As the FIFA World Cup enters its knockout stage, betting insights highlight potential value in the Canada vs. Morocco Round of 16 match, with a draw at +245 identified as a compelling wager. The analysis also points to Ousmane Dembele of France as a strong candidate to score against Paraguay.
Morocco advanced to this stage after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands, a match described as a wild affair. The Moroccan team has yet to lose a game in the tournament, with only one draw to their name. Canada secured their spot by defeating Saudi Arabia, scoring at least one goal in every match and achieving two shutouts.
Despite these performances, the Canada vs. Morocco matchup is anticipated to be a close contest. Neither team is characterized by an overly aggressive offensive strategy, suggesting that a draw could be a likely outcome and therefore a value bet.
In another Round of 16 fixture, France is positioned as a significant favorite against Paraguay, with odds of -1600 to advance. France has been dominant throughout the tournament, with Kylian Mbappé being a key player, consistently scoring goals and posing a threat in the race for the Golden Boot.
While Mbappé garners significant attention, Ousmane Dembele is highlighted as a player who may find easier scoring opportunities due to the defensive focus on his teammate. Dembele has already scored four goals in the tournament, and is considered a favorable bet to score against Paraguay at +105 odds. France's overall strength makes them a favorite to win the World Cup.
These betting perspectives come after earlier rounds saw unexpected results, such as Argentina needing extra time to defeat Cape Verde, a team that was considered a significant underdog. Paraguay's path to the Round of 16 included a victory over Germany in a penalty shootout, indicating their potential to challenge stronger opponents.