The Germans roll into Toronto today to take on Ivory Coast, preceded by the Netherlands playing Sweden
The favorites delivered yesterday in World Cup betting. Big time.
The United States beat Australia 2-0, to take a stranglehold on first place in Group D, despite playing without star Christian Pulisic, clinching a Round of 32 berth.
That was an indicator of the American team’s depth, one of the reasons U.S. World Cup futures have shortened.
A peak at World Cup betting odds at Betway this morning shows the Americans now at +3300 to win the tournament. France sits on top at +400, followed by England +600, Spain +600, Argentina +900, Portugal +1100, Brazil +1200, Germany +1400, Netherlands +2000, Morocco +3300, then the Americans. Team USA was generally 50/1 going into the tournament.
Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 and now sits tied with Brazil in Group C, after the Brazilians beat Haiti convincingly, 3-0. Brazil’s attack appears to be settling in, led by Vinicius Junior, with two goals now over two matches.
Scotland now plays Brazil for their third match Wednesday, sitting at the bottom of Group C, and are deep underdogs (+500 at Betway, with Brazil at -275).
The U.S., ranked 13th in the world, is now a legitimate futures threat, with Morocco, at No. 6, as a dangerous dark horse.
Three matches on the schedule for today, including the Germans at Toronto Stadium to take on Ivory Coast.
Netherlands versus Sweden, today, 1 p.m. EST, NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas. At Betway, Netherlands are the betting favorites, at -143 this morning, Sweden +320, and the odds for a draw are at +300.
Sweden, +10000 to win the tournament, sits on top of Group F after their big 5-1 in over Tunisia, led by Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres.
Pressure is on the Netherlands after their 2-2 draw against Japan, after surrendering the tying goal late. They will push for the three points, but they also have injury issues. Quinten Timber is unavailable, while Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is doubtful because of injury. Netherland coach Ronald Koeman said de Jong had “minor complaints” after the Tunisia game, according to Yahoo Sports reporting, and that the injury was “below his belly”.
I’m going with Both Teams to Score — Yes (-167 at Betway). The Netherlands scored twice against Japan, while Sweden put five past Tunisia. With elite attacking talent on both sides, goals should be there.
Then Germany plays Ivory Coast, under pristine conditions today at Toronto Stadium, 4 p.m. EST. Betway has Germany -211, Ivory Coast +450, and odds for a draw at +350.
The Germans looked terrifying against Curacao, running up seven goals, and are right up there with tournament betting favorites, at +1400.
Bettors are going to have to decide if Germany’s offensive explosion is sustainable against stronger opposition. This is not Curacao. Ivory Coast are the reigning African champions and possess dangerous pace on the wings with players like Nicolas Pépé and Amad Diallo.
Kai Havertz scored twice in Germany’s opener, and I have him as an Anytime Goalscorer in this one (+130 at Betway).
I also like Germany to Win and Both Teams to Score (+190). Germany has the depth and more finishing talent, but Ivory Coast is tough. It’s going to be a great match in downtown Toronto (five minutes from where I live). Can’t wait.
Finally, Ecuador plays Curacao in the nightcap, 8 p.m. EST, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri. Ecuador is a massive betting favorite at -750, Curacao at +1800, and a draw at +750.
Ecuador must win to keep its knockout hopes alive, that’s for sure, after losing 1-0 to Ivory Coast in its opener. To their credit, according to Reuters reporting, knowing Curacao lost 7-1 to the Germans, Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece said, “we are not Germany,” and warned about Curaçao’s transitions.
The moneyline has little value, obviously. Can Curacao keep it respectable after the humbling opening with Germany?
I am leaning Under 3.5 Total Goals (-182). It won’t be a demolition. Curacao will sit deep and keep it scrappy.
Or Enner Valencia, Ecuador’s go-to scorer, 2+ Shots on Target, at -130, or 3+, at +250. Plus, Moises Caicedo, 1+ Assists, at +375, spraying passes in the midfield for Ecuador, in a game where they should control possession.
