Football

World Cup Best Bets - June 26 - Group D

By Ben Darvill

1 hour ago

Ben Darvill 1 hour ago

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Best bets for the final round of Group D matches at the FIFA World Cup
Featured games include Türkiye vs USA and Paraguay vs Australia
Preview, stats & head to head

Folarin Balogun of the United States (Getty Images)

Türkiye vs USA
Paraguay vs Australia

Türkiye vs USA

Türkiye are likely already out of the World Cup following two consecutive defeats at the competition. Their 2-0 loss to Australia was quickly followed by a 1-0 defeat to Paraguay, with Türkiye once again underachieving at a major event. A win in this one would put them in contention for a third-placed spot if they can overturn a goal difference that currently stands at -3. A big 3-0 win over the USA would see them in contention, but having failed to score at the tournament to this point, it is fanciful to think they will beat a USA side that have won their opening two with an aggregate score of 6-1.

The USA are on course to top Group D at the World Cup with only a big swing in goal difference likely to see them miss out on finishing at the summit. Their 4-1 win over Paraguay was quickly followed by a 2-0 win over Australia as they impressed. With six points and a +5 goal difference, the USA are well clear of Australia (three points and zero goal difference). In order to miss out on top spot, they would need to lose 3-0 to Türkiye with Australia then beating Paraguay 3-0. Even as the most likely scenario, I do not see the USA losing to a Turkish side that is full deserving of bottom of Group D after a pair of insipid performances.

Paraguay vs Australia

Paraguay have their fate in their own hands, with a win over Australia enough to see them go through as runners-up in Group D. A point may still be enough to make it to the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams, but they will not want to leave their fate up to chance. Following a 4-1 loss to the USA in their opener, they then edged past Türkiye in a 1-0 win. Their goal difference of -2 will be a worry if they enter into the third-placed lottery, meaning beating the Aussies is crucial.

Australia swung from an excellent 2-0 win over Türkiye to losing 2-0 to the USA, with the Aussies struggling for consistency. Despite this, they still find themselves in the driving seat for second place in Group D. Their three points and level goal difference is better than Paraguay's three points and -2 goal difference. This means that they can afford to draw this match and still go through. Of course, this does at times see complacency creep in, and I back a nervy match for the Aussies as the pair share the points.

Verdict

World Cup Best Bets - June 26 - Group F

I am backing the USA to beat Türkiye to nil as Australia and Paraguay share the points.

USA

Türkiye vs USA To Win To Nil

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Draw

Paraguay vs Australia Match Result

@130.00 - 1 Unit