Play of the Day: World Cup, June 18

By J.T. CHADWELL

CZECHIA VS SOUTH AFRICA

The two underwhelming teams from the first match day of Group A now get each other, and if the result isn’t a draw someone is likely going eliminated. South Africa, which rarely sniffed goal opportunities against Mexico, will not pose the same challenges for Czechia that South Korea did from an attacking standpoint.  Czechia’s attack also looked quite stagnant against a mediocre South Korean defense.  

• Low Risk Parlay Toss In: Under 3.5 total goals (-360)
• Average Risk Play: Under 2.5 total goals (-130)
• High Risk Play: Czechia to win 1-0 or a 1-1 Draw (+200)

SWITZERLAND VS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Speaking of underwhelming, for Switzerland to drop two points to Qatar is inexcusable — especially the inability to find the back of the net in open play against possibly the worst defense of all 48 teams in the Cup field. Switzerland has now only won one of its last six matches while Bosnia has not lost in nine straight. 

• Low Risk Parlay Toss In: Bosnia +2.5 goals (-650)
• Average Risk Play: Both teams to score YES (+115)
• High Risk Play: Draw no bet Bosnia (+380)

CANADA VS QATAR

Now the matchup of the two teams that pulled off late equalizers in their first fixtures.  Neither team really has anything to brag about from their first match, other than each got a point.  But, overall Qatar is terrible and while Canada definitely didn’t give lots of reason for optimism, they have home-field advantage and can take control of the group by beating the worst team here.  That should be motivation enough.

• Low Risk Parlay Toss in:  Canada Moneyline (-350)
• Average Risk Parlay: Both teams to score NO AND under 3.5 total goals (-110)
• High Risk Play: Canada win either 1-0 or 2-0 (+200)

MEXICO VS SOUTH KOREA

The one match I most want to see today. Both teams are coming in off wins. South Korea really played its way into the match against Czechia and deserved the 2-1 win.  Mexico was stagnant for most of the day against South Africa and was aided by two South Africa red cards.  While this game isn’t at the Azteca, Guadalajara will still give Mexico a large home advantage here.  That being said, I don’t look for either team to go too far from its comfort zone here.  A point apiece and both will feel good, South Korea especially.

• Low Risk Parlay Toss in: South Korea under 1.5 team total goals (-438)
• Average Risk Play: Under 2.5 game total AND 1st half total under 1.5 (-145)
• High Risk Play: 3 way moneyline DRAW +230

3 up 3 Down 

Whose stock is rising and falling after the first round of group games?

1 UP: France — I’m going to preface what I’m about to say with this, because I know what the first 45 minutes of their tournament looked like and it’s partially why France lands in the top spot. A tactical adjustment at half time spring-boarded Les Blues to a dominant second half against a very good Senegal team. Mbappe, Olise, and Barcola quickly reminded us how deep this team is and how deadly its attack can be. The fact the French saw the adjustments that needed to be made and had the depth to make those changes instantly lands them in the top spot. 

2 UP: Argentina – Great start for the defending champs and the cherry on top was a hat trick for Lionel Messi. The attack can’t be a single-headed monster if the Argentines want to repeat, but they have plenty behind Messi and put together a nice defensive performance to keep Algeria off the board. 

3 UP: USA – Let’s Go! Who would’ve thought the Americans would be talked about in this way heading into the competition, but an absolute beatdown of Paraguay lands them in the last spot. The USA looked fast, sharp, tactical, and hungry in a game that was never in doubt. Flo Balogun netted a brace that will give him lots of confidence moving forward. Team USA is set up nicely now to win Group D. 

Honorable Mention. England – The Three Lions don’t make my top three, but scoring four against Croatia cannot be ignored. If the attack continues at this pace the English will advance very far even with their tough draw. 

1 DOWN: The Iberian Peninsula – That includes Portugal and Spain which were two of most talked-about teams coming into the World Cup and both failed to tally wins in their openers. Spain was dreadful against Cape Verde only creating two big chances in 90-plus minutes. Portugal looked a little awkward with its lineup and I foresee changes coming. The class is there, it’s up to Roberto Martinez to use it in the best way. 

2 DOWN: South Africa – The South Africans were up against it playing Mexico in Estadio Azteca, but two red cards didn’t help the cause. It was a lackadaisical effort and it’s looking like it will be a quick trip for this side.

3 DOWN: Türkiye – Türkiye came to America with the best roster it’s maybe ever had. Plenty of buzz in Group D surrounded the Turks, who then put on a disappointing performance of epic proportions losing 2-0 to a veteran Australian team. Türkiye now has to grind it out just to get a spot in the Knockout bracket.

Honorable Mention: Ecuador – Ecuador came up short in a game it desperately needed against Ivory Coast. Ecuador had high hopes coming into this competition but put on a stagnant effort and was thoroughly outplayed by Ivory Coast. Another performance like this and Ecuador will go home with 0 points.