The latest odds for the World Cup's Second Round games.
Just when you thought your pulse could return to its normal rate after the dramatic group stage, the round of 16 got underway in Brazil.
We’ve seen penalty shoot-outs, last-gasp goals and moments of individual brilliance, and the good news is, we’re far from finished. Monday sees two of the tournament’s favourites in action, France and Germany, but absolutely nothing can be taken for granted in this World Cup.
France vs. Nigeria, 17:00
France rarely broke a sweat during their group-stage campaign, romping to convincing victories against Honduras and Switzerland respectively before a draw against Ecuador sealed their fate in the last 16.
Didier Deschamps has forged the French into an international force once again after a few years in the abyss, and the quarter-finals await if they can find a way past Nigeria – currently standing at 4/9 with SkyBet.
Their odds are so short for a reason, as they’ve been nothing short of sensational so far. Striker Karim Benzema has been at the heart of the French success with three goals and he’s 3/1 with SkyBet to continue his form with the opening goal of the game.
Even without Benzema firing on all cylinders, France still have one of the most lethal attacking lines in Brazil and will undoubtedly find their way to goal several times against the Nigerians. You can get Deschamps men at 3/1 with SkyBet to score exactly three goals on Monday, with four or more goals at 11/2 one for the optimistic neutrals.
However, Nigeria proved during their closing Group E match that they can mix it with the best at the World Cup – going down 3-2 to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina.
Up until that match, Stephen Keshi’s men hadn’t conceded a goal, and they’ll be hoping that their stubborn defence can be the catalyst for a shock result in Brasilia on Monday. Nigeria are 7/1 with SkyBet to win the match in 90 minutes and an outside 11/1 to win to nil.
Ahmed Musa scored two goals from just two shots against the Argentinians and is 11/1 with SkyBet to find the first goal against France, but the day will likely belong to the 1998 champions.
Germany vs. Algeria, 21:00
Algeria’s progression to the knockout stage in Brazil will be etched in the African nation’s football history forever as the first time they’ve ever made the last 16 of a World Cup.
Germany, meanwhile, have progressed beyond the group stage in 17 of the 19 tournaments that they’ve competed in, and with the belief that 2014 could be their year, they’re now determined to reach the last eight and beyond.
Though Algeria will pose the Germans a tough test with their physicality and intricate passing, Joachim Low’s side shouldn’t have a problem disposing of them in Porto Alegre. They’re 13/2 with SkyBet to win 2-0, 15/2 to emerge as 3-0 victors and 12/1 to repeat their exploits of their opening match with a 4-0 triumph.
Thomas Mueller has been irresistible up front for Germany, scoring four tournament goals so far, and his odds of 8/13 to score anytime against Algeria with SkyBet look a sure thing.
If this World Cup has taught us anything, though, it’s that anything can happen. Maybe there’s something in the Brazilian water, but every nation just seems to be playing with flair and attacking aggression even against the most daunting of opponents.
Algeria defeating Germany would take a minor miracle, and SkyBet have priced that miracle up at 10/1. A 2-1 victory for the Algerians is the popular scoreline at 33/1 with SkyBet, while a 1-0 smash-and-grab win stands at 25/1.
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Though having a flutter on Algeria is good value, the Germans are unlikely to slip up as they mount a charge for their fourth trophy, and they’re 4/1 with SkyBet to do just that in the final come 13th July.
Though having a flutter on Algeria is good value, the Germans are unlikely to slip up as they mount a charge for their fourth trophy, and they’re 4/1 with SkyBet to do just that in the final come 13th July.