Wednesday's World Cup Tips
By Toby Maxtone-Smith
VegasInsider.com
Argentina vs. Nigeria
Argentina face Nigeria in one of two simultaneous Group F games, happening at 1 o’clock Brazil time. Argentina have been dealt an extremely favourable draw: not only are they in an easy group, they are also playing all their matches in friendly conditions. This match takes place at the Estadio Beira-Rio, in the far south of Brazil. Hundreds of thousands of Argentines are crossing the border to be in Porto Alegre for the game.
The game is meaningless for Argentina in terms of qualification, but Nigeria still have lots to play for. They need a point to guarantee progress, otherwise they will be sweating on whether or not Iran can beat Bosnia.
Argentina have been underwhelming so far, and needed a last minute piece of Lionel Messi magic to beat Iran. They are heavy favourites here at 11/25 with sportsbook.ag, and despite two iffy performances, I see little from Nigeria to suggest that they can trouble Alejandro Sabella’s side. Backing Argentina +1.5 looks the best option at quotes of 27/20. I expect Argentina, like Brazil, to take this opportunity of a third group game to really kick-start their tournament. Nigeria, because they may not even need a point, make little appeal at either 15/2 to win the match, or 3/1 to take a draw from it.
In the first goalscorer market, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero have been very disappointing so far for Argentina, in contrast to the majestic Messi, who is stupidly short at 5/4 to score first. I’m going to stick with fancying Higuain at 5/2 - he has the ability to punish a dodgy Nigerian defence.
Top bet: Argentina -1.5 at 27/20
Iran vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina
Iran meet Bosnia-Herzegovina at the spectacular Fonte Nova stadium in Salvador. Only one side has anything to play for, but surprisingly that side is Iran, not the fancied debutants Bosnia, who have crashed out after two defeats. Iran were stubborn in a 0-0 with Nigeria, and then suffered last minute heartbreak against Argentina after a wonderfully dogged defensive performance. Carlos Queiroz’s men could even have won the match.
Iran need to win this match, and hope that Nigeria do not beat Argentina, in order to qualify. However they could find it difficult against a Bosnia side who, despite a short-lived visit to this major tournament, look well set for the future. They gave Argentina a good game first up, while bad finishing let them down against Nigeria.
Bosnia play best when given freedom, and the freedom of having nothing to play for makes them appealing at 6/5 to win the game. They will be bolder than in previous matches, where they sacrificed some attacking threat for more defensive solidity, and it didn’t really work. Iran are 11/5 to claim the win they need, while a draw is 12/5.
Surely this time Safet Susic will field the two strikers who were so key in getting them to Brazil together. Vedad Ibisevic and Edin Dzeko scored 18 between them in just 10 games in qualifying, and are 7/2 and 5/2 respectively to break the deadlock. The market leader for Iran is Charlton Athletic striker Reza Ghoochannejhad at 11/2.
Top bet: Bosnia-Herzegovina to win at 6/5
France vs. Ecuador
France play Ecuador in one of two Group E matches on Wednesday evening. This game takes place at the famous Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. France only need a point to fully guarantee winning the group, while Ecuador need to equal Switzerland’s result against Honduras to progress to the last 16, where they would likely face an all-South American tie with second-favourites Argentina.
In 3-0 and 5-2 wins over Honduras and Switzerland, France have arguably been the most impressive side at the World Cup so far. They have not been hampered at all by the injury to Franck Ribery, with Mathieu Valbuena admirably taking full control of the creative side of the job. Karim Benzema has scored three times already.
They are the strong favourites to win at 69/100, and given their last two performances there seems little reason to doubt that the French steamroller will come to a halt. Ecuador are 7/2 to claim a win that would 99.9% guarantee their progress, while a draw is a 3/1 chance. Bookies are right in predicting a high-scoring encounter given both sides’ games so far. Over 2.5 is 77/100.
The first goalscorer market for this match is an interesting one. Benzema’s form is stellar, but 3/2 is short enough on him for me to look elsewhere. Ecuador’s centre-backs, Guagua and Erazo, are a potential weakness, and it is easy to foresee 7/2 shot Olivier Giroud bullying them. He links up well with Valbuena and is a good shout. The 7/1 on Enner Valencia, scorer of all three Ecuador goals in Brazil, isn’t as skinny as it might be either.
Top bet: Olivier Giroud to score first at 7/2
Honduras vs. Switzerland
Honduras, despite two defeats from two, still stand a tiny chance of getting to the knockout stages, but all the attention in Manaus will be on Switzerland, who only need to better Ecuador’s result against France to get through. After a fine opening day win, Ottmar Hitzfeld’s Swiss side were brought crashing back down to earth as their French neighbours spanked them 5-2. Honduras were also outplayed by France, before surrendering a 1-0 lead to lose to Ecuador.
The conditions in Manaus, a city almost unreachable by road in the heart of the Amazon, favour Honduras greatly. Of the three matches at the Arena Amazonia so far, only one favourite has won. The humidity and the heat are testing, particularly to teams like Switzerland who are a) European, and b) reliant on a high-energy style of playing.
All this means 2/5 on Switzerland looks too short, with 333/100 on a draw the best bet, given that if, as expected, France beat Ecuador, it would be enough for Switzerland to qualify. A Honduras win is 6/1.
By far the best bet here is Over 3.5 at evens (1/1) in the Total Cards market (yellow = 1, red = 2, max 3 per player). Before the tournament, Honduras kicked lumps out of England in a friendly; against France they had Wilson Palacios sent off and had three other yellows, while between them Ecuador and Honduras had five yellows last time out. They are a team that is highly aggressive, and relies on fouling to break up the rhythm of their opponents.
Top bet: Over 3.5 Total Cards at 1/1
World Cup Game of the Day: Argentina vs. Nigeria
By Covers.com
Argentina vs. Nigeria (-188, +750, Draw +290)
Argentina looks to complete a perfect run through Group F on Wednesday afternoon as it faces a Nigerian side in must-win mode. Narrow victories over Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran have some fans clamoring for a more aggressive style, but Argentina head coach Alejandro Sabella isn't expected to make any major changes. Nigeria is in the hunt for a berth in the second stage following an impressive 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina last time out.
Argentina has just three goals through the first two games - a development midfielder Angel Di Maria attributes to opponents playing to prevent scoring. "It's not easy when your opponent sits back and there are too many defenders to beat," he told reporters earlier this week. That trend should continue Wednesday at Porto Alegre's Estadio Beira-Rio against a Nigerian roster that has yet to allow a goal in the tournament, an approach that has earned it four points.
WORLD RANKINGS: Argentina: No. 5; Nigeria: No. 44.
INJURY REPORT: Argentina: None. Nigeria: D Godfrey Oboabona returned to training after suffering an ankle injury against Iran and hopes to play.
WHAT THE SHARPS SAY: "Nigeria come into this game against Argentina with a very poor record against South American sides at the World Cup (L4), and an equally poor record against Argentina in all competitions(L4 D1). Expect Lionel Messi to pile on the misery for the Nigerians here, he's hitting form with eigh goals in his last seven appearances for the National side." Covers Expert Footy Tipster.
WHAT THE BOOKS SAY: "Big game for Nigeria, as a win or a draw will put them through to the next round, it won’t be easy facing a tough Argentinean squad looking to wrap up first spot in group F and move on to the knock out stage. Argentina is a big favorite in this matchup and is seeing 49% of the action, while the action on the 2.5 goal is seeing split action with 46% on the under and 54% on the over." Michael Stewart, CarbonSports.ag.
ABOUT ARGENTINA: Fixing what has been a moribund offense starts with a simple step: hitting the target. Argentina has had a dreadful time doing that so far, combining for 33 attempts in its first two victories but managing to land just six on target, good for an 18.1 percent success rate. With Argentina expected to use the 4-3-1-2 formation that worked wonders against Iran, the pressure to convert will once again fall on the shoulders of all-world talent Lionel Messi; he has two of Argentina's three goals and has been the best player on either side in both games.
ABOUT NIGERIA: The Super Eagles' super defense should come as no surprise to those following the team; it allowed just four goals in eight qualification matches leading into the World Cup. The task of dealing with Argentina's talented forwards falls on Vincent Enyaema, the only remaining starting 'keeper yet to allow a goal in the tournament. Nigeria had great success pressuring the Bosnian side in their last game - firing nine shots on target - but should expect more resistance from a stout Argentina defense.
TRENDS:
* Nigeria is winless in four all-time World Cup appearances against South American clubs - including three losses to Argentina.
* Argentina is 11-1 with two draws in its last 14 World Cup group matches, outscoring opponents 27-5 over that span.
* Messi has eight goals in his previous seven World Cup games.
* Nigeria is 1-4 with a draw in its last six showdowns with Argentina.
Wednesday's Group E Play
By Sportsbook.ag
Honduras vs. Switzerland
Sportsbook.ag Line:
Switzerland -250, Honduras +600, Tie +333
Over/Under: 2.5 Goals (Over -144, Under +115)
Switzerland looks to move forward to the knockout stage of the World Cup when it takes on winless Honduras on Wednesday in the Brazilian rainforest in Manaus.
The Swiss began the tournament with a narrow 2-1 victory over Ecuador in extra time, but was steamrolled 5-2 by France in its follow-up game. Honduras also got pounded 3-0 by Les Blues, but played much better in a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, with their tally ending a 32-year, goal-less drought in World Cup play. With France virtually assured to move on to the Round of 16 with six points and a +6 goal differential, Switzerland needs at least a draw plus an Ecuador loss to France to keep playing in the 2014 World Cup. This match takes place exactly four years to the day these teams last met in the World Cup when the clubs played to a 0-0 tie that eliminated both teams from the tournament.
Honduras will once again be a huge underdog, but key midfielder Wilson Palacios will be able return after picking up two yellow cards in the first half versus France, which kept him out of the Ecuador match. Honduras actually got on the board first in the 31st minute of that game when Carlo Costly scored the country's first World Cup goal since 1982, ending a drought of five straight goal-less games. Even though Enner Valencia tallied at both the 34-minute mark, and 65 minutes in for the game-winner, Honduras still held the edge in many statistics. They outshot Ecuador 16-8 in total shots, including 9-5 in shots on goal. Ball possession was nearly even though (49% Honduras, 51% Ecuador), but Honduras had three times fewer corner kicks (four) than Ecuador did (12). Honduras also picked up a couple of yellow cards in the first half with Victor Bernardez and Jerry Bengtson. Honduras continues to be led on defense by Maynor Figueroa, who played an outstanding match four years ago in the scoreless draw with Switzerland. But Honduras needs to win by a wide margin to have any shot of moving to the next round, so expect them to attack much more than usual.
Switzerland has to be extremely concerned with their defense, especially with the loss of Steve von Bergen for the rest of the tournament after he fractured his cheekbone. He is arguably their best defensive player. His substitute Philippe Senderos had a brutal showing versus France, and was a big reason why Les Blues netted five goals. Despite that result, Switzerland could pack it in for a low-scoring tie on Wednesday and hope France rolls past Ecuador. The Swiss really need Xherdan Shaqiri to provide some offense for this club, which does have a little momentum with goals in the 81st minute (Blerim Dzemaili) and 87th minute (Granit Xhaka) against France. They wound up with a ton of shots (17), but put only eight of those on goal. In their Cup opener, they attempted 18 shots with 12 of those on target. But the Swiss did hold the edge in possession over France (57% to 43%) and had more corners (5-3), but less fouls (12-16) and no cards. Switzerland are the more experienced and quicker team in this matchup, and should be confident they can bounce back from the debacle versus France.
Ecuador vs. France
Sportsbook.ag Line:
France -140, Ecuador +385, Tie +270
Over/Under: 2.5 Goals (Over -120, Under -109)
France looks to continue its impressive World Cup run when it wraps up Group E play Wednesday versus an Ecuador team with hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.
France had little problem with Honduras to begin their World Cup quest, winning easily by a 3-0 score, and followed that up with a 5-2 pummeling of Switzerland. Ecuador began its World Cup with a 2-1 loss to Switzerland, but came back with a 2-1 victory over Honduras to give them three points that ties the country with Switzerland for second place in Group E. These teams last met in a friendly in 2008 that resulted in a 2-0 win for France.
Ecuador showed great courage coming back from a 1-0 deficit to beat Honduras with a pair of Enner Valencia goals, but they were still badly outshot 16-8, including 9-5 on goal. Ecuador did have a slight edge in possession at 51% to 49% and took 12 corner kicks compared to four corners for Honduras. But some key players picked up yellow cards, including goal-scoring hero Enner Valencia, as well as speedy midfielders Jefferson Montero and Antonio Valencia. Ecuador has committed 32 fouls in the World Cup, while their opponents have committed just 24 against them.
France star Karim Benzema has three of his team's eight goals so far in the World Cup, with one goal apiece for Olivier Giroud, Moussa Sissoko, Blaise Matuidi and Mathieu Valbuena. Although France throttled Switzerland, they did allow two goals after the 80th minute of that game and got out-possessed 57% to 43%. France did fire 22 shots though, with 16 of those shots on goal. That gives the club 42 shots for the tournament, with 26 of those on net. But Les Blues also has 29 fouls and four yellow cards during their two wins. And a silly yellow card in the 88th minute of a 5-2 match by Yohan Cabaye will keep him off the field for Wednesday's contest.
Argentina vs. Nigeria Preview and Pick
By: Hugh Wilson
Goal.com
Argentina and Nigeria face off Wednesday (12 p.m. ET, ESPN), in a winner takes all match for the top spot of Group F. Lionel Messi has been the star for Argentina so far in the competition, despite La Albiceleste not yet finding second gear.
Their opponents in the final group match, Nigeria, overcame a slow start against Iran to beat Bosnia in a scrappy 1-0 win and now have four points in the group.
Argentina will be relieved to be sitting on six points after two matches, with Alejandro Sabella's men not living up to the pre-tournament hype.
Messi netted a fantastic goal in the South American side's first match against Bosnia-Herzegovina as they scraped through 2-1, before a last-minute winner saw them get past an inspired Iran side 1-0. The LVH SuperBook prices them at -185 to make it three wins from three.
Nigeria created little in their first group match against Iran, as the Super Eagles were frustrated in Curitiba, with the result finishing goalless. Stephen Keshi's men reacted in a positive manner against Bosnia-Herzegovina though, battling to win 1-0 thanks to a Peter Odemwingie goal.
That result has put them behind Argentina in Group F, with a point being good enough for them to secure passage through to the next round. They're drawing +700 odds at the LVH to cause a shock and win, with the same book pricing the draw +260.
With Nigeria struggling to find the net, it's worth looking at the total. UNDER 2.5 goals is -110 at the LVH, and both teams not to score can be found at 5-to-6 outside of Vegas. Both are tempting, but it's worth looking elsewhere for a better bet.
Argentina have looked solid in defense so far this tournament, conceding the one goal to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
A shutout win for Sabella's side at 6-to-4 (also outside of Vegas) looks like a fantastic price. Nigeria have failed to score in four of their last eight matches, and with Argentina only conceding one goal in seven matches, they will be more than confident of sealing maximum points with ease and a clean sheet.
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Iran Betting Preview and Pick
By: William Duncan
Goal.com
Iran go into their final Group F fixture with Bosnia-Herzegovina in Salvador on Wednesday (12 p.m. ET, ESPN) knowing that victory is essential if they are to stand any chance of reaching the knockout stages of World Cup 2014.
Carlos Queiroz’s side suffered a sickening blow on Saturday when Lionel Messi’s dramatic stoppage time winner for Argentina finally broke Iranian resistance to ensure that the South Americans progressed to the last 16.
Iran must beat Bosnia-Herzegovina and hope that Nigeria lose to Argentina if they are to have any chance of joining Alejandro Sabella’s side in the next round.
Despite already having been eliminated from the competition following back-to-back defeats against Argentina and Nigeria respectively, Bosnia are favorites to end Iran’s hopes of reaching the next phase, with the LVH SuperBook pricing Safet Susic’s side at +110 odds to end a bitterly disappointing campaign on a positive note.
Carlos Queiroz’s men have yet to find the net in Brazil and can be backed at +250 with the LVH to claim a famous victory in Salvador, while the same book goes +245 that the match ends all square.
Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko has endured a disappointing tournament but, with the 28-year-old likely to spearhead Bosnia’s attack against the Asian outfit, books outside of Las Vegas go just 7-to-2 that Dzeko scores first here and 23-to-20 that the Bosnian front man finds the net at any time.
Given that these two sides have mustered just a solitary goal between them in the tournament thus far, it is somewhat unsurprising that LVH offers UNDER 2.5 goals at just -125.
Bosnia-Herzegovina may have failed to shine in Brazil but Susic’s side should prove to be too strong for an Iranian side bereft of a genuine goal threat, and the +110 quote for the European side to win looks to represent solid value for bettors ahead of the final round of fixtures in Group F.
Bet of the day: Bosnia-Herzegovina to win at +110
France vs. Ecuador Betting Preview and Pick
By: Hugh Wilson
Goal.com
France and Ecuador meet at the Maracana on Wednesday (4 p.m. ET, ESPN2) with qualification not yet secured for either side.
Despite France winning both of their matches so far in Group E, because Ecuador and Switzerland have both won one match, it's still mathematically possible for them to miss out on progressing, but it would take a mammoth effort from both Ecuador and Switzerland.
France come into this match as one of the stand-out nations in this year’s competition. Didier Deschamps' men kicked off their campaign in Brazil in style, cruising past Honduras 3-0. They followed that result up with an astonishing performance against Switzerland, which saw them go 5-0 up before two late Switzerland goals restored a little bit of pride.
Les Bleus have eased through Group E so far, with a point tonight being good enough to secure progression and top spot. The LVH SuperBook prices them at -120 odds to win.
Ecuador started their World Cup with heartbreak against Switzerland in Brasilia, as they saw their early lead wiped out, before a 93rd minute winner by Haris Seferovic left them pointless. However, Reinaldo Rueda's men reacted in a positive manner, coming from behind themselves to beat Honduras and keep their hopes of progressing alive. The LVH prices them at +340, with the same firm pricing the draw at odds of +260.
Expect Deschamps to play a strong side today to make sure they get the job done against a tricky Ecuador side.
France have been extremely strong in-front of goal recently, scoring eight goals already in two World Cup matches.
Karim Benzema has already netted three goals, but has been supported well by the rest of the side, with the other five goals being scored by five separate players to show that goals are coming from everywhere in the side.
Les Bleus to score three or more goals, at 2-to-1 odds offered outside of Las Vegas, is the play. In their last 11 matches, they have averaged 3.5 goals scored per game, with the bet landing in eight of those games. When you also consider Ecuador struggle in defense, conceding 16 goals in nine matches, it's tough to ignore this bet.
In Las Vegas, the total is posted at 2.5 goals, with OVER priced at -115.
Switzerland vs. Honduras Betting Preview and Pick
By: Al Hain-Cole
Goal.com
Having been humbled 5-2 against France last time out, Switzerland head to Manaus on Wednesday hoping to bounce back against Honduras (4 p.m., ESPN) and claim a place in the last 16.
Ottmar Hitzfeld’s men are -240 favorites with CG Technology to secure a precious three points that would probably be enough to see them leapfrog Ecuador and into second place.
Despite losing both of their games so far, Los Catrachos are available at +625 to keep their slim chances of progression alive with a first-ever World Cup win.
The sides shared a 0-0 draw when they met at this tournament four years ago, and you can get odds of +330 on them canceling each other out once again.
The stalemate in 2010 still leaves a bitter taste in the mouth of the Swiss team, who would have sealed a place in the knockout with a victory by two goals or more.
Memories of that clash have predictably caused many to draw parallels with the situation going into this game, a comparison that Hitzfeld has roundly rejected by claiming his side now have superior attacking options than in South Africa.
Indeed, it is the defensive side of Schweizer Nati’s game that will really be concerning the former Bayern Munich manager, having now seen his team concede as many goals in two World Cup games as they did in all 10 qualifiers.
Having lost Steve von Bergen to a broken bone in his face that has forced him return home, Hitzfeld now faces some big decisions over who to start at the back considering substitute Philippe Senderos’ unconvincing display in the 5-2 defeat.
This uncertainty will serve to encourage a Honduran side that scored their first World Cup goal in 32 years against Ecuador, and now need to find a few more if they are to have any chance of progressing.
With both teams compelled to attack, odds of -110 for both teams to score – a prop that can be found outside of Las Vegas – seem like solid value for what promises to be another exciting encounter in Brazil.
To play OVER the 2.5 goal total posted in Vegas, bettors are required to lay -135, a less enticing proposition.
Bet of the day: Both teams to score for -110
Argentina aims to clinch Group F Wednesday
By: Brian Graham
StatFox.con
Group F play of the World Cup wraps up on Wednesday when the top two teams in the group, Argentina and Nigeria both look to claim the top spot.
Nigeria has yet to allow a goal in the World Cup, drawing 0-0 with Iran before prevailing 1-0 over Bosnia-Herzegovina. If the heavy underdog can defeat Argentina in this matchup, it will win the group, but if Iran beats Bosnia-Herzegovina and surpasses a losing Nigeria team in goal differential, Nigeria will be eliminated. If both Iran and Nigeria finish tied in points, goal differential and total goals, the second-place team would be determined by drawing lots, something this tournament has never had to resort to. Argentina already knows they are moving on, taking out Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 before a narrow 1-0 victory over Iran. Argentina needs only a draw to win the group, and will finish second with a loss to Nigeria.
The Super Eagles played a very even game with Bosnia-Herzegovina, holding the advantage in shots by a 20-18 margin, including 13-10 in shots on goal. Nigeria held the ball for 46% of the time, while corner kicks were even at 4-4. Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama recorded seven saves in the shutout victory, after needing to save only three shots in the scoreless draw with Iran. Nigeria also trimmed its fouls from 16 versus Iran to nine against Bosnia-Herzegovina, with John Obi Mikel becoming the club's lone player with a yellow card at the 81st minute. Striker Peter Odemwingie was the team's lone goal-scorer 29 minutes in, but the Super Eagles know that star forward Emmanuel Emenike, who netted 15 goals in 32 games at the club level this season, will have to be heard from to earn a point in this match.
Argentina will be playing a virtual home match, as this venue is close to their country's border and it will be packed with Maracana faithful. Lionel Messi has carried his club this tournament with two goals, while the team's other tally came on a fortunate own goal by Bosnia-Herzegovina. Messi has already surpassed his total of one goal in his first two World Cup tournament appearances. Although Argentina has not dominated as expected, they did possess the ball for 55% against Bosnia-Herzegovina and a whopping 70% versus Iran. The Maracana fired 19 shots against Iran, but only nine were on net. However, this was a huge improvement from its 11 shots (5 on goal) in their tournament opener. Argentina also produced 10 corner-kick chances versus Iran, compared to only two against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Maracana have played a very clean tournament as well, with zero offsides calls and only 18 total fouls. Their lone yellow card was issued to defender Marcos Rojo in the opening match, so they will want to make sure nobody picks up a card in this match for a team that has legitimate aspirations of winning this entire tournament.
Iran tries to advance with big win on Wednesday
By: Brian Graham
StatFox.com
Underdog Iran needs a big win over Bosnia-Herzegovina and some help on Wednesday to move onto the Round of 16.
Iran has played a mostly defensive World Cup, opening their tournament with a 0-0 tie with Nigeria before losing 1-0 to Argentina on an extra-time goal by superstar Lionel Messi. With only one point and a minus-1 goal differential, Iran has to win to stay alive and then hope Nigeria loses to Argentina by more than one goal. If Iran and Nigeria wind up being tied in points and goal differential, the team moving on to the next round would be determined by drawing lots, which is something the World Cup has never had to do to break a tie between two teams. Bosnia-Herzegovina has lost both of its matches in its first-ever World Cup to eliminate themselves, falling 2-1 to Argentina and 1-0 to Nigeria. But they want to leave the tournament on a high note, and are favored to knock off Iran and send them home too.
Bosnia-Herzegovina has had plenty of chances in the World Cup, with 18 total shots (10 on goal) versus Nigeria to give them 34 shots (21 on goal) for the tournament. They also held a 54% possession edge and committed only seven fouls in the heart-breaking defeat to Nigeria, which got its lone tally in the 29th minute. Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Haris Medunjanin picked up a yellow card in the sixth minute of that match, but that was the team's only card in that defeat. Forward Edin Dzeko has missed plenty of scoring chances during this tournament, but his disallowed goal against Nigeria that was incorrectly ruled offsides could have been a huge difference maker for his team, and would've given them a chance at advancing with a victory in Wednesday's match. Dzeko may not play in the tournament finale for Bosnia-Herzegovina, as coach Safet Susic is expected to utilize his reserves more to give the team a spark.
Iran has been thoroughly dominated in time of possession in both World Cup matches, holding the ball for 37% of the time versus Nigeria and only 30% of the time versus Argentina. They have taken just 15 shots in the two matches combined, and only seven of those attempts have been on goal. With a win being the only desirable result on Wednesday, look for Iran to really set the tone on offense and abandon it's strictly defensive game plan. Carlos Queiroz knows this could be his last match as the team's coach, as he is stepping down after the tournament because the Iranian government is not giving him proper financial backing. Iran has been whistled for only two offsides all tournament, but have committed 32 fouls, including three yellow cards by midfielders Andranik Timotian, Javad Nekonam and Masoud Shojaei. Winning the match is obviously Iran's top priority, but it cannot afford to have any of these three players pick up that second yellow card and be disqualified for their potential Round of 16 match.
France tries to stay unbeaten Wednesday vs. Ecuador
By: Brian Graham
StatFox.com
France looks to continue its impressive World Cup run when it wraps up Group E play Wednesday versus an Ecuador team with hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.
France had little problem with Honduras to begin their World Cup quest, winning easily by a 3-0 score, and followed that up with a 5-2 pummeling of Switzerland. Ecuador began its World Cup with a 2-1 loss to Switzerland, but came back with a 2-1 victory over Honduras to give them three points that ties the country with Switzerland for second place in Group E. These teams last met in a friendly in 2008 that resulted in a 2-0 win for France.
Ecuador showed great courage coming back from a 1-0 deficit to beat Honduras with a pair of Enner Valencia goals, but they were still badly outshot 16-8, including 9-5 on goal. Ecuador did have a slight edge in possession at 51% to 49% and took 12 corner kicks compared to four corners for Honduras. But some key players picked up yellow cards, including goal-scoring hero Enner Valencia, as well as speedy midfielders Jefferson Montero and Antonio Valencia. Ecuador has committed 32 fouls in the World Cup, while their opponents have committed just 24 against them.
France star Karim Benzema has three of his team's eight goals so far in the World Cup, with one goal apiece for Olivier Giroud, Moussa Sissoko, Blaise Matuidi and Mathieu Valbuena. Although France throttled Switzerland, they did allow two goals after the 80th minute of that game and got out-possessed 57% to 43%. France did fire 22 shots though, with 16 of those shots on goal. That gives the club 42 shots for the tournament, with 26 of those on net. But Les Blues also has 29 fouls and four yellow cards during their two wins. And a silly yellow card in the 88th minute of a 5-2 match by Yohan Cabaye will keep him off the field for Wednesday's contest.
Switzerland looks to roll past Honduras Wednesday
By: Brian Graham
StatFox.com
Switzerland looks to move forward to the knockout stage of the World Cup when it takes on winless Honduras on Wednesday in the Brazilian rainforest in Manaus.
The Swiss began the tournament with a narrow 2-1 victory over Ecuador in extra time, but was steamrolled 5-2 by France in its follow-up game. Honduras also got pounded 3-0 by Les Blues, but played much better in a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, with their tally ending a 32-year, goal-less drought in World Cup play. With France virtually assured to move on to the Round of 16 with six points and a +6 goal differential, Switzerland needs at least a draw plus an Ecuador loss to France to keep playing in the 2014 World Cup. This match takes place exactly four years to the day these teams last met in the World Cup when the clubs played to a 0-0 tie that eliminated both teams from the tournament.
Honduras will once again be a huge underdog, but key midfielder Wilson Palacios will be able return after picking up two yellow cards in the first half versus France, which kept him out of the Ecuador match. Honduras actually got on the board first in the 31st minute of that game when Carlo Costly scored the country's first World Cup goal since 1982, ending a drought of five straight goal-less games. Even though Enner Valencia tallied at both the 34-minute mark, and 65 minutes in for the game-winner, Honduras still held the edge in many statistics. They outshot Ecuador 16-8 in total shots, including 9-5 in shots on goal. Ball possession was nearly even though (49% Honduras, 51% Ecuador), but Honduras had three times fewer corner kicks (four) than Ecuador did (12). Honduras also picked up a couple of yellow cards in the first half with Victor Bernardez and Jerry Bengtson. Honduras continues to be led on defense by Maynor Figueroa, who played an outstanding match four years ago in the scoreless draw with Switzerland. But Honduras needs to win by a wide margin to have any shot of moving to the next round, so expect them to attack much more than usual.
Switzerland has to be extremely concerned with their defense, especially with the loss of Steve von Bergen for the rest of the tournament after he fractured his cheekbone. He is arguably their best defensive player. His substitute Philippe Senderos had a brutal showing versus France, and was a big reason why Les Blues netted five goals. Despite that result, Switzerland could pack it in for a low-scoring tie on Wednesday and hope France rolls past Ecuador. The Swiss really need Xherdan Shaqiri to provide some offense for this club, which does have a little momentum with goals in the 81st minute (Blerim Dzemaili) and 87th minute (Granit Xhaka) against France. They wound up with a ton of shots (17), but put only eight of those on goal. In their Cup opener, they attempted 18 shots with 12 of those on target. But the Swiss did hold the edge in possession over France (57% to 43%) and had more corners (5-3), but less fouls (12-16) and no cards. Switzerland are the more experienced and quicker team in this matchup, and should be confident they can bounce back from the debacle versus France.