The final round of matches in World Cup Group H take place in the early hours of Saturday when Cape Verde clash with Saudi Arabia and Uruguay take on Spain
Group H Update
Spain top this group with 4 points, Uruguay and Cape Verde both have 2 points and Saudi Arabia have 1 point and all 4 of these nations are still in contention for a place in the knockout rounds.
A reminder that the final round of matches in each group share the same kick off time. Should two or more teams finish equal on points in their group the first criteria used to determine the final standings is the head to head record. The 8 best third placed finishers from the 12 groups will also qualify for the Round of 32.
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia (Houston)
Cape Verde:
Cape Verde are really making a name for themselves and they remain unbeaten after drawing both of their opening matches. At the time of writing all teams had played 2 matches and Cape Verde were sixth best of the third place finishers, good enough to make it through but of course things can change considerably before and after this game.
In their second outing Cape Verde drew 2-2 with Uruguay in Miami. They took the lead through Kevin Pina but conceded twice at the end of the first half. Helio Varela scored their second goal to make it 2-2 and that’s the way it finished.
Cape Verde made their debut in the World Cup Finals against Spain in Atlanta and they claimed a point from a 0-0 draw with their 40 year old goalkeeper Vozinha in terrific form.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia were no match for Spain in their second group outing as they went down 4-0 in Atlanta. They were 3-0 down in 24 minutes and an own goal from Hassan Al Tambakti early in the second half rounded off the scoring of a one sided contest.
Saudi Arabia opened their campaign against Uruguay in Miami and they would have been more than happy with the 1-1 draw. Abdulelah al Amri put them in front just before half time and despite coming under huge pressure they held that lead until the 80th minute.
The Betting:
Cape Verde are priced at around 14/10 to win the game with the draw available at 43/20 and Saudi Arabia can be backed at around 19/10.
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 19/20 and its 8/10 for both teams to score
The Verdict:
It’s possible another draw here would be enough for Cape Verde to go through either as a third place finisher or as runners up to Spain (should they beat Uruguay) and I think that might be the way to go.
Bets: Match result draw at 43/20 with Hollywoodbets
Note, odds are subject to change
Uruguay vs Spain (Guadalajara)
Uruguay:
Uruguay have given themselves plenty to do in what is the toughest fixture this group can offer. In their second group match goals from Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio had seen them come back from 1-0 down to take a 2-1 half time lead against Cape Verde in Miami but a lapse in concentration in defence which allowed Cape Verde to equalize and the game finished 2-2.
Maxi Araujo scored an 80th minute equalizer for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia in their opening match, also in Miami. They were 1-0 down at half time but despite boasting two thirds of possession, registering 27 shots of which 10 were on target, being awarded a whopping 14 corners and hitting the woodwork they had to settle for a point.
Spain
Spain kick started their tournament with a comfortable 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in Atlanta in their second group match. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring on 10 minutes and a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal had Spain 3-0 up after 24 minutes. It stayed that way until just after half time when a Saudi own goal made it 4-0 and there was no further scoring.
Spain were overwhelming favourites for their opening match against Cape Verde, also in Atlanta but the game ended in a 0-0 draw. Spain had almost three quarters of possession and did everything but score as Cape Verde held out.
The Betting:
Uruguay are priced at around 58/10 to win the game with the draw available at 29/10 and Spain can be backed at around 5/10.
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 15/20 and its 19/20 for both teams to score
The Verdict:
I’m with Spain to win and as I wouldn’t rule out a scenario where they cut loose or Uruguay giving them a game I’ll take the European champs to come out on top in a game of 3 goals or more in total.
Bets: Match result and total goals, Spain to win and over 2.5 total goals at 13/10 with Hollywoodbets
Note, odds are subject to change
