World Cup 2022 Best Bets Today | December 1

The third round of group games at World Cup 2022 continues on Thursday, with Spain, Belgium, Croatia and Germany all returning to action.

There are four places in the knockout stage still up for grabs, with only one of the eight teams in Groups E and F already eliminated.

How do we see the action playing out? We have predicted a winner in all four matches on another busy day of action in Qatar.

The odds for December 1 have been sourced from the Caesars Sportsbook. Sign up today to receive up to $1250 in free bets.

Canada vs Morocco (Group F, 10:00 AM EST)

My Pick: Draw (+240)

A draw would be enough for Morocco to qualify for the round of 16, although it would be a dangerous tactic to explicitly aim for one. The Atlas Lions must go in search of victory rather than being content to keep the score at 0-0 against a Canada side that has already been eliminated.

Morocco have not conceded a goal so far in Qatar, while Canada have only scored once. However, John Herdman’s side looked threatening in both of their matches against Belgium and Croatia, and they have nothing to lose on matchday three.

This will not be plain sailing for Morocco, who will need all their defensive solidity to keep a speedy, lively Canada attack at bay. Ultimately, though, they should get the point they need to reach the knockouts.

Croatia vs Belgium (Group F, 10:00 AM EST)

My Pick: Draw (+225)

Belgium’s golden generation has had a bad World Cup so far. A 1-0 victory over Canada on matchday one was extremely fortuitous, as Roberto Martinez’s men were outplayed by the CONCACAF upstarts for long periods. A few days later Belgium lost 2-0 to Morocco to leave them in third place in Group F.

The Red Devils are not out of the running for the knockout stage yet, though: a win here would send them through, while a draw would be enough if Morocco lose heavily to Canada (which seems unlikely).

Croatia need a draw to progress and we fancy their chances of getting it. Luka Modric and co. turned on the style in a 4-1 thumping of Canada last time out, and Croatia have the experience to pick up the result they need.

Costa Rica vs Germany (Group E, 02:00 PM EST)

My Pick: Germany (-1000)

Belgium’s golden generation has had a bad World Cup so far. A 1-0 victory over Canada on matchday one was extremely fortuitous, as Roberto Martinez’s men were outplayed by the CONCACAF upstarts for long periods. A few days later Belgium lost 2-0 to Morocco to leave them in third place in Group F.

The Red Devils are not out of the running for the knockout stage yet, though: a win here would send them through, while a draw would be enough if Morocco lose heavily to Canada (which seems unlikely).

Croatia need a draw to progress and we fancy their chances of getting it. Luka Modric and co. turned on the style in a 4-1 thumping of Canada last time out, and Croatia have the experience to pick up the result they need.

Costa Rica vs Germany (Group E, 02:00 PM EST)

My Pick: Germany (-1000)

Japan got themselves into a wonderful position after a surprise 2-1 victory over Germany on matchday one. Another win against Costa Rica, widely considered the weakest team in Group E, would have essentially secured their place in the round of 16 with a game to spare. Instead, Japan slumped to a 1-0 defeat which leaves them with a mountain to climb.

Presuming Germany comfortably beat Costa Rica as expected, Japan will probably need to win against Spain in order to make it through. That is a tall order. La Roja have been excellent up to now and are among the favorites to win the whole tournament.

Spain are not yet through so Luis Enrique will name a strong side on Thursday. That will make Japan’s task even harder.

How to Watch World Cup 2022

• Location: Qatar
• Dates: November 20 - December 18
• How to Watch: Fox Sports, Telemundo, fuboTV