International football returns with another set of friendlies as qualified nations around the globe continue their preparations for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Here’s our betting preview and top tips from the matches this weekend.
Friday 10 June
Korea Republic 7/10
Draw 21/10
Paraguay 4/1
(13:00)
Korea Republic, world No. 29, will play a friendly match against 50th-ranked Paraguay in Suwon as part of their World Cup preparations.
The Taegeuk Warriors slumped to a 5-1 home defeat at the hands of world No. 1 Brazil last week, the same day Paraguay were thumped 4-1 by Japan in Sapporo – their fourth defeat in five matches played this year.
Paulo Bento’s side have won seven of their last nine at the time of writing. And in three meetings between the two sides, the Koreans remain unbeaten with two wins.
The home win is tipped.
Saturday 11 June
Uruguay
Draw
Jamaica
(22:00)
Uruguay’s World Cup preparations continue when they host Jamaica at the Estadio Centenario on Saturday.
After defeating Mexico 3-0 at the State Farm Stadium, the 13th-ranked nation had to settle for a goalless draw away at USA last time out. The South American giants will be confident going into this game as they have been superb since the turn of the year, winning five in a row before their game against the US.
Jamaica, on the other hand, failed to beat No. 141 Suriname who forced a 1-1 draw in their Concacaf Nations League match last Sunday.
Uruguay are confidently tipped to win.
Sunday 12 June
Ecuador
Draw
Cabo Verde
(01:30)
Ecuador and Cabo Verde clash for the first time ever as the sides meet for a friendly game at at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Sunday.
Ecuador are ranked 46 in the FIFA rankings, while Cabo Verde are currently ranked 71.
The Tricolors, who secured automatic qualification for the World Cup, beat Nigeria 1-0 and played out a goalless draw with Mexico in their two friendlies.
Cabo Verde, meanwhile, were beaten 2-0 by Burkina Faso in their opening Group B game of the 2023 AFCON Qualifiers. Prior to that loss, the Blue Sharks registered back-to-back friendly wins against Liechtenstein and San Marino back in March.
Expect a tight affair to play out here, but Ecuador are tipped to win.
Written by Chad Nagel