Brazil are among the favourites for World Cup glory
Brazil are among the favourites for World Cup glory

International friendlies betting tips: Big guns collide as Germany face Spain & there's Mo Salah v Cristiano Ronaldo


Paul Higham picks out the best of Friday's international friendlies with some big-name contests taking place in the build-up to the World Cup.

Recommended Bet:

2pts Brazil to win & over 2.5 goals 6/4

Click here for our transparent tipping record.


Germany v Spain (Friday 1945 GMT)

Germany, as always, are taking their preparations extremely seriously as they take on Spain before tackling five-time winners Brazil next week. Their opening contest brings the last two World Cup winners together in a fascinating contest.

Spain are on a 16-game unbeaten run that is only bettered by Germany’s 21-game streak and both sides will be looking to protect their records in Dusseldorf.

The last three meetings have ended 1-0 and neither side has been full of goals in friendly matches as all but two of their last 12 combined friendlies have yielded less than three goals – a low-scoring contest seems the way to go.

Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals at 4/5


Portugal v Egypt (Friday 1945 GMT)

Mohamed Salah celebrates
Mohamed Salah celebrates

Usually nothing to write home about in this fixture, but Friday’s game in Zurich will get more column inches than usual seeing as it matches two of the most in-form goalscorers on the planet together in Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah.

Salah leads the European scoring charts with 28 Premier League goals for Liverpool, while Ronaldo has 22 in La Liga after bursting into form of late, bagging 17 goals in his last eight games after a 50th career hat-trick at the weekend.

Both men scored four goals for their clubs last weekend, and Salah in particular has been in form for his country with three goals in his last three games as he fired Egypt to the World Cup finals.

It’ll be interesting how he and the African side get on against a stingy European defence though – Portugal have conceded just once in their last five.

Best Bet: Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah both to score 7/1


Russia v Brazil (Friday 1600GMT)

Philippe Coutinho (l) and Paulinho are Brazil team-mates
Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho in Moscow with Brazil

World Cup hosts Russia face second-favourites for the tournament Brazil in Moscow with the South Americans hoping they return to the Luzhniki Stadium in July for the World Cup final.

There’s no Neymar for the five-time World Cup winners but there’s still plenty of talent in Tite’s squad that can boasted a wonderful record in friendlies with 25 wins in the last 27 – this game should see them add another victory.

Russia drew with Spain and lost by just the one goal to Argentina but that Brazil are a different kettle of fish altogether on their recent form and it’ll be a tough day at the office for the hosts.

Best Bet: Brazil to win & over 2.5 goals 6/4


France v Colombia (Friday 2000 GMT)

France boss Didier Deschamps has a wealth of talent to call on as his side play host to Colombia looking for a confidence booster ahead of the World Cup.

Les Bleus have just one defeat in 20 at home and, while Colombia have just one win in six they’ve found the net in nine out of ten and have both James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao available after injury concerns.

Best Bet: France to win & both teams to score at 9/4


Denmark v Panama (Thursday 1900 GMT)

This one only makes the line-up really for two reasons – firstly to see how World Cup debutants Panama play given they play in the same group as England in Russia this summer.

Secondly, to cash in on Christian Eriksen’s fantastic run of goal scoring form which has seen him notch 15 goals in 15 internationals – that run will surely continue in Brondby.

Posted at 1521 GMT on 22/03/17.

Related football links

Like what you've read?

MOST READ FOOTBALL

Sporting Life
Join for free!
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Race Replays
My stable horse tracker
giftOffers and prize draws
newsExclusive content

FOOTBALL TIPS

We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo