The second day of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar is behind us. We had three games to enjoy on Monday: England vs Iran (Group B), Senegal vs Netherlands (Group A) and USA vs Wales (Group  B). 

 

Let’s find out the outcomes to help you choose the best betting strategies for the upcoming games in Group A and Group B of the FIFA World Cup Finals. 

 

GROUP B: England vs Iran 6:2 (3:0) – Monday, 21.11.22.

  

VS

 

If this was to be the England national team’s first test at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the European vice-champions passed it with the highest mark possible. In the opening Group B match, the Sons of Albion had no mercy on the team from the Middle East and won as much as 6:2! The ‘Three Lions’ took a solid step towards advancing to the tournament’s knockout stage.

The English (5th in the FIFA World Ranking) have not been at their best recently, and it was questionable whether they would live up to the nation’s hopes at the World Cup in Qatar. They were relegated from Division A of the Nations League a few months ago and had to leave the elite. This shook Gareth Southgate’s position as national team manager. The FIFA World Cup in Qatar may be a last resort for the coach.

In their first match at the tournament, however, European runners-up had an obligation to win as they faced Iran (20th in the FIFA World Ranking). And they fulfilled their task brilliantly. 

They ruled the pitch from the very first minutes and pushed their rivals into a deep defensive position. But their attacks were interrupted by a serious collision between the Iranian goalkeeper and his teammate. Alireza Beiranvand severely smashed his nose, was treated for several minutes, and eventually had to leave the pitch. 

However, this was only the beginning of the Persians’ problems.

Jude Bellingham entered the scoring list in the 32nd minute. The midfielder was followed by Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling before the break. England led 3-0 at the break and basically decided the game’s fate.

In the second half of the game, we saw five more goals. Three by the European team (Saka scoring his second, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish also hit the net) and two honorary goals scored by the seventh among Iran’s all-time top scorers, winger Mehdi Taremi. 

Ultimately, the Persians lost 6-2 and are in a disastrous situation in Group B. Their future looks uncertain, with two games remaining against much higher-ranked rivals, Wales and the USA. One point gained in those two games would be quite a success for the Persian team. 

 

Goals: Bellingham 35′, Saka 43′, 62′, Sterling 45+1, Rashford 71′, Grealish 90′, Taremi 65′, 90+12

Yellow Cards: Jahanbakhsh, Pouraliganji

England: Pickford – Trippier, Stones, Maguire (70. Dier), Shaw – Rice, Bellingham – Saka (70. Rashford), Mount (71. Foden), Sterling (70. Grealish) – Kane (75. Wilson).

Iran: Beiranvand (20. Hosseini) – Pouraliganji, Cheshmi (46. Kanaani), Hosseini – Moharrami, Nourollahi (77. Azmoun), Karimi (46. Ezatolahi), Hajsafi, Mohammadi (63. Torabi) – Jahanbakhsh (46. Golizadeh), Taremi

FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Group B standings

Pos.	Country	Played	W	D	L     GF    GA	GD	Pts
1.	England	1	1	0	0       6       2	+4	3
2.	USA	1	0	1	0       1       1	0	1
3.	Wales	1	0	1	0       1        1	0	1
4.	Iran	1	0	0	1       2        6	-4	0

 

England’s remaining Group B games and the latest World Cup betting odds

 

England vs USA

Date: Friday, November 25

Venue: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

 

England vs Wales

Date: Tuesday, December 29

Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Ar Rayyan

 

England – latest betting odds: 

 

1). England to win the FIFA World Cup: 6/1  (prob. 14%)

2). England to win Group B: 1/3  (prob. 75%)

3). England to reach the quarter-final: 8/15  (prob. 65%)

4). England to reach the semi-final: 7/4  (prob. 36%)

5). England to reach the final: 7/2  (prob. 22%)

6). Harry Kane to win World Cup Golden Boot: 7/1  (prob. 12%)

 

NOTE: The average odds comparison, source – oddschecker.com. The odds are valid on the day of the article’s publication and may be subject to change during the tournament.

 

Iran’s remaining Group B games and the latest World Cup betting odds

 

Iran vs Wales

Date: Friday, November 25

Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Ar Rayyan

 

Iran vs USA

Date: Tuesday, November 29

Venue: Al Thumama Stadium, Doha  

 

Iran – latest betting odds: 

 

1). Iran to win the FIFA World Cup: 505/1 (prob. 0,19%)

2). Iran to win Group B: 16/1 (prob. 5,8%)

3). Iran to reach the quarter-final: 80/1 (prob. 1,2%)

4). Iran to reach the semi-final: 90/1 (prob. 1%)

5). Iran to reach the final: 300/1 (prob. 0,3%)

6). Karim Ansarifard to win World Cup Golden Boot: 200/1 (prob. 0,5%)

 

NOTE: The average odds comparison, source – oddschecker.com. The odds are valid on the day of the article’s publication and may be subject to change during the tournament.

 

Summary

 

As usual, the English came to the World Cup with the highest expectations. The country fan’s dream is to repeat the success of 1966 when they won the precious golden trophy. Will it happen again this winter? Well, they have all the skills needed to achieve that. And from what we saw yesterday, it might be possible!

Iran went to the tournament with completely different hopes. Above all, the team from the Middle East would like to get out of the group, something they have never managed to do in the history of the World Cup Finals. However, we don’t expect this to happen this time around.

Both teams entered the encounter without their key offensive players. Senegal had to cope without the injured Sadio Mane. At the same time, the Netherlands started the clash without Barcelona forward Memphis Depay in the starting eleven. The lack of those two strikers contributed to a colourless first half, ending in a goalless draw and just one shot on target.

The Senegalese can feel disappointed with themselves as they created more goal opportunities than the Dutch team. They dominated every aspect of the game. This evening, however, they had to acknowledge the superiority of their rivals. Despite their defeat, Senegal is the ultimate candidate as the runner-up of Group A. The Dutch should grab the Top spot. 

If you’d like to place your bet on any of those two teams, please refer to our website www.betfinal.com for the most accurate odds. 

 

Here are some of the game’s statistics:

 

Possession of the ball: England 74% – 26% Iran

Shots: England 13-8 Iran

Shots on target: England 7-3 Iran

Attacks: England 133-43 Iran

Offsides: England 2-2 Iran

Corners: England 8-0 Iran

Fouls: England 9-14 Iran

 

GROUP A: Senegal vs Netherlands 0:2 (0:0) – Monday, 21.11.22.

 VS

 

The Dutch national team started the football World Cup in Qatar with a win. The Senegalese “Lions” put up tough resistance against their European rivals. Two goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen gave the ‘Oranje’ victory over the ‘Lions of Teranga’. A victory they didn’t really deserve.

The exciting encounter stood at a high level and brought a lot of joy to the fans. We could feel the unique and electric atmosphere provided by African fans during this match.

The African team entered the tournament weakened by the absence of their biggest star. Sadio Mane had suffered an injury just before the World Cup and had to undergo surgery. However, his teammates stood up to the Group A favourite.

Louis van Gaal (the Dutch manager) surprised everyone with the starting line-up, putting a complete debutant in goal. The 28-year-old Andries Noppert had no appearances in the national colours to his credit. He’s been a reserve goalkeeper for most of his career with every team he has represented. He stood between the posts for the ‘Oranje’ in the starting 11 this time. 

However, in the first half, he only had a little work to do when Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr struck over the goal. This was the only clear scoring chance for the Senegalese. Frenkie de Jong had an excellent opportunity on the other side of the pitch but dribbled too long in the penalty area. 

In the end, we did not see any goals before the break.

In the second half, the Dutch pressed their rivals, but they lacked accuracy for a long time.

At this point in the game, the Dutch goalkeeper finally had the opportunity to prove himself. First, he defended Boulaye Dii’s strike very well. Later, he also dealt with Idrissa Gueye’s attempt, keeping the score goalless.

The Netherlands could not even get a shot on target until the 84th minute. However, their first strike ended in a goal. Frenkie de Jong sent a great pass into the penalty area, where the Senegalese goalkeeper was overtaken by the Dutch striker Cody Gakpo, who scored the opening goal. 

The ‘Lions of Teranga’ were trying to respond with furious attacks, but Andries Noppert played very confidently between the posts.

The Dutch finished off their rivals in the 99th minute when Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy deflected the ball in front of him, and Davy Klaassen stroked the second goal for ‘Oranje’. 

 

Goals: 84′ Gakpo, 90+10′ Klaassen

Yellow Cards: Mendy, Gueye – de Ligt

Senegal: Mendy – Sabaly, Koulibaly, Cisse, Diallo (63′ Jakobs) – Gueye – Mendy, Kouyate (73′ Gueye) – Diatta (73′ Jackson), Dia (69′ Dineg), Sarr

Netherlands: Nopert – Dumfries, de Ligt, van Dijk, Ake, Blind – Berghuis (79′ Koopmeiners), Gakpo (90+4′ De Roon), de Jong – Janssen (63′ Depay), Bergwijn (79′ Klaassen)

FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Group A standings

Pos.	Country	Played	W	D	L     GF    GA	GD	Pts
1.	Ecuador	1	1	0	0       2       0	+2	3
2.	Netherlands	1	1	0	0       2       0	+2	3
3.	Qatar	1	0	0	1       0        2	-2	0
4.	Senegal	1	0	0	1       0        2	-2	0

 

Senegal’s remaining Group A games and the latest World Cup betting odds

 

Senegal vs Qatar

Date: Friday, November 25

Venue: Al Thumama Stadium, Doha

 

Senegal vs Ecuador

Date: Tuesday, November 29

Venue: Khalifa International Stadium, Ar-Rayyan   

 

Senegal – latest betting odds: 

 

1). Senegal to win the FIFA World Cup: 130/1 (prob. 0,75%)

2). Senegal to win Group A: 9/2 (prob. 18%)

3). Senegal to reach the quarter-final: 4/1 (prob. 20%)

4). Senegal to reach the semi-final: 13/1 (prob. 7%)

5). Senegal to reach the final: 50/1 (prob. 2%)

 

NOTE: The average odds comparison, source – oddschecker.com. The odds are valid on the day of the article’s publication and may be subject to change during the tournament.

 

Netherland’s remaining Group A games and the latest World Cup betting odds

 

Netherlands vs Ecuador

Date: Friday, November 25

Venue: Khalifa International Stadium, Ar Rayyan

 

Netherlands vs Qatar

Date: Tuesday, December 29

Venue: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

 

Netherlands – latest betting odds: 

 

1). Netherlands to win the FIFA World Cup: 14/1 (prob. 6,6%)

2). Netherlands to win Group A: 4/9 (prob. 69%)

3). Netherlands to reach the quarter-final: 13/20 (prob. 60%)

4). Netherlands to reach the semi-final: 9/4 (prob. 30%)

5). Netherlands to reach the final: 9/2 (prob. 18%)

6). Memphis Depay to win World Cup Golden Boot: 20/1 (prob. 4,7%)

 

NOTE: The average odds comparison, source – oddschecker.com. The odds are valid on the day of the article’s publication and may be subject to change during the tournament.

 

Summary

 

Both teams entered the encounter without their key offensive players. Senegal had to cope without the injured Sadio Mane. At the same time, the Netherlands started the clash without Barcelona forward Memphis Depay in the starting eleven. This contributed to a colourless first half, which ended in a goalless draw and just one shot on target.

The Senegalese can feel disappointed with themselves as they created more goal opportunities than the Dutch team. They dominated every aspect of the game. This evening, however, they had to acknowledge the superiority of their rivals. Despite their defeat, Senegal is the leading candidate as the runner-up of Group A. The Dutch should grab the Top spot. 

If you’d like to place your bet on any of those two teams, please refer to our website www.betfinal.com for the most accurate odds. 

 

Here are some of the game’s statistics:

 

Possession of the ball: Senegal 48%-52% Netherlands

Shots: Senegal 15-10 Netherlands

Shots on target: Senegal 4-3 Netherlands

Attacks: Senegal 64-78 Netherlands

Offsides: Senegal 2-1 Netherlands

Corners: Senegal 6-7 Netherlands

Fouls: Senegal 12-14 Netherlands

 

GROUP B: USA vs Wales 1:1 (0:0) – Monday, 21.11.22.

VS    

 

What a match it was at the end of the second day of the tournament! For a long time, it seemed that the USA would destroy Wales’ return to the World Cup after 64 years, but Rob Page’s team showed tremendous character.

The Welsh were virtually non-existent in the first half of this match and were nothing else but a background to their rivals. They allowed themselves to be dominated in every aspect of the game. Team America came out on top after an excellent counter-attack in the 36th minute. Christian Pulisic brilliantly released the 22-year-old centre-forward Timothy Weah, who easily beat the Welsh goalkeeper. 

The 1:0 score was the least of the punishments for the Welsh, but the lost goal clearly encouraged them to fight back. 

Between the first and second halves, Rob Page made a tactical change. A typical striker, Kieffer Moore, came in behind Daniel James and started causing enormous problems for the American defenders. The course of the game changed dramatically, and the Welsh dominated, trying to score the equaliser. 

Finally, the 80th minute came, in which the American goalkeeper, Walker Zimmerman, made a mistake in the penalty area and cut out Gareth Bale in an attempt to intervene. The referee rightly whistled a penalty kick. The Welsh striker took the penalty himself and equalised with a powerful shot in the right corner of the goal. 

In doing so, Bale became the first Welsh goal scorer at the World Cup since 1958, and this strike proved decisive for the fate of the USA-Wales match. 

Arguably neither team was happy with the draw. Still, the Americans and the Welsh had to settle for a division of points after an exciting and competitive encounter.

 

Goals: Weah (36′) – Bale (82′ – penalty kick)

Yellow Cards: Dest, McKennie, Ream, Acosta – Bale, Mepham

USA: Turner – Dest (74′, Yedlin), Zimmerman, Robinson, Ream – Adams, Musah (74′, Acosta), McKennie (66′, Aaronson) – Pulisic, Weah (88′, Morris), Sargent (74′, Wright)

Wales: Hennessey – Davies, Mepham, Rodon – N. Williams (79′, Johnson), Ramsey, Roberts, Ampadu (90+5′, Morrell) – Wilson (90+3′, Thomas), Bale, James (46′, Moore)

FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Group B standings

Pos.	Country	Played	W	D	L     GF    GA	GD	Pts
1.	England	1	1	0	0       6       2	+4	3
2.	USA	1	0	1	0       1       1	0	1
3.	Wales	1	0	1	0       1        1	0	1
4.	Iran	1	0	0	1       2        6	-4	0

 

USA’s remaining Group B games and the latest betting odds

 

USA vs England

Date: Friday, November 25

Venue: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

 

USA vs Iran

Date: Tuesday, November 29

Venue: Al Thumama Stadium, Doha

 

USA – latest betting odds: 

 

1). USA to win the FIFA World Cup: 120/1 (prob. 0,8%)

2). USA to win Group B: 11/2 (prob. 15,4%)

3). USA to reach the quarter-final: 9/2 (prob. 18%)

4). USA to reach the semi-final: 14/1 (prob. 6,6%)

5). USA to reach the final: 66/1 (prob. 1,5%)

6). Christian Pulisic to win World Cup Golden Boot: 100/1 (prob. 1%)

 

NOTE: The average odds comparison, source – oddschecker.com. The odds are valid on the day of the article’s publication and may be subject to change during the tournament.

 

Wales’s remaining Group B games and the latest betting odds

 

Wales vs Iran

Date: Friday, November 25

Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Ar Rayyan

 

Wales vs England

Date: Tuesday, November 29

Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Ar Rayyan

 

Wales – latest betting odds: 

 

1). Wales to win the FIFA World Cup: 150/1 (prob. 0,7%)

2). Wales to win Group B: 6/1 (prob. 14%)

3). Wales to reach the quarter-final: 6/1 (prob. 14%)

4). Wales to reach the semi-final: 16/1 (prob. 5,9%)

5). Wales to reach the final: 66/1 (prob. 1,5%)

6). Gareth Bale to win World Cup Golden Boot: 70/1 (prob. 1,4%)

 

NOTE: The average odds comparison, source – oddschecker.com. The odds are valid on the day of the article’s publication and may be subject to change during the tournament.

 

Summary

 

The Americans have never had such a young team at a World Cup as they have now in Qatar. It was a duel between American youth and Welsh experience.

Wales had huge problems getting the ball out in the first half of the game.

On the other hand, the Americans played steady and consistent football with a very attacking approach. They were more often at the ball, carried out more offensive actions and had the game under control. 

It was hard to watch the Welsh running after the ball without much chance of picking it up. 

However,  the ‘Red Dragons’ defended with great patience and proved once again that they are capable of scoring a goal at the end of a match despite their weaker play. 

The Americans had to go down to the locker room with great dissatisfaction, although their win was within reach. 

With one point each after the first round of the Group stage games, both teams are equally favoured for the runners-up position, with a slight indication towards the American team.

If you’d like to place your bet on any of those two teams, please refer to our website www.betfinal.com for the most accurate odds. 

 

Here are some of the game’s statistics:

 

Possession of the ball: USA 58% – 42% Wales

Shots: USA 6-7 Wales

Shots on target: USA 1-3 Wales

Attacks: USA 97-55 Wales

Offsides: USA 1-1 Wales

Corners: USA 5-3 Wales

Fouls: USA 15-11 Wales

 

Football online betting has never been more accessible and more exciting with Betfinal. We offer our players the best FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar betting odds. We’re here to help you choose your best betting World Cup strategies possible.

So, get ready for the upcoming games and look for the best World Cup betting tips at the Betfinal blog. Stay tuned for the FIFA World Cup Finals betting tips when the time rolls around.

Have fun and bet wisely with the best World Cup betting odds at your favourite betting site, betfinal.com.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

1). When and where is the 2022 World Cup?

 

Qatar will host the 2022 Fifa World Cup this winter, the first to be organised by an Arab country and the second held entirely in Asia. It is the 22nd edition of the tournament, which began way back in 1930. 

The event starts on Sunday, November 20, with a match between Qatar and Ecuador.

The Final (and 64th match) will kick-off in Lusail on Qatar National Day,  Sunday, December 18, 2022.

 

• November 20: Opening match of 2022 World Cup (Qatar v Ecuador)
• December 2: Group phase concludes
• December 3-6: Round of 16
• December 9-10: Quarterfinals
• December 13-14: Semifinals
• December 17: Third Place Match
• December 18: Final

 

2). Who is in the World Cup 2022 Finals?

 

A total of 32 teams compete in the FIFA World Cup. 31 of them must qualify for the tournament, with Qatar qualifying automatically as a host. There are 13 nations from Europe, 4 from South America, 4 from Asia, 5 from Africa, 4 from North America, and Australia, which is a member of the Asian confederation.

 

• Host: Qatar

• Europe: Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Wales.
• The rest of the world: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Ecuador, USA, Canada, Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon, Morocco, Tunisia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan, Costa Rica and Australia.

3). Why is the World Cup in November?

This year’s World Cup has been scheduled for November and December, unlike in the usual June and July window. This has been done to combat the fierce Qatari summer heat, which is often more than 40°C during the period. The average temperature in November is 24°C and 21°C in December.

 

4). Are tickets for the World Cup 2022 available?

Tickets are available through the official FIFA website, with more than 800,000 tournament tickets sold during the first and second phases, which have already been gone. 

The online Last Minute Sales on a “first come, first served”  basis is currently open and will run until the end of the FIFA World Cup on 18 December. 

5). How much does a final World Cup ticket cost?

Four categories of tickets are made available to supporters wanting to attend the World Cup in Qatar.

• Category 1 – is the highest priced, located in prime areas within the stadium.
• Category 2 and Category 3 – are seating areas within the stadium offering a less-premium view of the action.
• Category 4 – is a seating area within the stadium reserved exclusively for residents of Qatar. 

All tickets are sold in Qatari riyal to both residents of Qatar and international fans, with prices ranging from 40 riyals ($11) to 5,850 riyals ($1,607). 

Published: November 2022

By: Rafa