Group E of the Club World Cup is wide open, with just two points separating first from last in the standings. Taking center stage is the clash between leaders River Plate and second-placed Inter: a crucial match that will be played on Thursday. Let’s take a look at the pre-match analysis with our expert Frank Monkhouse from Flashscore.
In the United States, the situation is still wide open, especially in Group E, where all four teams still have a realistic chance of qualifying for the knockout stages. We are in for a fiery finale, with kick-off scheduled for the early hours of Thursday morning. Are you ready to follow the action?
The leading bookmakers are offering pre-match and live odds on all Club World Cup matches, including the big match between two world football powerhouses: Inter and River Plate. Will Italian football prevail and send a strong message to its rivals? Or will you bet on the tradition and intensity of the Argentines?
To help you make the right choice, we have teamed up with Frank Monkhouse, sports betting expert at Flashscore, to select the best odds, the most promising markets, and the best promotions.
Tips for Inter – River Plate, Thursday, June 26, at 3:00 a.m.
Under 2.5 goals – odds of 2.0 on bet365, 1.90 on Sisal, 1.95 on GoldBet
Draw – odds of 3.00 on bet365, 3.10 on Sisal, 2.95 on GoldBet
Exact result 1-1 – odds 6.00 on bet365, 6.00 on Sisal, 5.50 on GoldBet
Odds courtesy of bet365, Sisal and GoldBet. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Inter must improve in defense
Inter has reached the Club World Cup after last month’s disastrous UEFA Champions League final. Facing PSG in the final, the Nerazzurri were overwhelmed by the French champions with a heavy 5-0 defeat, watched by millions of spectators around the world. The defeat increased the pressure ahead of their trip to the United States, but Inter seem to have reacted well, remaining in contention for qualification thanks to a draw and a win in the group stage.
Their first game after the Champions League final came against Monterrey last week. The Italian side conceded a goal from Sergio Ramos after just 25 minutes, giving their fans a scare. However, Lautaro Martínez restored parity before half-time, securing at least a point. The draw seemed the fairest result at the end of an evenly balanced game, even if the defensive signs were not reassuring.
Still finding their feet under Cristian Chivu, Inter conceded the first goal again in Saturday’s match against Urawa Reds. Watanabe broke the deadlock in the 11th minute, confirming the Nerazzurri’s negative trend of conceding first. But the reaction came once again. Martínez equalized in the 78th minute and Carboni scored the winner in extra time. It was a hard-fought but valuable victory. Now they need more solidity at the back, and a more balanced approach is expected against River Plate.
Tip: Under 2.5 goals – odds 2.0 on bet365, 1.90 on Sisal, 1.95 on GoldBet
Explanation of the bet: if fewer than 3 goals are scored, the bet wins.
River Plate top of the table
River Plate go into the third and final matchday of Group E at the top of the table. They are potentially 90 minutes away from winning the group and qualifying for the knockout stages. Despite sitting fifth in the Primera División, the Argentine side have performed impressively in the United States. It arrives at Lumen Field in Seattle with four points, the result of a win in its debut and a draw in its second game. It has scored three goals and conceded one, with a goal difference of +2 that allows it to stay ahead of Inter, which is stuck at +1.
The “Millonarios” made their debut with a convincing 3-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds, also at Lumen Field, in front of almost 12,000 spectators. Colidio opened the scoring after 12 minutes, followed by Driussi just before half-time. The Japanese side reduced the deficit with a penalty from Matsuo, but Meza sealed the victory in the 73rd minute, extinguishing any hopes of a comeback. It was a solid performance that gave the fans hope for the future.
On the second day, however, Martín Demichelis’ team was held to a draw by Monterrey. At the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, in front of over 57,000 spectators, the two teams were evenly matched for long periods. Both created good chances, but lacked the composure in front of goal to find the decisive goal. A draw against Inter could still be enough for River Plate to finish top of the group and qualify for the next round.
Tip: draw – odds 3.00 on bet365, 3.10 on Sisal, 2.95 on GoldBet
Explanation of the bet: if the match ends in a draw, the bet wins.
The exact score can make all the difference
As is often the case in my predictions for the big Club World Cup matches for Flashscore, I will combine the two main bets into a third bet at higher odds, betting on the exact result market. In this case, we’re going for a small bet on a 1-1 score, which is consistent with the predictions of a draw and under 2.5 goals: a realistic outcome for the match in Seattle.
Betting on 1-1 would have paid well when Inter faced Monterrey, a match that ended with that very score. In their second outing, the Nerazzurri came close to a draw, saving themselves in stoppage time thanks to Carboni’s goal for a 2-1 win. Inter seem to be on the right track, but they remain in a transitional phase after their heavy defeat to PSG and the surprise change of coach.
A draw would also suit River Plate, who would move up to five points and secure qualification for the next round — perhaps even as group winners. After the draw against Monterrey, Demichelis’ team showed solidity and composure. Against Inter, they could wait and let their opponents play, knowing that the pressure is all on Inter, who are forced to get a result. Depending on what happens in the other game, we could see a frantic finish with both sides throwing everything forward.
Exact result 1-1 – odds 6.00 on bet365, 6.00 on Sisal, 5.50 on GoldBet
Explanation of the bet: if the final result is exactly 1-1, the bet wins.
Inter – River Plate odds
Inter to win – odds of 1.90 on bet365, 1.95 on Sisal, 1.95 on GoldBet
Draw – odds of 3.00 on bet365, 3.10 on Sisal, 2.95 on GoldBet
River Plate to win – odds of 4.33 on bet365, 4.60 on Sisal, 4.55 on GoldBet
The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.
