MLB Best Bets – Free (Wednesday 5/15)
Josh Gross
So far, the 2022 World Cup has not disappointed if you are a neutral viewer. There have been some big-time upsets including Saudi Arabia taking down Argentina and Japan besting Germany on Wednesday.
The games continue to come fast, and we have another full four-game slate Thursday that I will be breaking down for you in game-by-game betting fashion below.
Game 1 Switzerland vs. Cameroon
Group G kicks off play Thursday early morning with Switzerland taking on Cameroon. The Swiss are +500 to win the group and -120 to advance out of the group on FanDuel. They will likely battle with Serbia for second place in the group behind the favorite Brazil. They will be eager to start their World Cup campaign off on the right foot against Cameroon, who have the longest odds to get out of the group at +380 on FanDuel.
Switzerland played very well in qualifying, finishing atop their group. They don’t really rely on superstars or individual talent, but they do play well together to get positive results. They are tidy on defense, but they lack attacking power. They will need strong performances from their attackers to take care of Cameroon in this game.
I don’t think Cameroon matches up well stylistically with Switzerland. Their defense is a weakness, which will benefit Switzerland. They have good midfielders who can supply their star player Vincent Aboubakar up top. Cameroon have not been in very good form at all under new coach Rigobert Song and could struggle in this group.
Switzerland vs. Cameroon Bets
- Switzerland ML, under 3.5 goals, under 12.5 corners parlay, (+146, FanDuel)
Game 2 Uruguay vs. South Korea
Group H will also get rolling Thursday morning. Lots of people, including myself, think Uruguay are primed to make a deep run in this tournament as a dark horse. Future bets on Uruguay to win the group (+200) and to advance to the quarterfinals (also +200) were popular pre-tournament wagers. Uruguay have a strong mix of experience and proven players and youth. They have a lot of capable attackers, a solid midfielder and a strong back line. They are going to be a difficult team to beat at any stage of the tournament.
Uruguay will take on an aggressive yet disciplined South Korean team. The Koreans are going to play direct and get men up the field as they look to send their star player Son Heung-min past their opponent’s defense. If they fail to hold possession in the attack, they could get caught shorthanded defensively, which will play into what Uruguay wants to do.
Uruguay vs. South Korea Bets
- Uruguay ML, (-140, FanDuel)
Game 3 Portugal vs. Ghana
This game is difficult to diagnose. Portugal are talented and have shown up in recent international tournaments. However, it is impossible to ignore the drama surrounding this team regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s situation at Manchester United and how that is affecting everyone in camp. Still, they are the favorites to win the group at -170 and are also -700 to advance on FanDuel. They are also heavily favored in this game against Ghana at -280.
Ghana got drawn into a difficult group and have +250 odds to advance to the knockout stages. Their defense is lacking a little bit, which is worrisome against a strong attacking team in Portugal. They have the midfield and attacking talent to challenge Portugal, but they will need to convert any opportunities they get.
Portugal vs. Ghana Bets
- Under 2.5 goals, (-116, FanDuel)
Game 4 Brazil vs. Serbia
Brazil are the favorites to win the whole tournament, so the schedulers did not do Serbia any favors by having them match up first. Brazil has incredible talent up and down the field – including their bench. Their goal is to dominate all facets of the game. If they had a weakness it would be their defense, which a strong Serbian attack can take advantage of in this game.
Serbia will need a strong defensive effort and an efficient attacking game to grab a positive result here as +600 underdogs. With both teams having attack as their strength, there could be lots of action in this game.
Brazil vs. Serbia Bets
- Over 2.5 goals, (-136 FanDuel)
