Four games on Day 13 of the World Cup and we could be seeing the end of Lionel Messi.
Groups A and B wrapped up on Monday and we had Russiam Uriguay, Spain and Portugal all advancing to the knock-out stages. Groups C and D are on the footballing menu and we have a 60/1 accumulator to follow.
We start off with Australia vs. Peru, two sides with a combined total of 1 point after their opening games. Most bookies are siding with Peru but we are going with the Socceroos to get the win, at 21/10.
The other 3pm kick-off sees table-topping France taking on Denmark. The French are already through so that makes us wary about picking a first goalscorer. Didier Deschamps may well rest a couple of his star names.
The Danes need just a point to join France in the second round but they could overtake them. BUT Argentina could yet finish second in Pool D and that would be a rough reward for whatever side finished top of Pool C. The safe bet here is a draw at 7/4.
Over to the 7pm kick-offs and this is the game where Lionel Messi will finally get a 2018 World Cup break.
The Argentine No.10 has often cut a distraught figure and reports claim many of the players want manager Jorge Sampaoli to do one. Nigeria defeated Iceland in their last outing but, if Argentina get their team selection right [Note: there is talk of Sergio Aguero being dropped], they could leapfrog them.
Our bet for this game is for Messi to get the first Argentina goal, at 23/10.
We finish up with Iceland [on 1 point] as they try creep into second place with no-one noticing.
Our sea-faring neighbours looked dogged in their opening game draw with Argentina but Nigeria were deserved winners in their second outing. Croatia are all but guaranteed top spot so may ease off the throttle.
All things considered, though, we are going with Croatia to win this one, at 6/5, and claim maximum points in their group.
