The 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers round off this week across the various continents amid plenty of goals, drama and excitement.
England has continued to show that reaching the 2020 Euro final was not a fluke. The Three Lions have stayed flawless in five qualifying matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding just one.
In Africa, the top teams like Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Algeria and Morocco have begun their respective campaigns on the right foot.
Brazil and Argentina lead the pack in South America in first and second respectively after eight rounds (seven for both teams following the suspension of Sunday’s encounter) of matches.
Mexico remains in good stead to qualify as one of the three automatic teams to earn a ticket to the tournament.
International football can be a tricky market for punters due to the inconsistencies in squad call-ups. However, they can make for great hunting grounds if properly analysed.
Here are four teams and their prospects of delivering over 1.5 returns for punters.
#4 Nigeria
The Super Eagles are in Group C alongside Liberia, Cape Verde and the Central African Republic for the World Cup qualifiers.
They are one of the top teams in Africa and boast of a host of young and exciting talents who ply their trades in some of the biggest teams in Europe.
After defeating Liberia comfortably by 2 nil in Lagos, Gernot Rohr’s men are set to face a tricky Cape Verde side by 5pm this evening.
The German coach has a tough task of selection owing to the absence of his UK-based players, who have had to return owing to travel protocols. Yet, Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen will be one player to bank one to deliver the goods.
Since the appointment of Rohr, the team has been particularly difficult to beat, with the defence being the foundation. They have also plundered the goals in equal measure.
Cape Verde, on the other hand, managed a draw against the Central African Republic in its first match away. They will fancy their chances against a depleted Nigerian team at home.
With the quality of attacking talents on display, betting on Nigeria to score over 1.5 goals is one that looks sure to deliver solid returns.
#3 Algeria
The Desert Foxes are arguably the most feared team on the African continent. The quality inherent in this team makes this side particularly ruthless.
After an 8-0 mauling of minnows, Djibouti with Islam Slimani scoring four of the goals, Djamel Belmadi’s men travel to play Burkina Faso.
While the hosts will not lay down to be ridden on, the swiftness in the attack of the North Africans will be their most challenging job. The likes of Riyad Mahrez and Baghdad Bounedjah will be keen to increase their international tallies.
Aston Villa’s Bertrand Traore will look to inspire his West African side against a soundly drilled team.
The probability of this match recording at least two goals is high. As such, smart punters should look to have Algeria on their slips.
#2 Portugal
The Selecao are currently placed second in group A of the World Cup qualifiers in Europe.
After a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired win against Ireland on matchday 4, Fernando Santos men have an easier fixture in Azerbaijan.
The 2016 Euro Champions are without the newly-signed Manchester United forward after picking up a suspension in the last game. However, a top-level attack of Bernado Silva, Andre Silva and Gonçalo Guedes should do enough to win.
Azerbaijan is the bottom team in the group with just three points. They come into this encounter as underdogs.
Portugal has a higher incentive with Serbia also tied on 10 points in the group and take on Ireland this evening.
The visitors have averaged two goals so far in the qualifying series. Hence, it is safe for punters to bank on Portugal to deliver an over 1.5 outcome this evening.
#1 Spain
La Roja currently top group B with 10 points. However, they have played two more matches than the other teams in the group.
Luis Enrique’s men outclassed Georgia 4-0 last Sunday and will now face off against another lowly team in Kosovo who they defeated 3-1 in the first leg.
Manchester City forward, Ferran Torres has been in sensational form in recent weeks, notching two goals against Arsenal in the Premier League and scoring one last weekend. He will be keen to continue in the same vein of form tomorrow.
The Spanish coach will expectedly maintain the same tactics as against Georgia, with the aim to control possession and carve out spaces in the defence.
Spain has averaged two goals and recorded five over 1.5 margins in five matches at the World Cup qualifiers. They look poised to continue the trend in this window.
