World Cup 2nd Round Marches 2 30th Jun

FRANCE v NIGERIA, Monday 30th June, BBC 1 17:00

The second round action continues Monday with two battles that pitch a side from Europe against a side from Africa. The first of which sees France take on Algeria.

The French were impressive in the group stages seeing off Switzerland and Honduras with ease before a much changed side eased to a final game draw with Ecuador. bet365 make Les Bleus strong favourites at 9/20 to come out on top in this game and many will be on them though the price is a little short for me when you consider the risk of extra time and penalties.

Nigeria qualified for the knockout stages by coming second in their group to Argentina. The African side drew their opener with Iran in a result that looked to have put paid to their chances of qualifying. The Super Eagles soared back with a 1-0 victory over Bosnia Herzegovina before they were undone by the magic of Lionel Messi in a 3-2 defeat to Argentina. If you think Nigeria can come out on top here you can back them at 15/2 to win in the 90 minutes and the draw is a 7/2 while the Super Eagles to qualify is a 15/4 chance.

Those for looking goalscorer bets will be keen on Karim Benzema who already has three goals from the group stages and he is 3/1 with bet365 to get the opener or 10/11 to grab a goal at anytime. Those looking for a Nigeria scorer can get Ahmed Musa, who scored twice against Argentina, at 11/1 to net first or 15/4 at anytime.

It might pay to back the Nigerians to make things as difficult as possible for the Europeans. It is 13/10 that the game is all square at the break and this could be the way to play it as the Super Eagles will look to pack the midfield and frustrate the French. Nigeria have kept clean sheets in six of their last nine games and can at least keep Les Bleus at bay for 45 minutes here so also take the 6/5 that France do not score in the first half.

RECOMMENDATION: Game to be level at half-time, 13/10 (bet365)
Nigeria to keep a clean sheet in the first 45 minutes, 6/5 (bet365)

GERMANY v ALGERIA, Monday 30th June, ITV 1, 21:00

After destroying Portugal in the opening game many were convinced that this could be the time for Germany though expectations will have cooled a little after a draw with Ghana and an unconvincing 1-0 victory over the USA. The Germans though are strong favourites to see off Algeria in the last 16 and can be backed at 1/3 with bet365.

The Africans booked their place in the last 16 by coming second in their group behind Belgium having lost to them in the opener. Following that they defeated South Korea 4-2 before drawing 1-1 with Russia in their final game. The Fennec Foxes were not disgraced in losing to Belgium and I think they can give Germany a tougher game than people imagine. bet365 have Algeria at 10/1 to win this game in 90 minutes or 9/2 that the game ends in a ninety minute draw. The bet I like is Algeria on the Asian Handicap line with a 1.5 goal start which will pay out unless the Foxes lose this game by two or more goals. The African side have not lose by more than one goal in any of their last nine meetings with European sides.

In terms of goalscorer bets Thomas Muller is the lead option for Germany after four goals in the group stages and he is just 4/5 to net at anytime while for Algeria Islam Slimani who has netted twice is a 11/4 chance. In terms of value though it has to be worth a little interest on Yacine Brahimi who was the key player against Russia in his role just behind the front man and is a remarkable 33/1 to net first and 11/1 to score anytime.

RECOMMENDATION: Algeria +1.5 on Asian Handicap, 5/6 (bet365)
Yacine Brahimi to net v Germany, first 33/1, any 11/1 (bet365)

Go To bet365

#Ad

30/06/2014     © Frixo 2024