(Photo by Ina FASSBENDER / AFP)

World Cup Group A Matchday 3 Odds, Preview and Tips

World Cup hosts Qatar became the first team to be eliminated from the competition, though they did at least score their first goal in the tournament’s history during a 3-1 defeat to Senegal.

At the top of the table, a 1-1 draw between Netherlands and Ecuador leaves the qualification picture poised, so what can we pick out from the World Cup Group A matchday 3 betting odds for Tuesday?

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Netherlands v Qatar

Date and time: 29/11/2022, 1500 KO
Venue: Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor)
Broadcast: ITV

Cody Gakpo scored the opening goal of the game for the second successive World Cup match at Qatar 2022 but this time Netherlands could not close out the victory, with Ecuador claiming a draw.

Taking four points from their first two group games has left Louis van Gaal’s side in a strong position in Group A, needing only to avoid defeat against Qatar in order to progress to the next round. However, they will be keen to top the table and, theoretically, secure a better route to the latter stages of the World Cup, with the winners of this pool set to take on the runners-up from Group B.

Van Gaal has been careful with the fitness of star striker Memphis Depay, who headed to Qatar on the back of a hot run of form in the international game. Depay has been struggling to recover from a hamstring injury this year but came on for the second half against Ecuador, suggesting he is almost ready to be handed a start, which would boost the potency of the Netherlands attack significantly.

As for Qatar, while they had a memorable moment in their defeat to Senegal, it has mostly been a miserable maiden World Cup campaign for the hosts, who were outplayed in both matches. They have nothing to play for but pride in their Group A closer, with Netherlands priced as strong favourites. There is little value in siding with them in the Group A matchday 3 betting odds, however, so it is necessary to take a deeper dive in order to try to pick out some worthwhile wagers here.

While Qatar have been decent defensively, mistakes have cost them in both games. With no hope of qualifying, their motive for the Netherlands match could be in doubt. The Oranje will be keen to end the group stage on a high, which means that the handicap market could be of interest for this one.

Netherlands -2 is offered at a good price of 5/4 by 888Sport. While Qatar have lost both group games by two goals, the added quality in Van Gaal’s squad should ensure that this bet will land.

On the player props market, the continuing doubts over Depay’s fitness means Gakpo is the natural option as an any time goalscorer considering he has been one of the World Cup’s breakout stars.

Gakpo is good value at 9/10 to score any time with 888Sport, with the bookmaker offering a price of 10/3 for the forward to score the opening goal for the third straight game in a row.

The 23/20 for Netherlands to win both halves against Qatar could be another solid option. On the correct score markets, a 3-0 Netherlands win stands out as good value at 5/1 with 888Sport.

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Ecuador v Senegal

Date and time: 29/11/2022, 1500 KO
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium (Doha)
Broadcast: ITV

The other group game that wraps up the first pool at Qatar 2022 is essentially a straight shootout for qualification. Ecuador are in pole position and will book a spot in the round of 16 for the first time since the 2006 tournament if they are able to avoid defeat against Senegal.

The African champions, still badly missing their star man Sadio Mane after the Bayern Munich forward was injured on the eve of the tournament, were at least able to collect a win against Qatar.

Senegal missed out on the knockout rounds in heartbreaking fashion at Russia 2018 so they will be keen to make up on that disappointment. For what it is worth, Senegal are ranked 18th in the world by FIFA, compared to Ecuador who are outside the top 40. While the absence of Mane has to be taken into account, this helps to explain why Senegal have been made the favourites to beat Ecuador in the Group A matchday 3 odds.

A tight game seems likely. Each of Ecuador’s last three games at the World Cup have seen under 2.5 goals scored, which also landed in Senegal’s opening Qatar 2022 match against Netherlands. Under 2.5 goals is recommended as a good place to start, with 888Sport offering a price of 4/7.

Ecuador continue to be underrated in the eyes of the bookmakers. Their double chance odds of 1/3 are not large but appeal considering they have taken four points from their two group games. The South Americans know a draw is enough to secure qualification. The draw is priced up at 43/20 by 888Sport and a 1-1 draw stands out from the correct scores options at odds of 5/1.

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Enner Valencia is a surprise contender for the Golden Boot after scoring three goals at Qatar 2022 so far. His any time goalscorer price of 15/8 is good value considering he is having a great World Cup.

Author: Jamie Smith