Morocco v Croatia = Both Teams to Score – Yes
Croatia were surprise finalists back in 2018 and they will be expected to impress once again. Despite their standing, the Croatian squad is ageing and this will be the final international tournament for several of their key players. They managed to start the tournament in 2018 with back-to-back clean sheets, however, they conceded in each of their subsequent outings.
They put up a decent showing in the Nations League, however, they did concede in three of their last five outings and might struggle to keep the lively Atlas Lions off the scoresheet. Morocco ended their 2018 World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against Spain and were impressive at AFCON. They found the net in each of their five matches at that tournament before crashing out on penalties.
Germany v Japan = Both Teams to Score – Yes
Germany weren’t particularly convincing during their Nations League campaign and with a squad that is carrying a few injuries, they may not progress as far as many are anticipating. Nevertheless, they are unlikely to draw too many blanks, despite their personnel issues in the final third.
The Germans endured a very poor 2018 World Cup and they weren’t especially impressive at Euro 2020 so they will be determined to make a fast start in Qatar.
Nevertheless, they struggled to defend in the Nations League conceding in both ties to Hungary and also to England and Italy.
Belgium v Canada = Over 2.5 Goals
Belgium are always expected to progress to the latter stages of the tournament and although they still have a ridiculously talented squad, there are some obvious issues. Defence is always a problem for Roberto Martinez sides and their back-line is ageing and potentially creaking. Nevertheless, with Kevin de Bruyne in their XI, they are always likely to create chances and should be able to open up with a decent performance.
Canada are delighted to be in Qatar and their fans cannot wait to see their side compete at the tournament for the first time in several decades. They scored plenty of goals during qualifying and have a number of decent players. They should not be underestimated!
11/2 World Cup Treble at bet365