How have you done so far with your World Cup betting? The online and Las Vegas sportsbooks are more than happy with all the upsets seen in the first round. But trying to pick a Cinderella story is hardly a winning strategy, especially at this point in the group stage.
Wednesday’s matches in the World Cup feature one game from Group A, and two from Group B. Uruguay faces Saudi Arabia, who just got blasted by Russia, 5-0 in the opening game.
Portugal is playing Morocco in the first Group B match. Morocco was favored against Iran in their opening match, but was upset, 1-0. They are the underdog against Portugal, who fought to a victorious-feeling draw against Spain, behind three goals by Cristiano Ronaldo.
The other Group B game features Spain and Iran. Spain again is a heavy favorite at -650, while Iran is a +2100. We can’t recommend putting your money on Iran to do what Mexico did to Germany or even what Portugal did to Spain. But OG has identified five World Cup bets that could make for a nice payday:
1. Portugal +500 to score in first 10 minutes
Portugal scored three goals on a Spain team that is much better than Morocco can ever hope to be. This is basically an elimination game for Morocco, and they may try and be a looser offensive squad, since they were shut out against Iran, a team they should have beat.
Expect Portugal to score several times against an inferior Morocco team is this battle of neighboring nations, and the first of many goals should come within the first 10 minutes of play. In their match against Spain, Ronaldo scored at the four-minute mark.
2. Ronaldo +125 to score first
Ronaldo is arguably the hottest player in the World Cup right now, and carried Portugal on his back with his three goals in their tie with Spain. The current leader of the Golden Boot for most goals scored, should add to his tally. He’s at +125 to score first against Morocco on Wednesday, and as the focal point of Portugal’s offense that is expected to have little trouble slicing through a weaker team, it’s a safe bet that Ronaldo will get the goal-fest started.
3. Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia over 4.5 goals
This game should likewise be filled with goals, much like the 5-0 drubbing that Russia gave Saudi Arabia in the opening match, and at 7/2 odds, betting the over for goals at 4.5 is a good bet. The Russian team is not nearly as strong as Uruguay offensively. Uruguay won 1-0 over Egypt in their first game and should have a much easier time against Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia looked absolutely lost against Russia, and must try and put out of their minds a scare they experienced on their flight Monday, when their plane caught fire midair, sparking a frightful emergency before landing safely.
4. Uruguay Scoring 4 or More Goals
If you believe the over will hit, than putting a bet on Uruguay to score four or more goals in the match also makes sense, particularly at 13/5.
Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani were scoreless in their first match, but that won’t be the case against Saudi Arabia. They will use their speed to break through the defense and should have several scoring opportunities. Jose Maria Gimenez, who scored the lone goal against Egypt, should also contribute as well.
5. Iran +190 over 0.5 goals
Spain was rusty in their first game, and Iran is brimming with confidence. That doesn’t mean Iran can win, but it’s not beyond possibility that they score. Their goals tend to come late in matches, and if Spain has a comfortable lead, Iran might be able to sneak a goal in late in the game. For a chance to almost double your money, it’s a good value bet.
