The hosts Qatar get the 2022 World Cup going on Sunday when they face Ecuador and we take a look at that match and the other Group A clash between Senegal and the Netherlands on Monday and suggest a bet in each game.
A reminder that aside from the match betting there are plenty of long-term markets such as Outright Winner and Group Winner which will be updated throughout the Tournament
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SUNDAY
QATAR v ECUADOR
QATAR
Qatar qualified for the Tournament by virtue of the fact that they are the hosts and for that reason they come into the Tournament relatively unknown. Qatar are undefeated in their last 5 friendly Internationals and have won 4 in a row although the standard of opposition has not been high and back in September they were beaten 3-0 by Croatia Under-23 side.
ECUADOR
Ecuador finished 4th in the South American qualifying group and that was enough to see them through to the finals. Ecuador’s last friendly match was a goalless draw against Iraq, their 3rd successive goalless draw and their last 7 games have all delivered profits had you backed under 2.5 goals and in fact in their last 6 matches there have never been 2 goals scored in the game.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
These sides met once in a friendly International in 2018 with Qatar winning 4-3.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Qatar 9/4
Draw 21/10
Ecuador 29/20
Suggested Bet: Correct Score 0-0 at 6/1
I am expecting this to be a very tight encounter and I think that both teams will be playing more to avoid defeat than to win.
MONDAY
SENEGAL v NETHERLANDS
SENEGAL
Senegal topped their group in the African qualification stage before beating Egypt over two legs in the regional playoffs. They are the reigning AFCON Champions and certainly look like Africa’s best prospect for a deep run in this World Cup. The injury of Sadio Mane is massive blow and it remains to be seen how they will go without him.
NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands are short-priced favourites at just over 4/10 to win Group A and they are currently on a 15 match unbeaten streak. They topped their qualifying group and have beaten Belgium and Poland in recent friendly Internationals.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
These sides have never met in a competitive match.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Senegal 5/1
Draw 29/10
Netherlands 8/13
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Senegal +0.5 goals at 27/20
I am looking for the first upset of the Tournament and I think that Senegal can win this game but am taking the more conservative option and backing them on the handicap so that the draw is also in my favour.
Click here for betting on all of the World Cup Matches
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
