Yesterday was all about superstars Messi, Mbappé and Haaland, with outstanding performances. Will today be about Ronaldo and Kane?
After a Monday full of World Cup upsets, bettors yesterday saw favorites, and big names, hit the win columns.
Lionel Messi, 38, in one last World Cup hurrah, led defending-champion Argentina to a 3-0 win over Algeria – scoring all three goals, the 11th hat trick of his international career, tying Miroslav Klose for most men’s World Cup goals at 16.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé scored two goals in France’s 3-1 Group I win over Senegal, taking him to 14 World Cup markers in his career, just two behind Messi.
Norway also took out Iraq 4-1, with Erling Haaland scoring twice.
Austria won a World Cup game for the first time in 36 years with a 3-1 win over Jordan.
Attendance is also through the roof – yesterday’s four matches set a record for the most attended day in the history of the tournament (281,223 total).
Today’s there’s a full schedule of matches, including England’s first match of the tournament, against Croatia, in Group L action.
First up is Portugal versus Congo, 1 p.m. EST, NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas. In World Cup betting at Betway, Portugal is -400, Congo +1000, and odds on a draw at +450.
Much like Lionel Messi, one of the biggest storylines at this World Cup is the likely sixth and final tournament appearance of Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41. Portugal, with Ronaldo as its focal point and a deep midfield led by Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves, should control possession and create the bulk of the scoring chances, according to analysts.
Ronaldo Anytime Goalscorer (-150 at Betway) looks like a solid play. He remains Portugal’s primary penalty taker and one of its biggest threats on set pieces.
DR Congo has indicated it intends to play aggressively rather than sit back defensively, which could create opportunities at both ends. That makes Over 2.5 Total Goals (-134) appealing, while Over 3.5 (+190) offers more value for bettors looking for plus money.
That match is followed by England versus Croatia, 4 p.m. EST, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. England is the betting favorite at Betway, at -150, with Croatia at +400, and the odds for a draw at +260.
This one is very intriguing, since England is favoured, coming in with massive expectations (and a futures market favourite, +800 this morning at Betway to win the tournament, after France at +400, and Spain at +600).
Croatia, though, has a dangerous, disciplined veteran core, comprised of Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić and Joško Gvardiol, and they could make life tough for England.
Can Croatia somehow fend off an England attack led by Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham and pull off the upset?
It’s possible, but I’m backing England to get the win, led by Kane (+110 Anytime Goalscorer at Betway).
Two quality nations are squaring off here, which makes the Under 2.5 Total Goals (-134) an appealing play as well.
Following England-Croatia, it’s back to BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, for Ghana versus Panama, 7 p.m. EST.
At Betway, the line is tight, with Ghana +125, Panama +210, with the odds of a draw at +220.
This should be a battle, with both these teams fighting for what could be a crucial third place qualification position, as the top two teams in Group L, England and Croatia, battle it out.
If you’re searching for plus money today, the draw here has plenty of appeal.
Analysts see Panama as a grind-it-out, disciplined team, and Ghana comes in with some off-field issues – with key midfielder Thomas Partey missing the match after being denied entry into Canada, facing charges of rape and sexual assault in the UK.
Either way, a loss here will leave the losing team with a serious uphill battle with two strong teams at the top of Group L.
Under 2.5 Total Goals (-175) is my play here.
Uzbekistan versus Colombia wrap things up today, 10 p.m. EST, at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City. Betway has it Colombia -275, Uzbekistan +750, and odds for a draw at +375.
An interesting matchup between a fast riser in Uzbekistan, making their World Cup debut, and Colombia, ranked 14th in the world, with their talented core of Luis Díaz, Luis Suarez, James Rodríguez, and Jhon Arias.
This is a big first match for Colombia, since Portugal is favored to win Group K, and three points tonight will determine who advances alongside them.
Colombia is a good pick to win, while Luis Díaz Anytime Goalscorer (+125) is one of the more attractive player props on the board.
