Spain and Belgium advanced yesterday. Today's card features Argentina as betting favorites and a defensive showdown between Switzerland and Colombia
With the U.S. and Portugal eliminated from the World Cup yesterday, the tournament is down to two final Round of 16 matches today, before heading into the quarterfinals.
Yesterday, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, in what likely was his last World Cup match, said he had a “clear conscience” after Portugal was eliminated 1-0 by Spain.
And last night in Seattle, the Americans crashed hard in a 4-1 loss to Belgium, after a roller coaster day of controversy involving U.S. striker Folarin Balogun who had his red card suspension lifted by FIFA. That was met with a wave of debate across the sporting landscape. The Belgians were none too pleased with FIFA, but in the end it didn’t matter. The Americans had their worst match of the tournament.
Not a bad day on the betting front yesterday. I hit Spain to Win, Ronaldo 1+ Shots on Target, and Over 2.5 Total Goals in the U.S.-Belgium match. I’m glad I stayed away from the moneyline, though, as the off-field controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun made it an untenable play. I swung and missed on Christian Pulisic Anytime Goalscorer and his 1+ Assist prop, but it was still a profitable day overall.
So, what about today?
Argentina versus Egypt, 12 p.m. EST, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia. In World Cup betting at Betway, Argentina is -300, Egypt +900, and the draw is priced at +375.
Argentina has been one of the tournament’s most dominant and explosive teams, making Argentina to Win the obvious play. I also like Over 2.5 Total Goals (-110).
Lionel Messi enters the Round of 16 tied for the tournament lead with seven goals, alongside Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. Fully fit, he’ll be the focal point of Egypt’s defensive game plan, but I still like Messi Anytime Goalscorer (-163 at Betway).
If you’re looking for plus-money value, Lautaro Martínez (+130 Anytime Goalscorer) is Argentina’s best pure finisher, while Julián Álvarez (+137 Anytime Goalscorer) brings relentless energy and a knack for finding dangerous scoring positions.
Switzerland versus Colombia, 4 p.m. EST, BC Place, Vancouver, B.C. Colombia is +125, Switzerland +250, with odds for a draw at +200.
Back to Vancouver for one more match. The betting lines are tight, with Colombia having conceded just one goal so far in the tournament, the players clearly benefiting from excellent coaching under Nestor Lorenzo.
“I believe it is key for us to have those types of players, players who interpret the game with simplicity, and that they know how to behave,” Lorenzo said at a press conference yesterday, per Reuters. “They grasp the game, they understand the game.”
This is a tough one. Switzerland are organized defensively, experienced and tournament-tested, while Colombia have been one of the cleaner, more disciplined sides in the tournament. Still, I am taking Switzerland to win as the safer play — a balanced side with a strong backline, led by players like Manuel Akanji.
It should be low-scoring. Under 2.5 Total Goals is -154 this morning at Betway, and both teams prioritize control and defensive structure. That’s where I am going as well.
Or, if you’re feeling a little frisky, Switzerland Win to Nil is +450 this morning.
