Brazil opens its World Cup against Morocco in a marquee Group C clash, while Qatar faces Switzerland and Scotland returns to the tournament against Haiti
Day 2 of the World Cup had its share of memorable highlights – the U.S. delivering the tournament’s most impressive performance so far, a 4-1 win over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Paraguay, remember, beat both Argentina and Brazil in CONMEBOL qualifying. They’re no pushovers.
Forward Folarin Balogun scored twice for the Americans and is already emerging as an early Golden Boot contender (+1200 at Betway). The U.S. attack looked far more dangerous than people expected coming into the tournament.
Bettors need to keep an eye on the status of Christian Pulisic for the Americans, who suffered a calf injury and didn’t play the second half. He did tell reporters later that he was kicked in the back of the leg and didn’t think it was serious.
And in Toronto, of course, Canada overcame a sluggish first half start and earned its first-ever men’s World Cup point, in a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Still, while Canada showed resilience, despite Cyle Larin’s goal, the team still struggled to finish chances.
Canada is +220 this morning to win Group B.
In Day 3, Brazil opens up against Morocco, while Qatar faces Switzerland, and Scotland plays Haiti.
BEST BETS
Qatar versus Switzerland, today, 3 p.m. EST, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
In World Cup betting on Betway, Switzerland are heavy favorites at -500, with Qatar at +1000, and a draw priced at +600.
At those odds, there isn’t much value in betting the moneyline alone. Instead, bettors may want to look at the alternate markets, where Betway has Over 2.5 total goals priced at -175 and Over 3.5 goals at +137.
Breel Embolo, Switzerland’s primary striker, is priced at -120 to score anytime and +500 to score two or more goals. Embolo scored four goals during World Cup qualifying and is expected to be a focal point of the Swiss attack against Qatar.
Brazil versus Morocco, today, 6 p.m. EST, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brazil is the favorite at -154, with Morocco at +425, and a draw priced at +275.
Morocco, organized and physical, is a tough out, knocking Brazil out of the last World Cup in penalties.
I’m expecting Brazil to grind out a narrow victory rather than run away with this one. That’s why Under 2.5 total goals at -150 stands out as an attractive betting option.
Brazil is dealing with an injury crisis. Neymar is out with a calf issue, though he might return next week. Rodrygo (ACL tear), Estêvão (hamstring), Eder Militão (thigh) are all out. The Brazilians still have Vinicius, Raphinha and a strong center-back duo in Marquinhos and Gabriel, but it’s a patched-up squad going out there today.
Haiti versus Scotland, today, 9 p.m. EST, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
At Betway, Scotland is the betting favorite at -200, with Haiti at +475, and the odds of a draw at +350.
No. 40 FIFA-ranked Scotland makes a return to the World Cup in solid form, with recent friendly wins of 4-1 over Curacao and 4-0 over Bolivia. They will be motivated today against Group C’s weakest side.
Scotland on the moneyline is the cleanest play. Their recent form suggests they should be able to secure a comfortable victory over Haiti. If you’re looking for more value than the moneyline offers, Scotland to score over 2.5 goals is priced at +170. Betway also has Scotland Exact Total Goals — 2 at +240, which could be worth a look given that many analysts are projecting a 2-0 Scottish victory or a similar scoreline.
Scotland must win tonight, and take the three points to challenge for the knockout stage, since they have tougher matches against Brazil and Morocco coming up.
It’s a full day on the World Cup docket. Happy hunting!
