Monday’s World Cup Top Tips: Neymar Back with Point to Prove

SO far the Last-16 ties have all gone to script with the Netherlands, Argentina, France and England all safely through to the quarter-finals, largely untroubled.

Today's early kick-off looks the closest match of the round and Japan squad will be aiming to write their own page in the history books by claiming a place in the last-8 of the World Cup for the first time.

The Blue Samurai pulled off the biggest shock of the tournament by topping the group that included Spain and Germany, recording victories over each of the European giants. So who's to say they can't do it again against Croatia today?

Those wins saw the Japanese enjoy just 18% and 26% possession respectively and they came from behind to claim victory in both matches, so Hajime Moriyasu's men won't be overawed if they find themselves up against it.

Another win from behind for Japan pays a tasty 16/1 at Bet365.

Croatia remain unbeaten in Qatar but have failed to really sparkle in the desert so far. A 4-1 win over the pointless Canadians was sandwiched between two 0-0 draws with Morocco and a Belgium side who did everything but score. So they'll need to up their game to porgress this afternoon.

It could be a game that goes the distance. We've yet to see a penalty shoot-out and it's 9/2 that we get served up the first in Al Wakrah today. We've had some success in backing a lack of early goals and the best bet today could be to take no goal before 33 minutes at 5/6 in a match where both teams look evenly matched.

Brazilian superstar Neymar will be keen to make up for lost time. Injury forced him out of Seleção Canarinho's last two matches while watching his PSG teammates Mbappe and Messi light up the world stage. But he's back and raring to go with South Korea in his sights.

Defeat to Cameroon ended Brazil's group stage on a sour note, especially as they scored just three goals in their three games. They'll need to find another gear or two if they're to live up to their tournament favourites billing, starting with a potential banana-skin against South Korea tonight.

The Koreans sensationally secured their place in the knock-out stages with an injury-time victory over an already-qualified Portugal but their World Cup adventure looks like it'll end in Doha this evening.

Brazil are on course for an epic clash with Argentina in the semi-finals and their quality sould tell tonoight especially with Neymar back in their ranks. The 30-year-old is 11/10 to net on his return. He's on penalty duties so that looks best value in the goalscorer markets.

Expect Brazil to up their game and cruise in the quarter-finals with a bit to spare.

Super Single

• Japan v Croatia – No Goal before 33:00 5/6 bet365
• Japan v Croatia – Draw 9/4 Bet365
• Neymar to score 11/10 Bet365

Upcoming Match Previews & Tip

• Football Bet of the Day: The Tigers to heap more misery on Guangzhou FC on Monday morning
• Mon 15:00 Japan vs Croatia
• Mon 19:00 Brazil vs South Korea

Racing Tips

Both of Rizzel's Monday selections run at Musselburgh, both picked out at decent odds of 9/2 & 6/1.

• Racing tips: Chanceanotherfive looks dangerous to rule out off a mark of 100

As always, let us know your best betting tips and predictions for today in the comments section below and good luck with all your bets!

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