Play of the Day: World Cup, June 22

Much better results this weekend. Let’s try to keep the momentum going as Groups I and J play their second matches of the tournament.

ARGENTINA VS AUSTRIA

Argentina looked like a top team at this competition in its first match, but now faces Austria, the second-best team in the group. Austria has a good attack and it showed in its opening match, winning 3-1 over Jordan. This however, is a massive step up in competition and Austria hasn’t played a world class team in almost two years, although their last two matches against teams of Argentina’s caliber — Netherlands and France — only ended in one-goal defeats.

• Low risk parlay toss in: Austria +2.5 goals (-600)
• Average Risk Play: Both Teams to Score YES (+105)
• High risk play: Argentina to win 2-1 or a 1-1 draw (+300)

FRANCE VS IRAQ

A mismatch of colossal proportions. France has its sights set on much bigger things and can play anyone and everyone on its roster if it so chooses. Iraq is just happy to be here and already conceded four to Norway. The French can name their number here. How many do they score?

• Low risk parlay toss in: France -1.5 (-350)
• Average risk parlay: France -1.5, Iraq under 0.5 team total goals, and Desiree Doue 1 shot on target (-120)
• High risk parlay: France -2.5, Desiree Doue to score or assist, under 8.5 corners (+390)

NORWAY VS SENEGAL

Easily one of the most intriguing matchups of the entire group stage. Norway comes in high on confidence after drumming Iraq, but now gets Senegal, which lost 3-1 to France, but still possesses plenty of quality. Senegal probably needs some sort of points from this game, even if it gets the win and three points against Iraq in its group finale.  We have been pretty void of even matchups with the new 48-team format, but this is  one that could go either way.

• Low risk parlay toss in: Senegal +1.5
• Average risk parkay: Both teams to score YES and under 11.5 corners (+100)
• High risk play: 3 way moneyline DRAW (+255)

JORDAN VS ALGERIA

I’ve been more excited for a play-in game between Mount St Mary’s and Norfolk State on a cold Tuesday night in early March. But the show must go on and we’re picking every game.

• Low risk parlay toss in: Jordan under 1.5 team total goals (-525)
• Average risk play: Game total under 2.5(-110)
• High risk play: Algeria to win 1-0 (+550)