The wait is over for England as they enter the knockout stage as one of six teams in action in Wednesday’s Round of 32 games.
Thomas Tuchel’s team tackle DR Congo in a 5pm kick-off UK time at Atlanta Stadium. England qualified as unbeaten winners of Group L, while DR Congo were ranked the highest of the eight best third-place teams who were granted a place in the knockout stages.
The day begins with a 2am kick-off featuring Mexico against Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium. The tournament co-hosts looked mighty impressive while winning all three of their group games. Ecuador upset the World Cup odds by beating Germany in their final Group E game to qualify as one of the best third-place teams.
The final game of the day at 9pm sees Belgium and Senegal square up at Seattle Stadium. Belgium got off to a slow start with two draws before a 5-1 win over New Zealand clinched top spot in Group G. Senegal needed a 5-0 win over Iraq in their final Group I game to squeeze through after being ranked eighth among the best third-place teams.
Check out our full online betting previews below for each of Wednesday’s games, where we have picked out some tips based on the latest World Cup odds.
*All odds are subject to change
Mexico vs Ecuador: Player To Score or Assist – Julian Quinones@ 2.41
The World Cup could not have gone any better so far for Mexico. Three straight wins to top Group A, not a single goal conceded and playing their first knockout game in Mexico City. Winger Julian Quinones has been the man to watch, named FIFA’s player of the match when scoring in the 2-0 win over South Africa. He netted again in the 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic and in both of those games he also took the most shots on goal (five and four respectively). Ecuador looked to be heading home after losing 1-0 to Ivory Coast and failing to convert any of their 15 shots in a 0-0 draw with Curacao. They then produced one of the shock results of the tournament with an unlikely 2-1 win over group winners Germany, despite falling behind on two minutes. Lightning cannot strike twice, surely.
England vs DR Congo: Bet Builder – England to win, Over 2.5 goals & Harry Kane to score anytime @ 2.60
There is huge expectation for England to score a hatful here and stroll through to the Round of 16, but progress as winners of Group L was steady rather than spectacular. It was only the second half of the Croatia game (4-2) and Panama (2-0) where England showed match-winning quality. While Harry Kane has helped himself to three goals along the way, Jude Bellingham has also been impressive driving from midfield. He has two goals and an assist to show for his efforts. DR Congo won’t be overawed by the task ahead as they have a decent Premier League spine. Their all-important 3-1 win over Uzbekistan was their first for five games and featured two goals from Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa. Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki patrols midfield while Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham covers the right-back position, with former Hammers left-back Arthur Masuaku also a regular in defence. It is just one defeat in the last 13 games for England and Kane has fired six goals in his last six appearances for the Three Lions. He should extend that run here.
Belgium vs Senegal: Anytime Goalcorer Double Chance – Ismaila Sarr or Leandro Trossard @ 2.28
What a mouth-watering tie we have here. Belgium’s five points in Group G was the lowest total for a group winner but after two frustrating draws the goals flowed in a 5-1 thumping of New Zealand. Don’t be misled into thinking they are not in the best form though. That victory extended Belgium’s unbeaten run to 16 games and a double strike from Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard brought his tally to four goals in his last seven international appearances. Senegal’s 5-0 win over Iraq saw them book a late place in the knockout stages by the finest of margins, becoming the only third-place team to scrape through with three points rather than four. It was their first win in five games, a disappointing slump for a team that had been crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions in January before the courts took over. Crystal Palace striker Ismaila Sarr has made a huge contribution to their continued presence, with three goals and an assist from three games.
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