International Tips: Brazil to sustain friendly dominance

Luiz Felipe Scolari has restored Brazil's belief over the last year

After three Wednesday winners, Michael Lintorn tries for some Friday night international friendly delight...

Germany v Armenia
Friday, 19:45
Live on BT Sport 2

Match Odds: Germany 1.091/11, Armenia 48.047/1, The Draw 14.5n/a

Few of the non-qualifying sides drafted in to help World Cup attendees prepare for intense summers have been humiliated. This Armenia team enjoying what could be termed the Henrikh Mkhitaryan era have evolved from the defeat specialists of a decade or so back into difficult opponents, and they should trouble Germany.

Armenia lost just once on the road in five World Cup qualifiers, 0-1 to Bulgaria, whereas they held Italy and triumphed at Malta, Denmark (4-0) and Czech Republic. Their sole reverse by a margin of three goals or greater since August 2011 was at home to Czech Republic, and that was over a year ago.

Germany haven't even scored three goals in any of their last five games let alone won by that margin, so the opportunity to get on Armenia at odds bigger than evens when presented with a three-goal headstart is tricky to turn down.

Recommended Bet: Back Armenia (+ 3) to win @ 2.1211/10

Brazil v Serbia
Friday, 20:00
Live on BT Sport 1

Match Odds: Brazil 1.232/9, Serbia 17.016/1, The Draw 7.413/2

Brazil's improved form since Luiz Felipe Scolari sunk his teeth back into the Selecao is handily illustrated by the FIFA world rankings. They have shot up from an all-time low of 22nd to third in a year, and their Confederations Cup 2013 success has been followed by serene friendly progress.

The five-time world champions are on an eight-match friendly winning streak and were in front by half time in all bar one of those, leading 2-0 at the break in their two in 2014 against South Africa and Panama.

A disastrous start to World Cup qualifying meant that Serbia finished 12 points shy of Belgium despite a late rally, and though results are more encouraging now, they trailed at the interval in their toughest encounter of 2014 to date away to Republic of Ireland.

Best Bet: Back Brazil to lead at half time and full time @ 1.715/7

Croatia v Australia
Saturday, 00:00
Live on BT Sport 1

Match Odds: Croatia 1.9620/21, Australia 4.84/1, The Draw 3.55/2

Croatia are the far more fancied of these nations to impress at the World Cup on account of a less daunting draw and superior squad, but a lot of their quality is crammed into midfield, whereas Dejan Lovren and debatably Darijo Srna are the only top talents in their back five.

It is consequently no surprise that they have struggled to obtain clean sheets, keeping two in their last 12 fixtures and allowing Scotland and Liechtenstein to score two goals past them. The damage is controlled somewhat by their attacking prowess, netting twice in each of their last three outings.

Australia know plenty about porous defences, having gifted Japan three goals, China and Ecuador four and Brazil and France six over their last eight games alone. The Socceroos did at least strike twice or more in four of those eight, and will fancy their chances of breaching Croatia's backline.

Recommended Bet: Back both teams to score @ 2.111/10