Sunday brings the second matchday in Groups E and F. The clash between Germany and Spain tops the marquee, but there are other compelling fixtures to sink your teeth into. North of the border, Canada will be looking for their first World Cup goal and points. It will be a must-watch event for North American soccer fans.
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.
Canada picks up first World Cup goal and point
Even in a loss, Canada looked every bit as menacing on the world’s biggest stage as they did throughout World Cup qualifying. The Canadians played with an intensity unmatched by nearly any side in this tournament. They created numerous chances (2.4 xG). It could have easily ended in a multi-goal rout. After the match, John Herdman rallied the troops and expressed continued confidence that Canada’s goals were still within reach.
Croatia languished through a scoreless draw in their opening match. The Checkered Ones created a few half chances but never truly troubled the Moroccan keeper. Of course, there is still plenty of playmakers on this team that can change a match in an instant. If Canada is not careful, Luka Modrić will bury them. But the fight in this Canada team is too much to ignore.Â
Wager
- Canada Double Chance (-135) – 1 unit
Los Ticos will find a goal
No country has gone goalless in a World Cup since Algeria and Honduras in the 2010 World Cup. Los Ticos are much better than those two sides. They have loads of World Cup experience and plenty of talent to find the back of the net at least once in this tournament. There is no question that this is a tough group. Japan’s press could cause issues for Costa Rica, similar to what they experienced against Spain. But I am betting on Costa Rica not getting blanked.
Wager
- Both Teams to Score (+122) – 1 unit
Belgium plays like a favorite
Belgium should count itself lucky to sit atop the group. Canada controlled the match against the Red Devils producing loads of scoring opportunities. My thought here is that the Canada match provided the wake-up call Belgium needed. While this Belgian golden generation has yet to capture a major trophy, they have consistently remained one of the best international teams of the last decade.
Morocco held the 2018 runner-ups, Croatia, to a scoreless draw in their first match. The Atlas Lions never really troubled Croatia’s defense.
Given the favorable odds, a Belgium win feels like the play to make.Â
Wager
- Belgium Win (-109) – 1 unit
Bonus wagers
As a bonus, I am adding quick picks for all matches each day.
- Japan v. Costa Rica – Japan (-235)
- Belgium v. Morocco – Belgium (-106)
- Croatia v. Canada – Draw (+225)
- Spain v. Germany – Draw (+235)
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