The second round of World Cup matches takes place in Group B on Friday and we take a look at the games between Wales and Iran and England and the USA, suggesting a bet in each.
England have shortened into 13/2 in the Outright Betting for the World Cup after their comprehensive opening victory over Iran. They have also shortened into 2/13 to win the Group with the USA priced at 6/1, Wales 17/2 and you can get 110/1 if you think Iran can somehow turn things around.
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WALES v IRAN
WALES
Wales got a point from the USA in their opening match and they showed plenty of heart in fighting from a goal down in the first-half to get a 82nd equaliser from the penalty spot through Gareth Bale. It was an important point as it leaves them in with a realistic chance of qualifying for the last 16. However, victory over Iran is a non-negotiable if they are to make it through the group stages.
IRAN
Iran were absolutely hammered in their first game going down 6-2 to England, the damage been done in the first-half as they trailed 3-0 at the break. They were unfortunate when their first choice goalkeeper got a head injury early and they just never found their rhythm although they will take some consolation from the fact that they managed to score 2 goals in the second-half.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
There is no head-to-head form between these sides.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Wales 23/20
Draw 22/10
Iran 29/10
Suggested Bet: Wales win at 23/20
I was impressed with the way Wales fought back against the USA and Iran must be quite deflated after their big loss to England. I was expecting the Welsh team to be closer to the even money mark so I am happy to back them to win at current prices.
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ENGLAND v USA
ENGLAND
England top Group B after their convincing 6-2 hammering of Iran in the opening game. You could have got long odds on England scoring 6 goals in the game and even longer odds on Captain, Harry Kane not getting on the score sheet, but England will be very pleased that there were 6 different goal scorers on the night.
England will know that 3 points against the USA will send them through to the last 16.
USA
The USA took the lead against Wales in the first-half of their opening match, but conceded a late penalty to ultimately share the spoils. With a game against Iran to come they will know that avoiding defeat here will go a long way to setting them up for a last 16 place.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
These sides last met in a friendly International in 2018 when England won 3-0 and they met in the 2010 World Cup where the game finished 1-1.
BETTING – Click here to bet
England 6/10
Draw 3/1
USA 5/1
Suggested bet: Correct score, 1-1 at 6/1
The USA are going to scrap hard for this one and I think we are going to get a tight game. The draw is certainly an option at 3/1, but I quite like the more speculative correct score play that this finishes 1 goal apiece.
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
