Spain and Germany Are Primed For Goals – Best Value Picks

Three fixtures jump off the page in round 2 of the World Cup group stage. We analyse Spain vs Saudi Arabia, Germany vs Ivory Coast, and Netherlands vs Sweden, plus selected value bets from 5 more games on 20-22 June.

Can Saudi Arabia Stop The Spain Backlash?

Spain and Saudi Arabia head into this Group H clash on one point each. Spain began their World Cup campaign with a shocking 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, despite creating 2.28 xG from 28 shots (7 on target) according to Opta. Now, Spain are under pressure to defeat Saudi Arabia, who held Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in their opening game. The European champions have just 1 win in their last 7 World Cup finals games (D5 L1), but the head-to-head history favours La Roja. The Saudi Arabian defence faces a stern test in Atlanta Stadium, as Spain aim to rebound with a win.

Key Statistics:

• Spain have won all 3 head-to-heads with Saudi Arabia, scoring 3+ goals twice and recording 2 clean sheets.
• Spain have scored 7 goals in their last 5 matches, with 3 clean sheets.
• Saudi Arabia have scored and conceded 6 goals in their previous 5 games (average 1.2 per game).
• Spain form: D-W-D-D-W.
• Saudi Arabia form: D-D-W-L-L.

Will The Green Falcons Defence Hold Firm?

At 1.11 (Coral), Spain to win is 90% implied probability. But a low-scoring Spain win is the value, since they scored 1 goal or fewer in 3 of their 5 games since March 2026. Although Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams could return to boost the Spanish attack, Saudi Arabia’s disciplined 4-4-2 and in-form keeper Mohammed Al Owais can prevent a big Spain win.

Over 2.5 goals at 1.50 (Bet365) seems overestimated because Spain struggled to convert chances in 0-0 draws with Cape Verde and Egypt this year.

Predictions:

• Spain to win and under 3.5 goals @ 1.95 (Coral) – Spain will convert possession into goals for a narrow victory.
• Under 2.5 goals @ 2.75 (Betvictor) – Based on scoring stats for both teams.

*Odds are subject to change.

Can Ivory Coast Upset Confident Germany?

Heading into round 2, Germany top Group E after thrashing Curacao 7-1, and Ivory Coast started their campaign with a last-gasp 1-0 win over Ecuador. Both sides are in excellent form – Germany are coming off 10 straight wins and Ivory Coast are on a 4-match winning run. Will The Elephants shed their underdog tag and shock Julien Nagelsman’s Germany?

Key Statistics:

• Germany and Ivory Coast have met once – a 2-2 draw in 2009.
• Ivory Coast netted 10 goals in their previous 5 matches.
• Germany have conceded at least once in 4 of their last 5 games.
• Germany form: W-W-W-W-W.
• Ivory Coast form: W-W-W-W-L.

Do The Odds Underrate Ivory Coast?

At just 1.57, Germany are given a 64% chance to win. But during their 10-match winning streak, Germany conceded against teams like Ghana, Switzerland, and minnows Curacao. Ivory Coast have scored in 10 consecutive matches, and their rapid counter-attacking transitions can rattle the German defence. These two sides carry high-scoring potential. Before their 7-1 win over Curacao, the Germans recorded 12 goals in 4 starts. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, notched 10 strikes in their last 5 outings.

Predictions:

• Half-time draw @ 2.50 (Betway) – Ivory Coast can match USA’s 6 June performance to hold Germany at the interval.
• Both teams to score @ 1.80 (Betfred) – Based on Ivory Coast’s confident attack and Germany’s tendency to concede.

*Odds are subject to change.

Netherlands and Sweden Goal Fest Likely

The Netherlands meet Sweden in this crucial Group F clash on 20 June. The Dutch opened their World Cup with a 2–2 draw against Japan, while Sweden cruised to a 5–1 win over Tunisia in their first group game. This fascinating tactical tussle sees the Netherlands classic 4-3-3 lineup face Sweden’s exciting 3-4-2-1 under the Houston Stadium roof.

Key Statistics:

• Netherlands form: D-W-L-D-W.
• Sweden form: W-D-L-W-W.
• Netherlands won 3 of the last 5 H2Hs versus Sweden. 3 of those games featured over 3.5 goals, and both teams scored in 4.
• Sweden and the Netherlands have both conceded in each of their last 5 games.

The Odds Underestimate Sweden’s Attacking Record

At 2.0, both teams to score “no” is a 50% implied probability. But the market seems mismatched, since both sides scored in Sweden’s last 5 games and 4 of 5 for the Netherlands. Yet, BTTS is 1.90, a 52% implied chance. Sweden, unbeaten since November 2025, have bagged 14 goals in 5 games, and their Gyokeres-Isak strike partnership can unsettle a Netherlands defence that conceded in 7 of its last 10 outings.

Predictions:

• Both teams to score @ 1.90 (Betway) – Based on the 2026 goalscoring stats, and both teams scored 2+ in their World Cup openers.
• Over 2.5 goals @ 1.90 (Betfred) – Both teams’ last 5 games produced 36 goals in total (3.6 per game).

*Odds are subject to change.

Rapid Picks: Other Key Matches

The Battle of the Ws

My latest £10 single @ 3.40 landed, as Argentina won both halves to beat Algeria 3-0. That correct pick improved my virtual balance to VP 114.00.

In this round, my £10 goes on a double at total odds of 3.71 (Spain to win and under 3.5 goals @ 1.95 vs Saudi Arabia and Netherlands vs Sweden both teams to score @ 1.90). Will my picks deliver and reduce Chris Winterburn’s lead in the Battle of the Ws?