Tuesday World Cup Action – Can USA do it?

Tuesday World Cup Action – Can USA do it?

by Tommy Lynch, senior soccer analyst for Wannamakeabet.com

We have reached the final stage of the Group matches. This means that the games will be played at the exact same time so there is no competitive advantage. As a bettor it is a great time because we know exactly how each team will approach the game.

Let’s Start with Group A that will finish up at 10:00AM. The two final games will be Netherlands v Qatar and Senegal v Ecuador.

Netherlands v Qatar: Going into this game the host nation Qatar has already been eliminated. However, they will still play hard and try to pull off the upset in front of their home crowd. The Netherlands sit at the top tied with Ecuador with 4 points and the same goal differential. They will want to get the top seed as you get an advantage of playing a 2nd place team in the next round. The tiebreaker is goal differential so unfortunately for Qatar they will have to endure an all-out attack from the Dutch for 90 mins. Currently this line is sitting around -1.5 & -2. I personally think either of these are fine plays. Qatar has already conceded 5 goals and they will be facing the best team in the group. I will happily lay the -2 in this match as I look for the Netherlands to win this game big.

Bet: Netherlands -2
Prediction: Netherlands 4 Qatar 0

Senegal vs Ecuador: Going into this match both of these teams are still alive with Ecuador sitting at 4 points and Senegal sitting at 3 points. In order to advance Ecuador just needs a draw and Senegal needs to win the game making this an intriguing game. Senegal will be looking to attack from the beginning, but this Ecuador defense has been very good only allowing 1 goal. With the total sitting at 2, this one is tricky while Senegal could open up themselves late going for a goal. I like the way this Ecuador team has been playing and I think they win/draw to advance.

Bet: Pass
Prediction: Ecuador 1 Senegal 1

Group B will also be wrapping up today so let’s take a look at the scenarios.

USA v Iran: The USA and Iran enter the last match with both having a chance to advance. Iran just needs to Win or draw, and they move on, while the USA will need to win the game. This makes for another intriguing matchup. Will Iran sit back and try to hold onto their lead or will both teams be looking to get an early goal? I think this game will be a lot tougher than people realize. Iran is not a bad team and will put up a fight. However, I think the USA will break through late with a go-ahead goal. My favorite bet here is both teams to score. If you do not have access to that I like the Over 2 goals here.

Bet: Both Teams to Score +100 or Over 2
Prediction: USA 2 Iran 1

 

Wales v England: Both of these teams are technically alive as well. England will just need a draw at the very least. They have a lot of scenarios involving the other match that can put them through regardless. Wales on the other hand need to win this game and have Iran tie the USA. In order to have a chance. This Wales team is not used to playing attacking soccer. They prefer to sit back and counter. The only problem is they need to win this game so will they break out of this and go for it? If they do, this England side will have plenty of opportunities to score on counter attacks and I think that is exactly what will happen. Wales will open up trying to go for a goal and get burned on the counter. I will take England here -1.

Bet: England -1
Prediction: England 2 Wales 0