By J.T. CHADWELL
MEXICO VS SOUTH AFRICA
The World Cup opener slots Mexico against South Africa, and the most important note here is that the game is in Estadio Azteca,. Mexico has never lost a World Cup game in that stadium, and I don’t expect the first to come here. Mexico is (-225) on the moneyline, so the price doesn’t make a sensible straight wager. South Africa hasn’t seen the likes of an opponent like this in a long time.
- Low risk parlay toss in: 2 leg SPG, Mexico to score and South Africa under 1.5 goals (-350)
- Average Odds Play: Mexico to win and score OVER 1.5 goals (-110)
- Higher risk play: Mexico to win either 2-0 or 3-0 (+275)
SOUTH KOREA VS CZECHIA
The nightcap on day one sees two teams that are not in their best form, playing a crucial match in Group A. This would be a much better matchup if it were the last game of the group rather than the first. I think both sides come out pretty tight and looking to avoid crucial mistakes that will cost them points and positioning in the group. With third-place teams having a chance to qualify, I think both teams will fancy their chances later against South Africa to accumulate the goal differentials they need, as opposed to playing a high-risk game here.
- Low risk parlay toss in: Czechia +1.5 goals (-650)
- Average odds play: 2 leg SGP, Patrick Schick 1+ shot on target/under 3.5 (-135)
- Higher risk play: 3 way moneyline Draw (+220) OR Correct score 1-1 (+475)
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