The drama of the World Cup playoff is on: 180 minutes of football for Europe and the last 90 for Africa. In the European fixtures, it could be that the teams wait for the other to attack, as each encounter is so evenly balanced that one mistake could be fatal.
LIKELY BETS
Ukraine vs France: UNDER 2.5 @1.5
In the playoffs for World Cup 2010, only 10 goals were scored in the 8 games, an average of 1.25 goals per game as there is no rush to secure qualification and commit risks. France have netted less than 2.5 goals in 3 of the 4 games they have played away in World Cup campaign and head coach Didier Deschamps is particularly wary of his defence, considering Les Bleus will have to face two dangerous wingers in the form of Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Konoplyanka. Ukraine manager Mykhaylo Fomenko has been able to assemble a decent team, but he may adopt a similar system that England played in the 0-0 draw in September.
Iceland vs Croatia: UNDER 2.5 @1.57
The surprise package of qualification, Iceland would be the smallest nation to ever qualify for a World Cup should they overcome Croatia. The Scandinavian nation have impressed with their dynamic brand of football, led by Lars Lagerbäck and boasting a number of talented player. Croatia replaced former manager Igor Stimac after reaching the playoffs following his resignation, with the well-respected Niko Kovac succeeding the former defender. Iceland and Croatia have both scored more than 2.5 goals in just 1 of their last 5 games, home and away. Iceland know that conceding 1 goal could end their World Cup hopes, Croatia know that in Zagreb, they can beat anybody on their day.
TEMPTING BETS
Nigeria vs Ethiopia: NIGERIA (-1.5) @1.66
An Emenike brace saw Nigeria come back from a goal down to frustrate Ethiopia in the first leg of their playoff. In Calabar it will be a completely different match, and it is easy to imagine the home side winning by at least two goals.
Senegal vs Ivory Coast: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.83
This tie is still alive after Ivory Coast conceded a last minute goal to Senegal in the first leg, courtesy of Newcastle's Papiss Demba Cissè. This game will be played in Casablanca, so the atmosphere will help both teams.
Cameroon vs Tunisia: CAMEROON TO WIN @1.70
It is difficult to see Cameroon being so disappointing for much longer, but they should gain confidence from a decent result last time out, when they drew 0-0 in. Furthermore, Eto'o seems to be hitting form just in time when his country most need
LONG SHOT BETS
Portugal vs Sweden: DRAW FIRST HALF @2.25
The Cristiano/Zlatan face-off has been analysed so much that there is nothing more to say about that aspect of the game. Portugal must try to leave Lisbon with a positive result, but with someone like Ibrahimovic close to the box, they would be well advised to avoid allowing him space from very first minute. Sweden will wait patiently as Portugal always struggle to find the goal and remain compact, especially against teams that sit back.
Greece vs Romania: DRAW (Romania +1) @3.40
With six goals scored and none conceded by Greece in their 5 home games in qualifying they are certainly not a brilliant team but are at least very solid. With forwards in great form and a manager like Fernando Santos able to get the best out of that situation the hosts will be confident. Romania are a young team with good potential, but Chiriches will be missed. It is not hard to see Greece winning, but difficult to think they would do so with more than a 1 goal advantage.
Which nations will be getting your backing this week? Let us know in the comments below
