By J.T. CHADWELL
The first round of group play ends today. Let’s get right to today’s plays.
PORTUGAL VS DR CONGO
Portugal arrives at the World Cup as a buzz team in the betting community. Everyone loves Portugal’s chances in this tournament, and rightfully so. Its midfield might be the best here and the versatility that the Portuguese can offer on the attack makes them incredibly difficult to defend. I know European teams have struggled a bit to start this tournament off (see Belgium, Switzerland, and Spain) but I fully expect Portugal to take care of business in its opening match against an overmatched Congo side.
- Low risk parlay toss in: Portugal Moneyline (-330)
- Average Risk: 2 leg SGP, Portugal win AND under 3.5 goals (-120)
- High Risk play: Portugal to win either 2-0 or 3-0 (+225)
ENGLAND VS CROATIA
One of the most highly anticipated matchups from the first round of group games. Both teams come from Europe, have much bigger fish to fry in this group (Ghana and Panama), and are fairly familiar with each other with four head-to-head matchups since 2018. That seems like a recipe for a low-scoring match in my opinion.
- Low risk parlay toss in: England double chance (win or draw) (-575)
- Average Risk: Under 2.5 total goals (-145)
- High Risk: England to win 1-0 or 1-1 Draw (+225)
GHANA VS PANAMA
Three points would be massive for either side’s chances to qualify for knockout play as a third-place teams in Group L. Furthermore, neither team features a cohesive unit for stopping attacks. Ghana has conceded in six straight and betting both teams to score has cashed in nine of the last 12 for Panama.
- Low risk parlay toss in: Ghana to score (-325)
- Average risk: Both Teams to score YES (-105)
- High Risk: Both teams to score and no draw (+215)
UZBEKISTAN VS COLOMBIA
Uzbekistan was the surprise of Asian World Cup qualifying. Coming to the Western Hemisphere and taking on the Colombians is a much different beast, however. Colombia, best known for its defense, brings its best attacking squad in a long time to this World Cup led by Luis Diaz. Let’s end the first round of group stage games with a bang.
- Low Risk parlay: Colombia to score AND Uzbekistan under 1.5 team total goals (-600)
- Average Risk parlay: Colombia team total over 1.5 goals AND Colombia in the race to 3 corners (first to 3 corner kicks) (+106)
- High Risk parlay: Colombia over 2.5 goals AND Colombia team over 5.5 corners (+470)
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