In the two World Cup play-offs that don’t have the glitz and glamour of their illustrious peers, Greece have one foot at the World Cup after a convincing 3-1 victory over Romania, while Iceland’s hopes of becoming the smallest ever country to compete in the finals are still intact after a 0-0 draw at home to Croatia.
Two Konstantinos Mitroglou goals sandwiched a Dimitris Salpingidis strike for the Greeks, who head to Bucharest on Tuesday as the strong 3/25 favourites to qualify for Brazil at the expense of Romania, who are 9/2 to reach the World Cup.
A Bogdan Stancu away goal has given the Romanians hope, and new bwin customers who register today will receive £110 in returns if they use their free bet on a successful comeback for Romania.
Romania are the 11/10 favourites to win the second-leg in 90 minutes, with the draw at 9/4 and Greece priced up at 5/2.
Meanwhile, Iceland are still in with a chance of defying the odds and reaching their first ever World Cup after a battling goalless draw in Reykjavik against Croatia.
Iceland were reduced to ten men after 50 minutes when Olafur Skulason was sent off for a professional foul, but Lars Lagerback’s team managed to hold out against Luka Modric and co for a result that means, with a population of just 320,000, Iceland could yet become the smallest populace to reach the World Cup finals.
But with the second leg in Zagreb on Tuesday, bwin make Croatia the strong 1/5 favourites to go make it to Brazil, with Iceland quoted at 16/5.
The Croats are 3/10 to win during 90 minutes, with Iceland rank outsiders at 17/2. The draw is 4/1.
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