Tunisia and Panama will be saying farewell to the World Cup this Thursday. Both teams knew that their odds of making the knockout rounds were slim in a group that included favorites Belgium and England, and neither side has been able to get a result against either team. However, at least one of these two teams will pick up a result in their finale. Tunisia will be looking for their first World Cup win since 1978, while Panama will be aiming to get a win in their World Cup debut.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Mordovia Arena in Saransk at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 28, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Tunisia -117
Panama +339
Draw +268
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Recent Form
It hasn’t been easy for Panama in their first World Cup appearance. The Canal Men were seen as a heavy underdog in this group, and they have looked the part. They have a goal differential of -8 after their two matches, but there have been some bright spots.
Panama was able to hold firm at the back in the first half against Belgium in their opener. They did not allow the Belgians to score until just after halftime, and that was a victory in itself considering how much talent is on that team. The defending did not go as well against England in their second match with the team allowing give first half goals, but they were able to notch their first tally late in the second half. Felipe Baloy etched his named in history with a deft touch and ensured that Panama will not leave Russia without a reason to celebrate.
There was a little more optimism regarding Tunisia before the start of the World Cup. A handful of experts thought that Tunisia could make it out of this group, and that looked prescient through much of their first match.
Tunisia were able to keep England from doing much on offense in their opener. The Eagles of Carthage held firm at the back and it looked like they would be able to get a draw after a Ferjani Sassi penalty kick late in the first half leveled the score, but a Harry Kane header dealt them a cruel blow. They weren’t as apt on defense in their next match, giving up five goals to Belgium in a loss. However, they did net two of their own with Dylan Bronn and Wahbi Khazri cashing in on chances.
Coaching Angle
Both teams might be set to eschew their traditional styles in order to make their last match at the World Cup an entertaining one. Tunisia and Panama have both relied on their defense to this point, but with nothing at stake each side might want to press forward in search of goals. Tunisia has already shown a willingness to do this, and Panama may follow suit.
Additionally, each manager is likely to make a few lineup changes. There are a number of players who have been in reserve that deserve to be capped, so that will lead to different starting XIs.
Player to Watch
The best playmaker on the pitch in this match is likely Khazri. He has already scored once at the World Cup, and he has looked solid in the midfield for Tunisia. His play has earned him some interest from Premier League clubs, and he will look to have a big game in order to drum up even more interest. He has proven to be a talented distributor in Russia.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Over is the best bet in this match. When teams are eliminated, that generally leads to a looser, more free-flowing style of play. I think the floodgates will open up a bit in this one.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Tunisia 3, Panama 2
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