Play of the Day: World Cup, June 20

By J.T. CHADWELL

Some crucial matches in Group E and F on tap today.

Let’s get right to it.

NETHERLANDS VS SWEDEN

A tad bit of a nervy spot for the Dutch, who came to America with hopes of potentially winning the World Cup. After getting only a point against Japan, the Netherlands now faces a Sweden team that actually looked competitive in a 5-1 trouncing of Tunisia. The last five historical head-to-head meetings have seen both teams score. Overall, Sweden’s last five and four of Netherlands’ last five have seen both teams score.

• Low risk parlay toss in: Netherlands Draw No Bet (Netherlands to win; draw voids the ticket) (-310)
• Average risk parlay: Both Teams to Score YES AND Sweden under 2.5 team total goals (-120)
• High risk parlay: Both teams to score AND over 2.5 goals AND Cody Gakpo to score or assist (+250)

GERMANY VS IVORY COAST

Two of the more impressive teams from the opening round of games the group stage meet here. Ivory Coast would be thrilled with a draw. Germany can solidify first in the group with a win. 19 year old Ivory Coast star Yan Diamonde will be very familiar with this matchup as he plays for Leipzig in the German Bundesliga. Germany conceded to Curacao; can Ivory Coast score, too?

• Low risk parlay toss in: Germany double chance (win or draw) AND over 2.5 1st half corners (-320)
• Average risk: Both teams to score YES (-135)
• High risk parlay: Germany win AND over 2.5 goals AND over 9.5 corners (+320)

ECUADOR VS CURACAO

After getting thoroughly outplayed by Ivory Coast, some class relief in the middle match will do the Ecuadorians well. This is an absolute must-have three points for Ecuador and anything short will more than likely send this team home after group play. Curacao scored a shocking early goal against Germany to level before getting blown out. Can the Ecuadorians step up?

• Low risk parlay toss in: Ecuador -1.5 goals (-265)
• Average risk parlay: Ecuador -1.5 goals AND Both teams to score NO AND Enner Valencia 1 shot on target (-110)
• High risk parlay: Ecuador -1.5 AND Both teams to score NO AND Enner Valencia to score AND John Yeboah to score or assist (+300)

JAPAN VS TUNISIA

In an uncanny move, after a 5-1 beat down from Sweden, Tunisia sacked its manager, effective immediately. Now the Tunisians get to face Japan, which can taste blood in this group after getting a point against The Netherlands. Spoiler alert: that’s not good for Tunisia.

• Low risk parlay toss in: Japan Draw no Bet (Japan to win; draw voids the ticket) (-575)
• Average risk parlay: Japan moneyline AND Tunisia under 1.5  goals AND Keito Nakamura 1 shot (-140)
• High risk: Japan to win 1-0 or 2-0 (+200)

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