Spain and Belgium look to strengthen their World Cup positions, while Uruguay and Iran face pivotal group-stage tests in a crucial day of action
In Toronto yesterday, Germany escaped with three points after a late goal by Deniz Undav in the 94th minute, his second of the match, for a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, but Ivory Coast continued to establish itself as one of the surprise stories of the World Cup so far.
Undav’s late goal came off a great pass from Felix Nmecha, through multiple Ivory Coast defenders.
The Africans matched Germany for long stretches and had Germany down 1-0 until Undav’s marker at the 68th minute.
It was a brilliant match in perfect weather conditions, Liberty Village in Toronto coming alive, with mostly German supporters among a crowd of 43,000.
Netherlands looks like a serious contender after demolishing Sweden 5-1, led by Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo.
The Netherlands has shortened to +1600 at Betway to win the World Cup.
Then last night at Arrowhead Stadium, in Kansas City, Curacao delivered one of the tournament’s biggest Cinderella moments, with a 15-save performance by goalkeeper Eloy Room, a stunning 0-0 draw against Ecuador.
Later last night, Japan routed Tunisia 4-0, and are now tied with Netherlands in Group F.
A full schedule of matches today on the docket:
Spain versus Saudi Arabia, today, 12 p.m. EST, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia. In World Cup betting odds, Spain is the huge betting favorite at -1000, Saudi Arabia is +2200, and odds for a draw are +900.
Spain has been reeling a bit after a surprising 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in their tournament opener. They’ll be aggressive from kickoff and will create a high volume of chances.
Saudi Arabia earned a 1-1 draw against Uruguay in its opener and can keep matches low scoring. No team has separated itself from the pack in Group H.
I am backing Saudi Arabia Under 0.5 Team Goals (-211) this morning. Spain Over 2.5 Team Goals is -200 at Betway, while Over 3.5 sits at +125, which is where I’m also leaning. Spain remains one of the favorites at +650 to win the World Cup.
Then Belgium plays Iran, 3 p.m. EST, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California. Belgium is -236, Iran +600, and odds for a draw are +350.
Belgium opened with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Egypt, and Iran’s attack is better than analysts expected, scoring twice in their 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opener.
Enjoy this one, since it’s one of the most important matches of the day, in terms of qualification. Group G is wide open, with every team with just one point.
Both Teams to Score (Yes, +100) looks attractive here. Iran scored twice in its opener and Belgium should generate plenty of opportunities. Romelu Lukaku Anytime Goalscorer (-106) is another bet I’m eyeing.
Uruguay plays Cape Verde, 6 p.m. EST, at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida. At Betway, Uruguay is -236, Cape Verde +700, and a draw +320.
Uruguay, ranked 18th in the world, is under pressure, after one of the more disappointing results of the opening round, a 1-1 tie against Saudi Arabia.
Cape Verde on the other hand has already authored one of the World Cup’s big surprises, its scoreless draw against Spain in the opener. So, they already showed they are capable of frustrating superior opponents.
Expect a more aggressive response from Darwin Núñez and teammates today. Most bettors expected Spain and Uruguay to cruise through Group H but that hasn’t happened as yet.
Núñez Anytime Goalscorer at +140 looks like a strong play here. I’m also leaning Cape Verde Under 0.5 Team Goals (-150), given Uruguay’s defensive quality, with Under 2.5 Total Goals (-163 at Betway) another market to consider.
Then later on, New Zealand plays Egypt, 9 p.m. EST, BC Place, Vancouver. At Betway, Egypt is the betting favorite at -182, New Zealand +475, and odd for a draw +300
Neither team can afford to lose, in an intriguing match as the tournament makes its way back to BC Place in Vancouver.
New Zealand and Egypt both opened Group G with draws, leaving Iran and Belgium in the same position.
New Zealand scored twice against Iran in the opener, showing bettors they can create chances against quality opposition, teams like Egypt, ranked No. 28 in the world (just after Canada).
Both Teams to Score (Yes, +110) is a good place to put down a bet for this one, maybe Mohamed Salah Anytime Goalscorer (+115), since Egypt’s attack runs through him. Salah is an attractive player prop.
