Friday’s Best World Cup Bets
Brazil (+130) vs. Portugal (+277, 2.5)
Portugal’s 7-0 trouncing of North Korea took away much of the anticipation involving this matchup. What was originally thought to be the deciding match in the Group of Death is now just a result that could determine who’ll finish first or second.
Making matters worse, Kaka – Brazil’s premier playmaker – will miss this one because of suspension while Portugal midfielder Deco is expected to miss his second straight match due to injury.
Kaka might not be the only Brazil starter watching Friday’s contest. The Selecao have already secured their place in the next round and may rest several players from their No. 1 lineup.
Brazil coach Dunga has a number of excellent options on his bench so the quality of play shouldn’t slip much at all for the World Cup faves. Both teams expect Spain to beat Chile and attain the top spot in Group H. That means the runner up in this match will likely face Spain in the next round, something neither side wants to do this early on.
“This final group game is important for us to finish first,” Kaka told the PA. “A draw would also be good but a win would give us the strength to go into the knockout round really motivated.”
Pick: Brazil
Switzerland (-197) at Honduras (+675, 2.5)
Honduras passes the eye-ball test for team most overmatched at this year’s World Cup. The Central American side haven’t bested in all phases in their matches and those that have watched their matches know the games haven’t been nearly as close as the scores indicate.
The Swiss prefer to counterattack and load up defensively but they’ll be tempted to push forward more against Honduras’ sloppy midfield play.
The Nati also know a win might not be enough to get them into the next round. They will be pushing to better their goal differential to edge them past Spain or Chile.
Pick: Over