Day four already?! Time flies when you’re having fun. As we look ahead to today’s fixtures, we couldn’t help but notice how many bookings there have been across the eight games that have taken place so far.
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There have been at least three cards in all but one game, England’s 6-2 thrashing of Iran, so with that in mind, we have decided to take a look at the referees who will take charge of today’s games and their booking averages in domestic and international competitions.
Germany vs Japan
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Referee – Ivan Barton
Germany, who are priced at 10/1 in outright World Cup betting, take on Japan in the second fixture of the day.
Salvadoran official Ivan Barton will be the head referee for this match-up, and he boasts a ham-fisted yellow card record with an incredible 6.66 cards per game in the CONCACAF League.
Elsewhere, he also officiates in the Primera Division in El Salvador where he averages 4.75 cards every fixture.
The Germans have picked up two yellow cards in each of their last three competitive fixtures, and although Japan boast an immaculate disciplinary record as of late, they may be forced to use any means necessary to stop a dynamic Germany attack.
- Our Tip – Germany Over 19.5 Booking Points @ 17/10 with 888Sport
Spain vs Costa Rica
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Referee – Mohammad Hassan
Spain and Costa Rica’s opening game will be officiated by Emirati referee Mohammad Hassan.
In the UAE Pro League, he averages 3.96 cards per game, while in the AFC Champions League, his average per game soars up to 5.6 cards.
Although Spain are widely expected to win this opening game, every fixture has been fiercely contested so far and this has given way to an abundance of cards from both sides.
It is also worth checking out our World Cup yellow card double which clocks in at 34/1, where we tipped Spanish centre-back Pau Torres to pick up a caution.
- Our Tip – Over 39.5 Booking Points @ 6/5 with 888Sport
Belgium vs Canada
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Referee – Janny Sikazwe
‘Dark horses’ Belgium begin their latest attempt to claim silverware as they go toe-to-toe with Canada who have qualified for the first time in 36 years.
Referee Janny Sikazwe, hailing from Zambia, featured in the officiating line-up four years ago in Russia where he averaged 4.5 cards per game.
Elsewhere, he averages slightly less in the CAF Champions League with 2.5 cards, while in the CAF Confederations Cup he dishes out exactly three per fixture.
Unfortunately there is limited data for his domestic appearances.
Canada will likely be chasing the game for the majority given the abundance of talent Belgium possess, and it is interesting to note the former have picked up 13 cards in their previous seven.
In our 34/1 yellow card double we have also included veteran centre-back Steven Vitoria to be booked this evening.
- Our Tip – Canada Over 29.5 Booking Points @ 29/20 with 888Sport
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