We’ve got another trio of exciting games to look forward to in the World Cup today and, as yesterday’s matches showed, there are no such thing as certainties in this tournament. Brazil seemed liked a shoe-in yesterday, but a resolute Mexico held them to a draw while Russia’s goalkeeper proved that one mistake can upset months on preparation.
Today’s games seem straightforward, but this World Cup has been full of surprises. Odds from Bovada and Topbet are provided for players from the USA.
Australia v Netherlands
Netherlands were very impressive in their opening game against Spain and are now one of the tournament favourites. Australia, although falling to a defeat against Chile, showed they are not going to be the group’s whipping boys with a spirited performance. Netherlands are a prohibitive 1/4 (BetVictor, Coral) or 1/6 (Bovada) and Australia despite showing promise against Chile would appear to be 16/1 (Bet365) or (Bovada) for a good reason. Neither bet is appealing. Arjen Robben is a good bet to score at any time at 6/5 (Bet365). Netherlands and both teams to score is more appealing at 2/1 (William Hill, Totesport) or 23/20 (Bovada). I can see Australia starting this game more cautiously than they did against Chile and that makes the 10/3 (William Hill) or 3/1 (Bovada) for Draw half time/Netherlands full time tempting.
Top Tip: Draw half time/Netherlands full time at 10/3 with William Hills or 3/1 with Bovada
Spain v Chile
Spain v Chile looks like a match with the potential for a surprise. Spain were demolished by Netherlands in their opening game and may struggle to get back on track against a Chile side who showed glimpses of potential against Australia. Spain are still regarded as favourites for the win at 4/7 (Paddy Power, William Hills, Coral) or 10/21 (Bovada), while Chile are decent value at 11/2 (Bet365, Totesport, Boylesports) or 5/1 (Bovada). Both teams play a fairly open style of football, so you can expect there to be goals in this game. I’d fully expect both teams to score and Spain to get the win. You can get 11/5 for this will Corals and Ladbrokes (2/1 with Bovada). If you are looking for a goalscorer bet then Iniesta at 4/1 (Paddy Power, Totesport) is a good gamble to score at any time for Spain while Alexis Sanchez is an appealing 17/5 (888.Sport) to do the same for Chile.
Top Tip: Spain and Both teams to score at 2/1 (Hills, Totesport) or 23/20 (Bovada).
Cameroon v Croatia
Cameroon were very disappointing in their opening game against Mexico as they sought to stifle the game and play for a draw. Croatia on the other hand were unfortunate not to get at least a point against Brazil. It’s difficult to assess both these teams as Cameroon surely can’t play as poorly again, while Croatia may have risen to the big occasion and played above their normal level. On the face of it, Croatia look technically better and should be too good for Cameroon. However, if Cameroon decide to shut up shop again it may be another low scoring encounter. Get on Draw half time/draw full time at 9/2 with Bet 365 or 9/2 Bovada. On the goalscorers markets, Mario Mandzukic is a tempting 9/2 (Bet365, Paddypower, Ladbrokes) to score the first goal.
Top Tip: Mandzukic first goalscorer at 9/2 with Ladbrokes
