World Cup Opta Stats: Dutch and Greece to boost Euro numbers

A controversial Georgio Samaras penalty guided Greece this far

After South American Saturday, Sunday provides a UEFA v CONCACAF double header, in which both Europeans should deliver at odds-against...

Netherlands v Mexico
Sunday, 17:00
Live on ITV

Match Odds: Netherlands 2.1411/10, Mexico 3.953/1, The Draw 3.55/2

Mexico have lost three and drawn one of their last four encounters with the Netherlands

Both sides have made very few mistakes so far at this World Cup, with Netherlands winning every group game and Mexico's sole "hiccup" being a goalless draw with unbeaten hosts Brazil. However, several trends hint that the Dutch are better equipped to go further, including Mexico's unfortunate streak of five successive round-of-16 exits and Netherlands' run of nine wins in ten World Cup ties.

Recommended Bet: Back Netherlands to win @ 2.1411/10

Mexico have scored a goal in each of their last 11 World Cup matches against European nations

You can be fairly confident about Netherlands netting having done so ten times across their three Group B fixtures - the most of any team in the tournament - including twice without Robin van Persie against Chile. The above stat suggests that Mexico will join them on the scoresheet. They averaged over a goal a game in their group, while their prolific opponents have conceded three times already.

Recommended Bet: Back both teams to score @ 2.01/1

Costa Rica v Greece
Sunday, 21:00
Live on ITV

Match Odds: Costa Rica 2.486/4, Greece 3.45n/a, The Draw 3.211/5

The last team from CONCACAF to go further than the last 16 at the World Cup were USA in 2002

Regional standard-setters Mexico have repeatedly shown the round-of-16 to be their ceiling, as was true of Costa Rica the other time that they ventured this far in 1990. Whereas in Group D, they faced three sides eager to dictate in Uruguay, Italy and England - Opta noting that their highest possession was 44.4% - this clash enforces the less familiar task of setting the tone. Opta also reveal that - prior to Sunday's first match - just one UEFA nation has lost a post-war knockout tie to a CONCACAF rival.

Best Bet: Back Greece to qualify @ 2.186/5

None of Costa Rica's four goals at this World Cup have been scored before the 44th minute

Almost every Opta insight flags this contest up as under 2.5 goal-ripe, but odds of 1.454/9 are a touch restrictive, so a goalless first half is an interesting alternative. As well as the aforementioned Costa Rica scoring pattern, Opta impart that each of Greece's four goals in World Cup history came from the 42nd minute onwards, so at the very least a punt on a half-time 0-0 should present a Cash Out opportunity.

Recommended Bet: Back the 0-0 half-time score @ 2.35/4