After some days of silence, I am back. This had nothing to do with my bad betting performances, which is still a wipe out, or with the defeat of Belgium against Morocco, who did deserver the 3 points. Just real life had priority.

So let's see if we finally can land a winner.

Group A

2 clear favorites to go through to the next round. These are the Netherlands and Ecuador. Both won their opening game and did draw against each other. I do have to admit that the Netherlands are as good as I did expect and that Ecuador probably is at the moment the best team of the group. Ecuador will face Senegal, while the Netherland will play against the already eliminated Qatar. Both team are tied based on points and goal average. But the Netherland do have the advantage to increase their goal average against Qatar. Regardless that the Netherlands are playing below expectations, they shouldn't have any problem against Qatar.
Ecuador only needs a draw against Senegal but there is still the danger of getting eliminated. Sometimes it is easier to know that you do need a win to qualify, like Senegal in this case. Playing on a draw is always dangerous, still I do see Ecuador reach the knock out stages.
I am going for a win for Ecuador and do hope that more than 2.5 goals will be scored in Qatar vs Senegal. The Dutch do need goals to win the group!

Group B

After an impressive opener against Iran (6-2), England didn't continue their performance against the USA. Now they do face Wales, which is tougher than it sounds! For Wales this is probably the most important game of the World Cup. And this has nothing to do with the fact that only 3 points can save then from elimination, but everything to do with the opponent. So, while on paper England will have to win this game easily, I do see a really motivated Welshmen! It is a derby and like we all know, everything can happen in a derby. England only needs a draw to walk into the knock out phase of the tournament.
The other game in the group is a politically loaded game between Iran and the USA. Let's say that these countries aren't real friends. I don't expect that the players do have this in their minds when stepping on to the grass. The USA does need a win after 2 draws, while Iran could have enough with a draw but then Wales may not win against England. So also here both teams better try to win this game.

Here my money will be on the USA and England. I know that a draw is enough for England but they aren't willing to take any risk and get a late goal against!

Today's bet!

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