Saturday’s Best World Cup Bets

Saturday’s Best World Cup Bets

United States (+172) vs. Ghana (+197, 2)

The U.S. and Ghana don’t have much time to celebrate their advancement into the knockout stage. The two sides meet each other just two days after finishing up their last group play match.

In a situation like this, bettors need to look closely at team stamina. Which team shows the most energy late in their matches?

It’s got to be the Stars and Stripes. Bob Bradley’s boys have outplayed and outscored their opponents in the second half of their World Cup matches this year.

U.S. fitness coach Pierre Barrieu deserves much of the credit for the Americans’ high energy level in South Africa's high altitudes.

“A lot of the work was done prior to the tournament,” Barrieu told ESPN.com.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars will have the support of the African crowd but they’ve failed to impress much in any of their three matches. Worse still, one of the nation’s best players, midfielder Sulley Muntari, hasn’t seen much playing time in South Africa because he and Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac don’t get along.

Pick: U.S.

Uruguay (-104) vs. South Korea (+380, 2)

In one match, we go by stamina as the deciding factor and in another we dismiss it. South Korea always has one of the highest work rates of any national football team but that won’t be enough against Uruguay.

The Celeste have yet to surrender a goal at the World Cup and their offensive attack is a perfect fit for star striker Diego Forlan. Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez switched from a two- to three-forward lineup following his team’s 0-0 draw against France and the adjustment has been nothing short of brilliant.

The South American team has outscored opponents 4-0 since the match against France and is only looking more comfortable as the tournament progresses. The Celeste had to play over 20 matches to qualify for the World Cup and they beat Israel and Switzerland in friendlies back in March.

Pick: Uruguay