Tuesday's Best World Cup Bets
Paraguay (-107) vs. Japan (+231, 2.5)
These two nations are treading in unfamiliar waters Tuesday when they face each other for a shot at the Round of 8.
Paraguay and Japan have never advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals. The team that does move on will likely be the one that breaks out of its conservative mold. The teams have combined for only 66 shot attempts in their six games, totaling seven goals through group play.
"We are now playing with a really positive attitude. In terms of tactics, we have changed a bit too, so the team are going in the right direction,” Japanese midfielder Yasuhito Endo told reporters.
"We have put in a great deal of effort in training, so we are able to move forward very strongly when the ball is passed. Set-pieces are also an important weapon for us.”
Paraguay is aware of their opponent’s tactics but will be beefed up in the backfield with the return of defenders Antolin Alcaraz and Jonathan Santana. They allowed just one goal in their Group F matchups, in a 1-1 draw with Italy in the opener. Japan has given up only two goals during Group E play.
Pick: Under 2.5
Portugal (+266) vs. Spain (-114, 2.5)
These European neighbors have no love lost between them, especially when it comes to advancing to the final eight of the 2010 World Cup.
Spain has edged Portugal in the overall series, taking 15 wins to Portugal’s five in their 32 all-time international meetings. But while Spain is one of the favorites to hoist the golden trophy in South Africa, it has yet to play like a World Cup champion.
The Spaniards slept through group play, losing 1-0 to the Swiss and taking close wins over Honduras and Chile. Some of the blame has fallen on injuries, most notably to star striker Fernando Torres, who has not yet scored in the World Cup while still recovering following knee surgery.
"The most important thing is that he's played three games and he's better," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque told reporters. "Though he hasn't brought goals, he's a player who has helped us because he draws the defense, as he's such a threat to our opponents. With space, he's always a dangerous player."
Bettors should expect another tightly-contested match with neither side wanting to make a fatal mistake. Twelve of the teams’ 32 meetings have played to a draw, and Tuesday’s game should be similar with the match going into extra time and eventually a shootout.
Pick: Draw/Shootout +184