World Cup

World Cup Matches of The Day: Week 3

THURSDAY
26 June 6:00am AWST

Scotland v Brazil
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens

Brazil head into their final Group C match with momentum after a convincing 3-0 win over Haiti. Matheus Cunha starred with two goals while Vinicius Junior was again influential in the final third, continuing the form that has made Brazil one of the tournament favourites.

Scotland have impressed defensively throughout the group stage and remain in contention for qualification after opening with a win over Haiti before falling 1-0 to Morocco. Scotland have been difficult to break down, but this represents their toughest assignment of the tournament.

Brazil’s midfield has controlled games well through Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes, while Vinicius and Cunha continue to stretch opposition defences with their pace and movement. Scotland are likely to remain compact and look to frustrate Brazil for long periods, but the South Americans should eventually find the breakthrough.

With top spot in the group on the line, expect Brazil to control possession and territory for most of the contest.

VERDICT: Scotland 0-2 Brazil
Same Game Multi: Brazil to Win, Matheus Cunha Over 0.5 Shots on Target & Vinicius Junior to Score or Assist @ $2.70*


FRIDAY
27 June 10:00am AWST

Paraguay v Australia
SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

Australia’s qualification hopes remain firmly in their own hands despite a disappointing 2-0 loss to the United States. The Socceroos struggled to create chances against the Americans but know a draw here would be enough to secure second place in Group D and a spot in the knockout stages.

Paraguay kept their tournament alive with a 1-0 victory over Turkey, although the result arguably flattered them. Turkey controlled much of the contest before Miguel Almirón was sent off shortly before half-time under FIFA’s new mouth-covering rule, leaving Paraguay to spend much of the second half defending.

Team selection is one of the biggest talking points heading into the match. Tony Popovic surprised many by leaving Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe out of the starting side against the United States after both scored in Australia’s opening win over Turkey. With the Socceroos struggling to create chances in the 2-0 defeat, attention now turns to whether Popovic sticks with that approach or recalls some of his more attacking options.

Volpato was one of Australia’s brightest performers after coming off the bench against the Americans and will be pushing strongly for his first Socceroos start. With qualification still within reach, the selection decisions made before kick-off could play a significant role in determining Australia’s World Cup fate.

VERDICT: Paraguay 1-1 Australia
Same Game Multi: Australia or Draw, Over 5.5 Total Shots on Target & Over 2.5 Cards @ $2.95*


SATURDAY
28 June 3:00am AWST

Norway v France
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough

This shapes as one of the standout fixtures of the group stage with two of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking sides meeting for top spot in Group I.

Norway have been led brilliantly by Erling Haaland, who has already scored four goals across victories over Iraq and Senegal. Martin Ødegaard has controlled the midfield and remains central to Norway’s hopes of matching France in what shapes as their biggest test of the group stage.

France have looked every bit the contender many expected before the tournament. Kylian Mbappé has scored four goals of his own, while Michael Olise has been instrumental in creating chances and linking play between midfield and attack. Back-to-back wins over Senegal and Iraq have showcased both France’s quality and depth.

Both teams have attacking firepower capable of deciding the contest, but France appear slightly more balanced across the pitch and have consistently found answers whenever opponents have challenged them.

VERDICT: Norway 1-3 France
Same Game Multi: Erling Haaland to Score, Kylian Mbappé to Score & Over 6.5 Shots on Target @ $6.50*


SUNDAY
29 June 7:30am AWST

Colombia v Portugal
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens

Colombia enter the final group match with six points from their opening two games after following up a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan with a hard-fought 1-0 win over DR Congo. Colombia have been difficult to break down throughout the tournament and arrive full of confidence ahead of their biggest test so far.

Portugal arrive in Miami Gardens back to their best after a dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. Cristiano Ronaldo rolled back the years with a brace, while Bruno Fernandes continued to pull the strings in midfield as Portugal produced its most complete performance of the tournament.

Both sides possess plenty of attacking quality. Luis Díaz remains Colombia’s biggest threat in the final third, while Portugal boast an array of attacking weapons capable of creating chances from anywhere on the pitch.

This should be an entertaining contest between two teams fighting for top spot, but Portugal’s superior depth and recent form may prove the difference.

VERDICT: Colombia 1-2 Portugal
Same Game Multi: Over 1.5 Total Goals, Bruno Fernandes Over 0.5 Shots on Target & Luis Díaz Over 1.5 Total Shots @ $3.05*

*Odds correct at the time of publication. 

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