Uruguay will be feisty. If you like a Both Teams To Score, this could be a good day for you!
Match Day Eight – Sunday
Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes!! Back to Bet Builder heaven with a decent odds win. It’s been a long time coming. It was probably a good call to leave early game but the BB treble comes in at 5/1. The 3.61/1 win only accy was a winner as well, so well done if you went for that.
Super Sunday is looking tasty as we have a few of the big European nations in action. In the first game though, Japan play Costa Rica and, given how the two teams fared in their first group games, I’m a bit surprised you can get 1/2 on Germany’s conquers. Belgium are 11/10 v Morocco and Croatia are also odds against (6/5) to beat Canada. Were Canada really THAT good against Belgium? Possibly, but I’d be tempted to take three “homes” in these matches and you can get 5.75/1 on that bet. Generous odds may sway me on this.
Of course I’ll be looking at a Bet Builder. However, I’m not sure we’ll see a lot of goals. Will go for double of:
Croatia v Canada
Goals – Both teams combined – Over 1
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 4
Both Teams To Receive Card – Yes
Cards – Both teams combined – Over 2
Spain v Germany
Goals – Both teams combined – Over 1
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 5
Both Teams To Receive Card – Yes
Cards – Both teams combined – Over 2
Nice and simple! 2.34/1
You can obviously increase your odds on this by adding more corners goals or cards but don’t go crazy.
Good Luck!
Match Day 7 – Saturday
Match underdogs Iran win, match underdogs Ecuador grab a point v Netherlands
There were bookings, goals and corners a plenty in the first two games, it was a Bet Builders dream. Typical that I didn’t have one on then. Yet again, I missed the early kick off and thought I’d got away with it after Wales lost but the treble I put on was beaten in 2nd game with the Dutch draw.
Things are going to look up over the weekend, I know they are!!
I’m not going to touch the first game, I don’t think we’ll see goals in that. Tunisia are the clean sheet kings and I don’t see Australia breaking them down (hopefully I’m wrong).
Treble of Poland, France and Argentina (3.63/1) looks good but Denmark beat France home and away in the Nations League so they are capable of taking something.
I’ll go with Bet Builder treble of:
Poland v Saudi Arabia
Match result – Poland or Draw
Goals – Poland – Over 0
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 5
Both Teams To Receive Card – Yes
Cards – Both teams combined – Over 2
France v Denmark
Goals – Both teams combined – Over 1
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 4
Both Teams To Receive Card – Yes
Argentina v Mexico
Goals – Argentina– Over 0
Goals – Both teams combined – Over 1
Cards – Both teams combined – Over 2
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 5
5/1
Good luck!!
Match Day Six
Another couple of boring games in the earlier kick offs in Match Day 5. Switzerland narrowly beating Cameroon and Uruguay and South Korea not having a shot on target between them. I expected some goals in the 1pm game, no idea why. Another borefest though.
Fared better on the later kick offs when the 2nd half of Portugal game sprung in to life……but Serbia not scoring ruined the evening!!
There is a very tempting four fold on offer on Match Day 6. Wales, Senegal, Netherlands and England will get you just over 8/1. Will one of the favourites slip up though? Qatar and Iran both looked pretty poor in their opening matches. If they play anywhere near as bad as that then Senegal and Wales should win. I’d fancy the Dutch to beat Ecuador and England? It’s their tournament to lose – they can only throw it away now.
I’ll probably play it a bit safer by going:
Wales or Draw 1/4
Senegal 4/6
Netherlands 8/11
England 8/15
4.51/1
Match Day Five
Another bad day at the office. I was going to go with my Bet Builder as planned but, schoolboy error, I forgot to get on before the 10am KO. Thought I’d dodged a bullet but went for a different treble, adding the Germany game in but there was not one booking in that match meaning I fell at the first hurdle. In fact, there was only one booking between the first four teams to play on match day 4, not in keeping with the games we’ve seen so far.
Anyway, to coin a football phrase that I really don’t like – WE GO AGAIN!!
Match Day 5 sees the last of the teams play, and the pre-tournament favourites Brazil. Although I’m probably more interested in the chaos that could unfold when the Uruguay strike force of Luis Suarez and Darwin Nunez come out to play.
I think Serbia will give Brazil a game and the first two matches will be tight. The only big favourite for me is Portugal. Ghana will be no pushovers but Portugal should have too much class for them.
Double Bet Builder again for me, in the hope that we see some goals and bookings (not had a red card yet!!)
Bet Builder (s)
Switzerland v Cameroon
Goals – Switzerland – Over 0
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 5
Cards – Cameroon – Over 0
Cards – Both teams combined – Over 1
Uruguay v South Korea
Goals – Uruguay – Over 0
Goals – Both teams combined – Over 1
Both Teams To Receive Card – Yes
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 5
Odds Bet 365 2.16/1
Portugal v Ghana
Match Result – Portugal
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 5
Cards – Ghana – Over 0
Cards – Both teams combined – Over 1
Brazil v Serbia
Both Teams To Score – Yes
Both Teams To Receive A Card – Yes
I’ll put the first one on and, once it wins, go bigger on the second.
Big Odds Bet, for the more adventurous.
Uruguay to win, both teams to score
Brazil to win, both teams to score
13.4/1
Good luck!!
https://www.begambleaware.org/
Match Day Four
It wasn’t a great day for scoring in our predictions competition – and it also wasn’t a good day for betting!
Argentina’s shock defeat and two goal less games put a dampener on things after Monday’s successes. The France game was the only one to see my predictions come good. Fine margins and all that though as the long shot treble on the goal scorers went very close. Lautaro Martinez was a mere fraction offside when he scored and Bobby Lewandowski missed a penalty for Poland. Kylian Mbappe managed to come good with a goal in France’s rout of Australia. Hopefully you all ignored me on that one.
So, match day four’s betting. The early game is Morocco v Croatia and I don’t think this will be plain sailing for Croatia. The Europeans are much changed since their appearance in the final four years ago but are still very strong and are on a great run. The North Africans have a scattering of quality players and they will not be an easy touch. I think there may be a few goals in this game.
Germany meet Japan next and, although they are not the force they once were, the Germans are still expected to win their opening match. I think they will but win only odds not too tempting.
I expect the later games to be easy victories for Spain and Belgium, with the former being big favourites v Costa Rica and the latter looking to get their campaign off to a winning start v Canada.
Match Treble (To Win) Option:
Croatia
Germany
Belgium
3.81/1
Bet Builder (s)
Morocco v Croatia
Goals – Both Teams Combined – Over 1
Cards – Morocco – Over 0
Cards – Both Teams Combined – Over 1
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 5
Spain v Costa Rica
Goals – Spain – Over 1
Cards – Costa Rica – Over 0
Corners – Spain – Over 2
Belgium v Canada
Goals – Both Teams Combined – Over 1
Goals – Belgium – Over 0
Cards – Canada – Over 0
Cards – Both Teams Combined – Over 1
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 5
Treble is 3.17/1 with Bet 365
Long shot bet:
Germany -1
Spain -2
Belgium -1
10.59/1
Good luck!!
https://www.begambleaware.org/
Match Day Three
Match Day Two was a decent day of low odds betting if you followed either my Bet Builder or my more conventional treble. Not a fortune but a win is a win and I followed up with another winning 12/5 Bet Builder on the evening game.
It’s Bet Building again for me on match day three with two doubles. You can be a bit more adventurous and go for the four fold if you want a bit more value. My plan is to get a winner with the first double then put a bigger outlay on the second one. Here’s hoping!
Argentina v Saudi Arabia
Goals – Argentina – Over 1
Bookings – Saudi Arabia – Over 1
Corners – Argentina – Over 1
Denmark v Tunisia
Match Result – Denmark
Cards Tunisia – Over 0
Corners – Both Teams Combined – Over 4
2.36/1
Mexico v Poland
Goals – Both Teams Combined – Over 1
Corners – Poland – Over 1
Both Teams To Receive a Card –
France v Australia
Goals – France – Over 1
Corners – France – Over 2
Bookings – Australia – Over 0
2.26/1
Not a fan of bet builder or want a riskier bet? Look at three players all to score (anytime in their respective matches:
Martinez (Argentina)
Lewandowski (Poland)
Mbappe (France)
10.51/1
Good luck!
https://www.begambleaware.org/
Match Day Two
Bet Builder in Qatar game was let down by a lack of corners. Plenty of bookings in the game though and I think that might be common in the tournament.
Match Day Two sees two of the potential champions play, in England and The Netherlands -and I think they will both win. You won’t get much back for the double though so best to enhance.
I’ll be going with a Bet Builder on Bet365:
England Goals Over 1
Iran Bookings Over 0
Netherlands Win
Both Teams To Receive a Card – Yes
2.86/1
If you don’t do Bet Builders and you fancy something else you could do:
England Win
Netherlands Win
USA v Wales Both Teams To Score
2.98/1
If you do any other bets please let me know how you get on!Good luck and remember – when the fun stops stop.
DAY ONE BETTING
Obviously only one game on today so not a lot to pick from and it doesn’t look as if it is going to be too exciting. Still, if you are looking for an added interest, it is always worth a wee look.
The hosts will be eager to impress but Ecuador look to have a pretty tight defence. They haven’t conceded in their last six outings (albeit all friendly matches) but have only managed to score twice themselves in those games. The South Americans are favourites in this one but Qatar’s form in the build up has been good and home advantage may swing it their way. Added to that – the host country has never lost its first match in the World Cup!!
A couple of value options to consider (Bet365):
Half Time/Full Time – Draw/Qatar 6/1
Correct Result – Qatar 1-0 9/1
Or for the ‘safer’ option you could use Bet Builder (Bet365):
Both Teams To Receive Cards – Yes 1/3
Corners – Over 6 1/10
Total Goals – Over 0 1/9
Cards Both Teams Combined – Over 2 4/11
Total Odds Evs.
Good luck and remember – when the fun stops stop.
PRE TOURNEMANT BETTING
A wee look at the pre-tournament favourites.
Brazil 7/2
Argentina 6/1
France 8/1
Spain 19/2
England 21/2
Germany 12/1
Netherlands 14/1
Portugal 16/1
Belgium 20/1
Denmark 33/1
Brazil. Always in the running, and rightly so, but they have far from an easy section to get out of. They could end up winning all three and topping the group, but expect Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon to make it tough for them. Then there’s the prospect of an all South American tie v Uruguay in the next round. Failing that it could be Portugal. If they are the best team in the competition, they are going to have to prove it early on.
Argentina. A 36 unbeaten run sees them start the tournament as second favourites. Can they keep it going? Will Messi shine and eventually get his hands on the trophy? The bookies certainly think so – and so do I.
France. The holders have been ravaged by injuries, striker Karim Benzema the latest to pull out. They had a mixed qualification campaign, followed by a really poor performance in the Nations League, where they lost twice to Group D opponents Denmark. This has put a lot of doubts in peoples’ minds about how far they can go – mine included. They’ll get out the group OK but likely that England or Poland up next for them if so.
Spain. Who knows? If it was about keeping the ball from the opposition for as long as possible, we could just give them the trophy just now. They will pass teams to death but will a lack of an out an out striker cost them again? Relatively comfortable group, Germany aside, and they will likely go in to an all European tie v Croatia or Belgium. They are capable, and personally I would love to see them go far. I just can’t see it but hopefully I am wrong.
England. Had it not been for England’s poor displays in the Nations League fixtures, they would have been much shorter odds than this. They have a solid defence, a solid defensive midfield and one of the game’s best strikers in Harry Kane. They should get out their group without breaking sweat and are on the kinder side of the draw Gareth Southgate has now got a bit of experience behind him and yes, it’s like watching paint dry sometimes, but it is effective.. They have performed well in the last two tournaments and I think their odds are tempting.
Germany. Possibly not as strong as previous tournaments but you just know they can grind out results when needed. Have a bit more flair in their squad now but, with Reus and Werner they may struggle to get to the latter stages. Look out for teenage sensation Jamal Musiala.
Netherlands. The Dutch missed the last tournament and they will be keen to perform at this one. They don’t have a hard start and will face the runners up of England’s group next if they top theirs. There seems to be a good atmosphere in the squad – unlike past years – and followed up a great qualifying campaign by romping their Nations League group, including home and away wins v Belgium. They will win their group and likely their last 16 tie as well but may face Argentina in last 8.
Portugal. They ooze quality all over the pitch and I’m surprised they are not shorter odds. Possibly depends how well their big stars from Man Utd perform, with Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo pulling the strings. Tough game in group v Uruguay but should get out no problem. Have the ability to go far but not sure they can go all the way.
Belgium. 20/1 for the 2nd best team in the world? The bookies must know something we don’t. Great outside bet, even if each way. Their strength is in midfield and anyone with KDB in their team has a chance. The Red Devils also have one of the best keepers in the world but an ageing defence could cost them. Still – a good outside or each way bet.
Denmark. They’re good, but they’re not that good. Really strong as a team but I don’t feel they have the quality to consistently raise their game against the big boys in the latter stages. Should get out their group OK but will find it tough after that.
Pre-Tournament Tips
To win group treble
Netherlands 8/15
England 4/9
Brazil 2/5
I think these three are stick-ons to win their group. Treble gives decent odds.
To Win Tournament
Argentina 6/1
I think it is Messi’s time. They are playing well as a team, Copa America Champions and haven’t lost for three years. Hopefully they haven’t peaked too soon.
Top Goalscorer
Usually a lottery but worth a short stake for a bit of interest. Two I’ve picked are longer odds but could do well.
Luataro Martinez (Argentina) 22/1
Steven Bergwijn (Netherlands) 80/1
World Cup 2022 