Sunday's Best World Cup Wagers
Serbia (+127) vs. Ghana (+265)
It’s a tale of two different teams for Serbia backers. The newly-formed country finished atop their group in qualifying, but haven’t been nearly as impressive in their World Cup warmup matches.
Serbia lost to New Zealand, barely managed a draw against Poland and surrendered three goals against Cameroon.
"We have been working hard to pick up our fitness, and eliminate these mistakes so we can achieve some good form in the tournament,” central defender Nemanja Vidic told reporters. “It's much better for us to lose in the friendlies than in the World Cup."
Ghana was believed by many to be the host continent’s best shot to advance into the knockout round. But a tough group draw and the absence of injured star player Michael Essien have the odds stacked against the team.
The Black Stars received some good news when they learned Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari is fit and will be on the pitch for Sunday’s match.
Neither side boasts a world-class striker and should take a cautious approach in their first match of the tournament.
Pick: Under 2 (+100)
Germany (-197) vs. Australia (+667)
Germany is synonymous with international power at soccer tournaments and for good reason. Western Europe’s most populous country excels on the biggest stage no matter the situation, player turnover or location.
Still, some close to the German side doubt a strong performance this time around because of player injuries.
The 1990 World Cup champions lost team captain Michael Ballack, No. 1 keeper Rene Adler and central defender Heiko Westermann.
“Without Michael Ballack it will be difficult,” Franz Beckenbauer, who won a World Cup as a player and manager with West Germany, told a Berlin newspaper. “Our team is weakened. We’ll have to work hard just to reach the semifinals.”
The semifinals are one thing, but besting the weakest team in Group D is another. And Germany coach Joachim Low doesn’t sound like the type to ease up on the Socceroos.
“We want to be able to embarrass opponents with our playing skills,” Low told ESPN Soccernet.
If you need more convincing that the Germans are a lock, consider the following: The Germans are 9-0-3 in the group play in their last three World Cups and outscored their opponents 30-8 in those 12 matches.
Pick: Germany -1 (-115)