Today sees us reach the final phase of matches of groups A and B and it’s all to play for in one of these groups at least. It’s always best to look at who has to win in these situations as opposed to who should win.
Group A sees Cameroon versus Brazil and Croatia take on Mexico while Group B has a lot less at stake with the already qualified Netherlands and Chile facing off and Spain will play Australia to see who gets the wooden spoon. Odds for US visitors are provided by Bovada, who accept customers from the USA.
Australia v Spain
It’s been an immensely disappointing tournament for holders Spain. Out of the competition after two games they have nothing but pride left to play for. The face an Australia team who have played well and fought hard during the tournament and who may consider themselves unfortunate to be going home at this stage. With all pressure off Spain should win this one. They are 6/5 to win half time/full time with BetVictor or 20/21 with Bovada. You should see Spain play with a little more freedom today with some of the unused squad players getting a run-out and this makes the 6/1 available with Coral for David Villa to score first appealing. The same bet is 4/1 with Bovada.
Top Bet: Spain to be winning at half time and full time at 6/5 (Betvictor) or 20/21 (Bovada)
Netherlands V Chile
Both sides are qualified for the last 16 and it’s now about who will top the group. Whoever finishes top will face the runners up in Group A, so assuming Brazil top Group A both Netherlands and Chile will want to avoid playing them. Netherlands have been slightly more impressive so far and I believe they will relish hitting Chile on the counter attack. You can get 17/10 with Coral or 29/20 with Bovada for a Netherlands win. Neither side can boast of a rock solid defence so Netherlands and Both Teams to Score is an attractive bet at 7/2 (Paddy Power, Totesport and Bovada).
Top Bet: Netherlands and Both Teams to Score at 7/2 (Paddy Power and Bovada)
Cameroon v Brazil
Cameroon have already been eliminated from the tournament so it’s fair to say that this will be a Brazil win. They need to win to finish top of the group and, while they haven’t been overly impressive, they have done enough to secure this position. It isn’t worth your while betting Brazil to win this match as they are a very prohibitive 1/7. More appealing is the 2/1 on offer from Bet365 for Neymar to score 2 or more goals in the match. Brazil -2 goals is also attractive at 11/10 with Paddy Power and 888.Sport.
Top Bet: Brazil -2 goals at 11/10 with Paddy Power.
Croatia V Mexico
This is probably the most important game of the day as the winner of this match secures their place in the last 16. Both teams have been impressive so far and it’s a very close one to call. There’s not much between the teams at all, but so far European teams have struggled against their counterparts from the Americas. For this reason I’m tipping Mexico to win at 7/4 with Paddy Power or 3/2 with Bovada. They will no doubt sit in for the early part of the game before trying to exert more of an influence in the second half. This makes Draw half time/Mexico Full time tempting at 11/2 with Bet Victor and Bovada.
Top Bet: Draw Half Time/Mexico Full Time at 11/2 with Bet Victor and Bovada.
