In a full slate of matches today, USA takes on Australia, both looking to go 2-0, while Brazil looks to bounce back against Haiti
Canada is buzzing over the national men’s soccer team’s 6-0 World Cup win over Qatar last night in Vancouver, led by a hat trick by Jonathan David, a win over shadowed by a gruesome leg injury suffered by midfielder Ismael Kone on a controversial tackle.
David is now tied for the lead in World Cup scoring with three goals, alongside Lionel Messi.
It was Canada’s first-ever World Cup win and puts them in a position to advance beyond the group stage, tied for top spot in Group B with Switzerland.
Meanwhile, Switzerland handled Bosnia-Herzegovina yesterday, 4-1. Mexico clinched first in Group A with a 1-0 win over South Korea in front a jubilant home crowd at Guadalajara Stadium.
Switzerland and Canada play next Wednesday in Vancouver, to wrap up group stage play.
Today there’s a full slate of games, led off by Team USA against Australia, 3 p.m. EST, at Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington.
In World Cup betting at Betway, the United States is a -182 favorite to win, while Australia sits at +400. Odds for a draw are +350.
The big news out of the U.S. camp is the health of star attacker Christian Pulisic, who checked out of the team’s first game against Paraguay last Friday due to a calf injury.
“It’s evolving much better from Friday when this thing happened,” said Team U.S.A. manager Maurico Pochettino. “Christian is strong, with a great mentality, and he’s making a fantastic effort to try to be ready as soon as possible.”
Pulisic has not trained with the team this week. He’s still in doubt to start and will be assessed again later today. Even with him out, though, the Americans have depth, players like Giovanni Reyna, or Timothy Weah, to step up for Pulisic and handle the Australians.
The Americans will do everything they need to do today to seal the three points and advance to the knockout round, which might mean resting Pulisic and pulling him off the bench if they need him.
Australia is going to sit back and absorb U.S. pressure, since the Americans will have the possession advantage. Australia looked organized and disciplined beating Turkey 2-0 in their first match, so can they wear the Americans down in the smaller areas, then use their speed to counterattack?
Both sides have an opportunity to take command of their group.
But I am going United States to win. I am also looking at the Total Goals Under 2.5 (-110), with Australia’s ability to slow down a match.
After that match, Scotland plays Morocco, 6 p.m. EST, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. At Betway, Morocco is -167, Scotland +425, and odds for draw are +260.
Morocco was impressive in their opener against Brazil, a 1-1 draw. Morocco to win today is the safe bet, since they’re clearly the stronger side, ranked sixth in the world this morning, with technical superiority compared to Scotland.
Scotland’s best path is to slow the game down, so a 1-1 or 2-0 match feels about right. Under 2.5 Total Goals is -150 at Betway this morning.
Brazil looks to bounce back in their match with Haiti, 8:30 p.m. EST, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Brazilians are massive favorites, -1000 at Betway, with Haiti at +2000, and odds for a draw at +1000.
Brazil needs a statement win for drawing Morocco, so I am looking at Vinicius Junior Anytime Goalscorer -143, as an obvious player prop. Neymar is not playing for Brazil today, according to Reuters, and is back in New Jersey rehabbing his calf injury.
If you’re looking for plus money, Brazil Total Goals Over 3.5 (+125) and Brazil Over 1.5 First-Half Goals (+110) are worth a look, with the Brazilians expected to dominate this match.
And finally, Turkey plays Paraguay, 11 p.m. EST, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. At Betway, Turkey is +100, Paraguay +260, and odds for a draw are +240.
Both these teams are staring at elimination pressure, coming off losses. Paraguay needs a response after routed by the U.S., and Turkey struggled offensively in their 2-0 loss to Australia.
Turkey is ranked 26th in the world this morning, Paraguay No. 42. Both teams are playing for a win today, since a point likely won’t do them any good in group standings. That could open things up in the second half.
Turkey has the talent advantage, led by players like Real Madrid’s Arda Güler, who generated numerous chances against Australia, and Inter Milan’s Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Turkey’s captain.
Both Teams to Score (Yes) at -125 is my preferred play, with Turkey to win offering the clearest value. I also like Over 2.5 Total Goals (-106 at Betway), particularly if an early goal forces one team to open up.
