New Zealand vs Egypt Bet Builder Tips: 9/1 shot backs the favourites

Parity reigns in Group G at the FIFA World Cup with all four teams sat on one point after matchday one. It means all four will fancy their chances of qualifying, even underdogs New Zealand, who travel to Vancouver to face Egypt.

This one kicks off at 2am Monday morning in the UK, or 6pm on Sunday night local time, live on ITV1. Read on for my New Zealand vs Egypt Bet Builder Tips.

New Zealand vs Egypt Odds

Egypt to win

First of all, let me say how impressed I was with underdogs New Zealand in their opening draw with Iran. However, Iran’s preperations for this tournament have been kiboshed by co-hosts USA, with the players complaining of tiredness having had to travel to and from LA on the same day from Mexico. 

A 2-2 draw was certainly entertaining, but Egypt should be too strong for the plucky All Whites. They are ranked 29th in the world compared to NZ’s 85, and looked impressive at points during their own 1-1 draw with Belgium. I think Egypt will win this one, so let’s pop that in to kick off our Bet Builder.

Over 2.5 goals 

Goals on the cards? I think so. Egypt scored through Eman Ashour in their opener and had 14 shots in total, three on target. With Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush in attack, they are always going to pose a threat, while New Zealand were incredibly open and attacking in their first World Cup match since 2010.

Darren Bazeley encouraged his side to have a go, and they certainly did, amassing a whopping eight efforts on target out of 14 total. Motherwell’s Elijah Just was the star with a brace, but Chris Wood, who got two assists, was a constant threat with his hold-up play. I’d be very surprised if this one finishes with two goals or fewer. 

Marwen Attia 2+ fouls (Sub Switch)

Only Thomas Munier (five) made more fouls than Marwen Attia (three) in Egypt’s opener, and I don’t think the defensive midfielder’s battling performances are going to stop there. He is trusted with locking down those central areas, and picked up a booking for his troubles in Seattle. I won’t back him to pick up a yellow again, but instead will pick him to make two or more fouls. 

Betfred's Sub Switch offer rolls your bet to the oncoming substitute, so you stay in the game, even when your player doesn’t.

Elijah Just 1+ shots on target (Sub Switch)

New Zealand’s two-goal hero is set to play a key role once more, after scoring with both of his efforts on target vs Iran. He will be cutting in from that left wing once more, after showing that he had licence to roam into central areas with great effect. I’m not sure he will score again but will certainly back him to have at least one effort on target, with Sub Switch also in play for this selection. 

*Click here for the latest World Cup Odds