The FIFA World Cup Round of 32 continues on Tuesday with three fascinating knockout ties as Ivory Coast face Norway, France take on Sweden and co-hosts Mexico meet Ecuador. With a place in the last 16 at stake, expect tension, tactical battles and very little margin for error. Here are our best bets and predictions for Tuesday’s action.
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Ivory Coast vs Norway
This promises to be one of the closest matches of the Round of 32.
Ivory Coast have impressed throughout the tournament with their physicality and attacking quality, while Norway possess one of the world’s most dangerous forwards in Erling Haaland.
The Norwegians won their opening two group matches before rotating heavily in a defeat to France, meaning they should arrive fresh for this encounter. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, qualified after finishing second behind Germany in Group E.
Prediction: Draw at 3.40.
Best Bet: BTTS – Yes at 1.67.
France vs Sweden
France have arguably been the standout team of the tournament so far.
Les Bleus cruised through the group stage with three wins from three, scoring freely and looking every bit like genuine title contenders. Sweden deserve enormous credit for reaching the knockout stages, but they now face arguably the toughest test possible. France’s attacking depth, led by Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, should prove decisive over 90 minutes.
Prediction: France to win at 1.28.
Best Bet: France to win & over 2.5 total goals at 1.60.
Mexico vs Ecuador
This could be the tightest tactical battle of the day.
Mexico have enjoyed a perfect tournament so far, winning all three group matches without conceding a goal. Playing at home has undoubtedly helped Javier Aguirre’s side, but Ecuador have quietly built one of the tournament’s strongest defensive records and will fancy their chances of frustrating the hosts.
Goals could be at a premium, making discipline and set pieces particularly important.
Prediction: Mexico to win at 2.25.
Best Bet: Under 2.5 total goals at 1.41.
