World Cup Best Bets – Group B - June 25

Switzerland made up for their woeful display against Qatar in their opener with a commanding 4-1 win over Bosnia last time out. Not perturbed by a disappointing 1-1 draw with the weakest team in Group B, the Swiss bounced back against Bosnia as they roared to the win. Their match against Canada is a straight shootout for top spot with Canada ahead on goal difference. After scoring five goals and conceding in both of their games, the Swiss will likely look to go after a Canada side that is yet to be seriously tested at the tournament. While Canada have shown they can score goals, can they beat a side that has some real quality in their ranks? 

Canada hammered Qatar 6-0 in their second World Cup match in a performance that will have the home fans dreaming of an extended run at the tournament. However, Canada’s supporters should not get ahead of themselves. Beating a weak Qatar outfit that had two players sent off was the least they could do. Positively, they sit at the top of Group B on goal difference and will likely go through to the next round as one of the best third placed teams at worst. As mentioned, their ability to play quality sides is yet to be tested, and the Swiss constitute a quality team. While they are not in the world class bracket, they will give most teams a good game, and I back them to hand Canada their first defeat at the tournament this summer. 

Bosnia are still in with a chance of making it out of the group thanks largely to their 1-1 draw with Canada in their opener. Their 4-1 loss to Switzerland in their last game showcased how far behind their opponents they were, with Bosnia struggling to match the quality of the Swiss. Despite this, they could still go through in second if they can win and seriously better their goal difference. With a goal difference of -3, Bosnia will be confident they can comfortably beat a Qatar side that have conceded seven times already. If Switzerland are to lose heavily, then their +3 goal difference will be affected, and this seems like the most likely way Bosnia could go through as a top two team. Of course, if Bosnia beat Qatar then they will likely go through as a best third placed side on four points, meaning winning this one is the most important thing. 

Qatar were given a lesson in football by Canada in their last match as they failed to secure the win they needed. Their 6-0 loss put their leaky defence and weak attack on show in a game that could have been far worse as Canada had a total of 31 shots on goal.  Qatar need something to change massively in their clash with Bosnia, but I do not see this happening. They will likely look to stay compact and to try to his Bosnia on the counter-attack, and I believe this will end in Qatar losing once again.