Black Friday is upon us. While Aunt Judy may be camping out for a discount DVD player (do they even still make such things?), you will be waking up for yet another helping of delicious World Cup soccer action.
Friday is the big one. The match day every American has been waiting for since the draw back in April. On deck is a date with England on the world’s biggest stage. You can’t ask for anything more. For better or worse, this day will be remembered across the American soccer landscape for decades to come.
If your nerves can only handle so much, I won’t hold it against you. But if you still want to put a little money on the line, here are the bets that intrigue me the most.
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 the wonderful return of the World Cup.
Qatar turns things around
Let’s get it out of the way. Qatar looked dreadful on Sunday to open the tournament. The pressure of an entire country seemed to be too much for the Maroons. All of that is true. Equally true is that the books overreacted to that single game. This is still the same group that captured the 2019 Asian Cup and made the 2021 Gold Cup semifinals. No host country in the modern era has failed to pick up at least one point. I expect a showing more in line with those triumphs in the second game.
Senegal, predictably, struggled to find a breakthrough without their star man. A series of non-even half chances are all the Senegalese could manage against the Netherlands.
I may end up regretting it, but the available odds on Qatar are just too juiced to pass up. This really could end up as a one-goal game either way. By splitting the bet into two, I can come out ahead with a draw while still chasing the higher payout with a Qatar win.
Wager
- Qatar Win (+450) – 0.5 unit
- Qatar Double Chance (+125) – 0.5 unit
Netherlands and Ecuador deliver a thrilling match
Both sides started off the Group Stage with strong, 2-0 victories. This match will likely determine who wins the group and I expect both sides to go for it. Each side feature forwards that can make the other pay for allowing a sliver of an opportunity.
To me, this match screams a 2-1 type of game. But hey, I have been wrong plenty of times before. However, I like the even-money odds on the over.
Wager
- Total Goals Over 2.5 (+100) – 1 unit
America and England draw again
Twelve years ago, these two nations played to a 1-1 draw in the 2010 World Cup. We might be in for a repeat performance.
England looked sharp in the attack against Iran, but the scoreline flattered. The Three Lions possess loads of talent that will pose issues for the USMNT backline, the weakest link on the roster. There is at least one goal in this one for England. How much more they get may come down to the goalkeeping performance of Matt Turner.
The U.S. goalkeeper has not logged many game minutes in 2022, but his shot-stopping ability can erase a higher expected goal gap.
Ahead of Turner, this match suits this young American team. Throughout the last few years, they played their best when a match stretched out and devolved into an up-and-down track meet. This one has a high likelihood of turning into such an affair.
Wager
- Draw and Both Teams To Score (+450) – 1 unit
Bonus wagers
As a bonus, I am adding quick picks for all matches each day.
- Wales v. Iran Draw (+195)
- Qatar v. Senegal Qatar (+480)
- Netherlands v. Ecuador Netherlands (-135)
- England v. USA Draw (+280)
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