The second day of matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup started off with a flurry of goals as England scorched Iran 6-2 behind a pair of goals from Bukayo Saka and a masterclass performance by World Cup debutant Jude Bellingham. Senegal went into its affair against the Netherlands with bravery and courage and did outplay the Dutch at times. The resilience of the Oranje proved too much, though, as last-minute goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klassen secured the result for the Netherlands.
Finally, in what felt like the first match of the tournament that gripped social media (and most cubicles across North America, judging by my Twitter!), the USA seemingly threw away a result against Wales after displaying a galvanised press and high intensity that sadly faltered as the match went on. Gareth Bale continued to defy expectations with another goal at a major tournament after an unnecessary challenge by Walker Zimmerman gave the Welsh a chance to draw level and see out the match and secure a point.
Let’s jump into the betting previews featuring odds from bet365 for the matches taking place on Nov. 23. And of course, with Canada playing its first World Cup match since 1986, we’ll do a deep dive on its match against Belgium.
 | Match Odds |
|---|---|
| Morocco vs. Croatia | Morocco (+275), Draw (+225), Croatia (+110) |
| Germany vs. Japan | Germany (-223), Draw (+350), Japan (+600) |
| Spain vs. Costa Rica | Spain (-700), Draw (+650), Costa Rica (+2200) |
| Belgium vs. Canada | Belgium (-200), Draw (+333), Canada (+550) |
Morocco vs. Croatia betting preview
| Match Odds |
|---|---|
| Morocco vs. Croatia | Morocco (+275), Draw (+225), Croatia (+110) |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 (+137), Under 2.5 (-175) |
| Both teams to score | No (-134) |
The actions kicks off with Morocco meeting the 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia. While the golden generation has come and gone, Croatia will be determined to make the most of what should be the final tournament for the likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, and Dejan Lovren. Morocco has been bolstered with a number of dual nationals committing their international status to the program. The loss, or rather the surprising decision to not include one of the most creative African players in Hakim Ziyech will be felt, but this is a tournament where the Atlas Lions will be looking to build on a positive showing.
Morocco wins if: Croatia is unable to convert on what should be a high amount of possession and goal-scoring opportunities. An overzealous commitment could open up counter-attacking opportunities for Morocco, however, its ability to convert on them is another story.
Croatia wins if: As mentioned, Croatia will have the ball and dominate play. The only question is who’s going to score. Kramaric, Petkovic, Livaja, and Vlasic are all threats in front of the goal.
Mismatch to watch: Surprisingly, the mismatch to highlight is in Morocco’s favour. An argument could be made that Achraf Hakimi will be the best player featured in this match. A bombarding right-back, his ability to push the pace and force the action in the opposition’s third could be the key to Morocco getting on the board. Keep an eye on him.
Prop to watch: In terms of betting opportunities that represent value, and as always, I recommend doing due diligence during the match and analyzing the developing trends, consider Both Teams to Score (No) at -134.
Germany vs. Japan betting preview
| Match Odds |
|---|---|
| Germany vs. Japan | Germany (-223), Draw (+350), Japan (+600) |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 (-150), Under 2.5 (+120) |
| Both teams to score | No (-106) |
Surprisingly, Germany is only a -223 favourite in this match. The Germans, who have only lost one match this year, seem destined for a long run in the tournament. However, their Achilles’ heel, and one that’s plagued them since 2006, is the lack of a clear goal-scorer. The days of Miroslav Klose are long behind them and an heir apparent has failed to materialize. While the same could be said of Japan, its possession-orientated style sees the team move the ball around efficiently and wait for goal-scoring chances to develop.
Germany wins if: Its midfield has a solid match. Joshua Kimmich will be relied on to control the tempo and disrupt Japan’s ball movement and keep the ball circulating to the wingers. Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, and Kai Havertz will need to work the wide areas expertly and exploit any open space in the back line to find scoring opportunities. Last-minute runs by Leon Goretzka will also be key to Germany’s offensive output.
Japan wins if: If Japan can slow the play down, keep the ball on the ground, and play through the middle of the field. If this happens, Germany’s wingers and fullbacks will find themselves having to tuck in more and that should limit their ability to break at pace on the touchline. Takumi Minamino is a player with a sizeable pedigree. He’s featured in decisive Champions League matches and found a niche in one of the best Liverpool sides of the modern era. If Japan is to score, expect him to be at the end of a well-orchestrated scheme.
Mismatch to watch: In what should be Manuel Neuer’s last major tournament, his return to form is a great boost for Germany’s World Cup ambitions. He’ll be counted on to keep play moving and push the ball out wide to one of the many explosive talents featured on the wing. Germany may have trouble scoring initially, but Neuer shouldn’t have much trouble keeping the ball out of the net.
Prop to watch: A draw isn’t outside of the realm of possibility and the bookmakers know it. Both Teams to Score (No) is currently at -106.
Spain vs. Costa Rica betting preview
| Match Odds |
|---|---|
| Spain vs. Costa Rica | Spain (-700), Draw (+650), Costa Rica (+2200) |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 (-150), Under 2.5 (+120) |
| Anytime goal scorer | Alvaro Morata (-125) |
Spain has a plethora of talent and skill that should decisively overwhelm Costa Rica. The key thing to focus on here is goals. Anytime goal scorers should present a ton of value in this matchup.
Spain wins if: There’s no if here. And I’m happily willing to eat my words if wrong. Don’t take my word for it, Spain’s manager Luis Enrique has committed to daily Twitch streams to respond to fan questions and assess his team’s performance. A strong FC Barcelona highlights the squad that’s sure to inspire creative and tactical acumen. Alvaro Morata will find himself at the end of many well-crafted passes and should be a contender for the Golden Boot.
Costa Rica wins if: Again, it won’t. This tournament is about celebrating triumphs and waving goodbye to talisman Bryan Ruiz. After an illustrious career in Europe, at 36, his ability to affect play with his magical skill and wonderous dribbling is behind him. Joel Campbell spent the last decade inspiring confidence in his untapped potential that has sadly never been realized. It’ll be a tough go for Costa Rica in the tournament, but having it in Qatar brightens the tournament.
Mismatch to watch: You could pick from a whole host of things, but at the core of it, Spain’s ability to move the ball around and seemingly predict where players will be without a second thought will be the downfall of Costa Rica. Rodri and Sergio Busquets will dictate play effortlessly and make a mockery of Costa Rica’s defensive efforts.
Prop to watch: Anytime goal scorers. Morata at -125, Ansu Fati at +120, Ferran Torres at +120, Pablo Sarabia at +120, and Dani Olmo at +187 are all worthwhile wagers.
Belgium vs. Canada
| Match Odds |
|---|---|
| Belgium vs. Canada | Belgium (-200), Draw (+333), Canada (+550) |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 (-138), Under 2.5 (+110) |
| Anytime goal scorer | Jonathan David (+300) |
A successful Canadian result against Belgium, even a draw, opens up the entire group and makes qualification a real possibility. Standing in Canada’s way? One Kevin De Bruyne. Canada’s midfield is woefully unprepared to handle his world-class vision and skill. And Belgium’s attack is formidable. The wrecking ball that is Romelu Lukaku has surely been tormenting the dreams of Steven Vitoria and Kamal Miller. Nevertheless, Canada’s youthful gusto and arrogance could inspire an upset.
Canada wins if: Alphonso Davies is healthy. His hamstring issues are concerning and have been persistent for the last year. If he can muster the effort and summon his blistering pace, he’ll be a consistent menace to Belgium’s aging and slow back line. His speed will be the key to unlocking space in behind Belgium’s centre-backs and creating opportunities for Jonathan David and Lucas Cavallini. It’ll be a game of swings, but if Canada can calm its nerves and be decisive when the moment arrives, an upset is possible.
Belgium wins if: The match becomes the De Bruyne show. If Canada is unable to press him effectively and disrupt his movements, through the effort of Mark Anthony Kaye and Samuel Petite, De Bruyne will activate his expert timing and vision routinely and eventually make a succinct pass that will find the feet of Lukaku, Eden Hazard, and his brother Thorgan. Not to mention, Leandro Trossard, currently slated to feature off the bench, is in prime form and has been terrorizing defences in the Premier League all season. Belgium’s defence is a gaping liability, but if it is able to keep the ball out of the box, Canada will find itself on the back foot for most of the match and will inevitably succumb to the pressure.
Mismatch to watch: As mentioned above, the midfield will be where the match will be contested and Belgium has the clear upper hand in that regard. But the bench will also present further issues as Canada doesn’t have the attacking talents that Belgium does. Trossard, Dries Mertens, and Yannick Carrasco will be all watching from the sidelines desperate for an opportunity to seize the moment and make a case for a starting spot. It’ll be a game of adjustments and Belgium has a war chest of talent waiting to make a difference.
Prop to watch: David at +300 and Hazard at +240 to score represents marked value for cunning bettors.
