The Best Bet: Tunisia’s underhand tactics to haunt them against Belgium

Tunisia lost their opening match of the 2018 World Cup but the 2-1 scoreline against England flattered the African side. In fact, only Uruguay (6), who have played twice, have missed more clear-cut chances than England at the 2018 World Cup (3).

England looked threatening from set-pieces against Tunisia and Nabil Maaloul’s side resorted to dirty tactics in a bid to stifle their opponents, particularly targeting Harry Kane.

The England captain was rugby tackled to the floor on two occasions and remarkably VAR did not refer the incidents to the on-field referee. FIFA have since confirmed they are investigating the process after England were denied two clear spot-kicks. Justice was served in the end, as Kane managed to wrestle free from a corner to head in the winner in the 91st minute.

Now that Tunisia are under the microscope for their defending it’s unlikely they will get away with those sort of incidents in their remaining group games. There have already been 11 penalties awarded in the 2018 World Cup, with nine of those converted.

Betfair are offering odds of 4.5 for Belgium to convert a spot-kick against Tunisia, which should be considered given how this World Cup has panned out.