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World Cup Group D Odds, Preview and Tips

World Cup holders France got off to a flying start with a dominant win against Australia in their Group D opener, while there was a stalemate in the other group game between Denmark and Tunisia.

The World Cup Group D matchday 2 betting odds are pointing to a couple of tight matches in the second round, but where is the value to be found for those seeking winning wagers on the upcoming action?

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Tunisia v Australia

Date and time: 26/11/2022, 1000 KO
Venue: Al Janoub Stadium (Al Wakrah)
Broadcast: BBC

Backed by lots of their passionate supporters who have made the short trip to Qatar from north Africa – as well as the tens of thousands of expats who call this part of the world home – Tunisia battled to a hard-earned point in their opening group game against Denmark.

However, if they have hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in their history, they likely need to beat Australia on Saturday ahead of finishing off their group campaign against the holders France.

Goals always seemed likely to be the main issue for Tunisia and chances were few and far between against Denmark, with another tight clash looking likely when they take on Australia next. Tunisia have only won one of their last 15 matches at the World Cup, so it is hard to back them in the Group D matchday 2 betting odds even if they are deemed to be the favourites by the bookmakers here.

Tunisia have only lost to Brazil since their new coach took charge at the start of the year, so they are hard to beat. Tunisia skipper Msakni Youssef was their star performer against Denmark and his side will look to him for inspiration again, but Wahbi Khazri is their best hope of scoring at this World Cup. Khazri, who has hit 24 goals for his country, found the net twice at the last World Cup and looks to be a decent value pick at any time goalscorer odds of 5/2 with 888Sport for those who expect Tunisia to come out on top.

Australia took a surprise lead against France but the quality of the defending champions soon told, with Kylian Mbappe inspiring them to a 4-1 comeback win. Yet Graham Arnold’s side will take some confidence from the fact they went toe-to-toe with one of the favourites to lift the trophy next month.

The Socceroos have gone out in the group stage in their last three visits to the World Cup, but their chances of reaching the round of 16 seem better this time. Arnold’s side showed enough to suggest they can get a positive result on Saturday, so Australia double chance appeals at 4/6 with 888Sport.

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At 4/7 with 888Sport, under 2.5 goals seems highly likely to land, with the 17/10 on under 1.5 also tempting. Indeed, there is a fair chance of Tunisia playing out a second successive goalless draw and this is the standout selection from the correct scores market at 888Sport, offered at a price of 13/2.

France v Denmark

Date and time: 26/11/2022, 1600 KO
Venue: Stadium 974 (Doha)
Broadcast: ITV

The blow of losing Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema to injury shortly before the start of the World Cup does not seem to have disrupted France too badly. Mbappe shone in their 4-1 win over Australia – despite somehow missing an open goal from close range – while Benzema’s replacement Olivier Giroud came up trumps with a double, taking his international tally to 51, drawing level with Thierry Henry.

Familiar foes who faced off in the Nations League earlier in 2022, France and Denmark have played each other a lot over the course of the past few years. Indeed, they met at the last World Cup with Les Bleus en route to glory, with the Danes holding the eventual Russia 2018 winners to a goalless draw.

While nobody can doubt the talent at the disposal of France coach Didier Deschamps, his team’s weaknesses were exposed by Denmark during the Nations League campaign over the summer. Denmark won both meetings between the sides with questions asked about Deschamps as a result.

However, while Denmark were tipped by many as potential dark horses for the Qatar 2022 title, they struggled in their opening group game with Tunisia able to hold them to a goalless draw. Denmark have actually drawn each of their last four matches at the World Cup and that would be a decent outcome for them ahead of a winnable last game against Australia, leaving qualification still firmly in their hands.

France, on paper, should have too much quality for Denmark but they look to be too short a price in the World Cup Group D matchday 2 betting odds here. Denmark will take heart from those twin wins over the World Cup champions in the Nations League earlier this year, so backing the Danes on the double chance market at a good price of 10/11 with 888Sport is recommended as a strong starting point here.

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The 39/10 for draw/draw on the HT/FT market at 888Sport also appeals. This bet has landed in four successive Denmark games at the World Cup, so the price on offer seems to be too big. Giroud looked sharp against Australia and, with Henry’s record in his sights, is worth backing at 7/4 to find the net at any time. On the correct scores market, the 11/2 at 888Sport for 1-1 might be the best option to go for.

Author: Jamie Smith