With another memorable World Cup day in the books, the group stage has wrapped up. It was a historic start to the tournament following excellent showings from the African and Asian federations.
Now, the knockout rounds begin. These are the matches that truly create legends as sixteen teams vie for a chance to hoist the World Cup. Each day of the knockout rounds, I will bring a few bets I like on each game.
Feel free to hop on the bandwagon with me or get in my mentions about how dumb my picks are. Either way, know your limits, enjoy yourself, and strap in for another day of exciting World Cup action.
USA advances with a memorable 1-0 win
The Netherlands coasted through their group with wins over Senegal and Qatar and a draw to Ecuador. At least that is what the scorelines would have you believe. In reality, the Netherlands struggled to create many chances but were clinical in converting the shots that they did take. Against Ecuador, they managed just 0.1 xG. Now, this is partly a reflection of the game state. A 6th-minute worldie from Cody Gakpo allowed Oranje to sit back and play conservatively. However, the attack has never quite clicked. At the back, the defense is stout led by a trio of quality center-backs. It will be tough for any team to crack the Netherlands’ defense.
All that said, the USA is set up to win this match. America’s shape and dynamic midfield three create a numerical advantage in the middle of the pitch for the U.S. Like their previous matches, I expect the midfield group to control the early proceedings before collapsing defensive lines in the face of a Dutch onslaught.
Wager
- Correct Score 1-0 USA (+900) – 1 unit
A makeup from an earlier robbery
Earlier in the tournament, I bet on a Lautaro Martínez anytime goal against Saudi Arabia. I was snakebit. Martínez put the goal in the back of the net, but the goal was called back due to the slimmest of offside margins that would not have been overturned but for the implementation of Hawkeye technology. I am returning to well to make things right.
Australia has had a great tournament but faces an opponent that will present the same sort of challenges that France did two weeks ago when the Socceroos were dusted with a 4-1 loss. I expect more of the same. Once Argentina has a lead, it will force Australia to come out and play providing ample space for a slipped-in ball to Martínez – amends for a past bad beat. **NOTE** Lautaro Martínez is not guaranteed to start. If Julián Álvarez starts in his place, amend this bet to make Álvarez the goalscorer.
I am going to play a same game parlay here:
Wager
- ARG win + Over 2.5 goals + L. Martínez** Anytime Scorer (+205) – 1 unit
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