2022 World Cup Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (12/5)
How about that group stage!? Upsets all over the place, but most of the world’s power soccer nations made it on. We have two fascinating matchups here, with two overlooked Asian countries trying to make a statement over some of the most respected nations in the soccer world.
Japan vs. Croatia (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah; 6 p.m.)
How many of you had Japan winning Group E, over the likes of Spain and Germany. (You can be honest, I know I did not have this happening.) The Japanese shocked the world as +650 underdogs to take down World Cup giant Germany 2-1, after falling down 1-0 no less. They again shocked everyone by losing as -220 favorites to Costa Rica, and then defeated Spain, who advanced with them. This was one of the most hectic groups, but the Japanese were the only side to secure two victories. Now they take on a Croatian side that played two scoreless draws and stomped Canada 4-1, also after falling behind. Japan is an incredible story, but I think the books have it right having the Croatians favored to win the match. Give me Croatia +110 to win the match. They have shown incredible poise defensively in the biggest moments, and I think that Japan will struggle to find attacking options the whole match. Look for Hoffenheim’s Andrej Kramarić to get back on the score sheet, having scored twice in the match vs. Canada.
Brazil vs. South Korea (Stadium 974, Doha; 10 p.m.)
Brazil is coming off of a terrible defeat to a Cameroonian side that was on the way out, but sometimes those teams are the most dangerous. The South Korean team scored in stoppage time to take down a clearly unmotivated and uninterested Portuguese side who were already through to the next round. They had to earn it, don’t get me wrong, but don’t expect Brazil to be sleeping in this match. Brazil has beaten South Korea in all three head-to-head matches over the last decade, with the last one being a 5-1 win this past June. Look for them to be extremely confident heading into this one, and get on them early. Brazil 1st Half ML -150 is the strongest play here in my opinion. If there was to be a miracle, it would not come in the first half, as they have conceded three goals already in the first half alone. Give me a motivated and focused Brazilian squad to come out strong and then hold (or add to) the lead to the end of the match.
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