2018 World Cup Betting Prediction: Australia vs. Peru Odds

The Peruvians came into the tournament with high hopes – and a FIFA World Ranking to match – but have fallen on hard times offensively, still looking for their first goal. Australia needs a win to keep its hopes of advancing to the Round of 16 alive.

World Cup 2018: Australia vs. Peru Odds and Betting Analysis

World Cup Betting Odds: Peru +144

Date: Tuesday, June 26, 10 a.m. ET

Fisht Stadium, Sochi, Russia

Oddsmakers have this one a virtual toss-up, with Australia’s 1-1 draw with Denmark representing the only points either side has earned through two games. It’s a difficult game to handicap, with neither team looking particularly strong on offence; both sides will, however, be looking to make a splash in the goals department, and this game should be a back-and-forth affair. That makes the over-2.5-goal wager a play worth considering at +111.

Look for their to be a winning outcome either way; the Aussies can’t afford not to win this one, as a tie would leave them short of finishing in the top two. In fact, Australia would need to make up three goals on Denmark in total goal differential to advance even with a victory. Peru, meanwhile, does not want to go home empty-handed – not with countless supporters having made the trek. The Australia-Peru double chance prop at -310 is a strong option here.

Australia

If you bet on Mile Jedinak to score in either or both of Australia’s first two games, you’re wiser than most. But oddsmakers don’t like the chances of Jedinak converting for a third straight game, giving him +1,049 odds to convert vs. Peru. Both of the Socceroos’ goals have come on penalty kicks – and if Peru continues to play stout defence, there’s a good chance Australia will go home having gone without a non-penalty goal; they’re +167 to be shut out.

Peru

Paolo Guerrero’s reinstatement from suspension was a pivotal moment in Peru’s path to the World Cup – but the team’s emotional leader has yet to impress in Russia. Yet, despite his struggles, he still carries +137 odds of scoring in Peru’s final game of the tournament. Raul Ruidiaz is next in line at +195, while Jefferson Farfan is installed at +196 to convert but isn’t playing at full strength and can be safely ignored at that price.

Australia vs. Peru Prediction

Peru 2, Australia 1

Guerrero could see plenty of scoring opportunities against a pressing Australian side, and has the skill to convert. This could easily go either way, but Peru has more skill up front and should prevail.