France vs. Switzerland & Ecuador vs. Honduras

France vs. Switzerland & Ecuador vs. Honduras

By Michael Gales Jun 18, 2014

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France go head-to-head with Switzerland on Friday with the winner all but certain of securing their place in the knockout stages. Elsewhere Honduras play Ecuador in a must win game for both nations. Read this World Cup Group E betting article ahead of the second group games.

France vs. Switzerland betting (June 20th)

On Friday European neighbours – France and Switzerland – face off in a fixture that is likely to decide who tops World Cup Group E. Both sides recorded victories in their opening fixtures, so a further three points here would see them safely through.

Switzerland are perhaps in a slightly stronger position than Les Bleu having beaten Ecuador with the last kick of the game. The pre-tournament odds at Pinnacle Sports suggested the South Americans would present a serious challenge to the Europeans in this pool, with Honduras favourites for the wooden spoon, and so far the market looks to have got it right.

The 12 odds for this game make France 1.470* to beat the Swiss – a 54.14% chance – even though the last three meetings between these sides have ended in a draw, which is available at 3.640* (27%) with Switzerland 4.900* (20.41% chance).

The odds reflect historical superiority of the French – who enjoyed a Golden Age from 1998-2000 winning back-to-back World Cups and European Championships – and the ease with which France disposed of Honduras in their opening fixture, where Karim Benzema scored twice.

Switzerland aren’t the favourites of soccer purists, but they are a well organised team, and though they lack star quality, compensate with a strong group ethic. The Swiss were seeded above France – who needed a Playoff to reach Brazil – and reached the lofty heights in FIFA Rankings of 7, while they have lost just once in 19 games. The Derby element to the game will add a little spice, and adds further weight to the argument that this game could be closer than the odds suggest.

Ecuador vs. Honduras betting (June 20th)

Ecuador and Honduras meet in Curitiba on Friday knowing that defeat will eliminate them from the World Cup, and the World Cup betting at Pinnacle Sports suggests that it will be the Hondurans packing their bags.

Ecuador are 1.704* on the 12, with Honduras 5.310*, which gives La Tri a 58.69% chance of getting points on the board. They could consider themselves unlucky to lose at the death against Switzerland, and coach, Reinaldo Rueda, will need to have lifted spirits in his squad, but will take comfort from the fact that their opponents will be even more demoralised.

Honduras went down 3-0 to France and played most of the second half with 10 men. Poor discipline has been the most striking feature of their game, and was hinted at in their pre-tournament friendly against England, with wild tackles flying in from all angles. This may reflect a lack of ability and/or experience at the top level, either way, if they lose their heads against Ecuador, they are likely to be punished.

The Specials for the game have the Central Americans as 3.030* to keep a clean sheet, and 11.200* to win with a clean sheet, which put their chances into context.

*Odds subject to change

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