Tuesday’s Best World Cup Picks
By ASHTON GREWAL
Mexico vs. Uruguay
Odds: Mexico (+283), Uruguay (+345), Draw (-119); Over/under (1.5)
FIFA released a statement in the first week of the tournament that it would be monitoring sketchy results from the final games in group play. They’re worried about the possibility of match fixing in games where one or both sides’ tournament destiny was already determined.
That’s not quite the case in this contest, but it might as well be. Mexico and Uruguay face the same situation – a win or a draw ensures their place in the next round. All they have to do is not lose. Think both squads will play a little conservatively?
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre doesn’t think so.
"Tomorrow we're going to try and win,'' he told reporters. “We can be first, second, third or even fourth in the group. The law of the Mexican side is to win.
"If as a consequence of what happens on the pitch there's a draw or a defeat and we both qualify with no major goal differences, then we'll both be happy. But I can guarantee that the Mexican side is going to go out there to try and win.”
Pardon our skepticism on Aguirre’s words. It’s much easier to be brave with your words rather than with your actions, especially if your actions cost you your job.
Pick: Draw
France vs. South Africa
Odds: France (+138), South Africa (+226), Draw (+238); Over/under (2.5)
Motivation is the major talking point in this contest. Both sides have little chance of advancing but South Africa desperately want to impress their fans with a win while the French just want to get on a plane home.
Les Bleus were a mess heading into the tournament and things have only gotten worse since they arrived. In the last seven days French fans have seen their team lose to Mexico, kick starting striker Nikolas Anelka off the team and finally the players refuse to practice.
Things got so bad even the team trainer resigned.
The separation in talent between these two squads disappears in this match. South Africa want it more and France will oblige.
Pick: South Africa
Greece vs. Argentina
Odds: Argentina (-157), Greece (+550), Draw (+291); Over/under (2.5)
Argentina clinically broke down South Korea’s defense during the 4-1 win and they’re looking for a repeat performance against Greece. La Albiceleste are through to the knockout stage but coach Diego Maradona isn't thinking about letting off the gas pedal.
He told reporters that Lionel Messi would not rest against Greece.
"Lionel Messi always wants to play and I thought I should give him a break (in training), but if you have a player as good as Leo, who is the best player in the world, I think it would be a sin not to give Messi to the people, to the team, and leave out the player who can certainly make the difference in a match," Maradona said.
And over bettors shouldn’t be concerned even if the coach elects to rest his other starting attackers. Argentina’s bench has better finishing touch than almost every other team’s starters at the World Cup. A forward trio of Diego Milito, Sergio Aguero and Messi will wreak havoc on Geece.
Pick: Over