Wednesday's Best World Cup Bets
Spain (-555) vs. Switzerland (+950, 2.5)
The Swiss may be bringing a spoon to a gun fight when they face the powerful Spaniards in the opening of group play Wednesday.
Switzerland is without captain and star striker Alexander Frei as well as midfielder Valon Behrami, who are both out due to injury. Both players are expected to undergo more treatment this week, in hopes of being ready to play against Group H opponent Chile next Monday.
"The target is to have him fit for the second match against Chile. It is imperative that he trains intensively, and that he is 100 percent fit,” said manager Ottmar Hitzfeld.
"I didn't call on Valon Behrami so that he could carry on having treatment up to the Chile match."
Frei is responsible for 40 international goals – a Swiss record – and will leave a big hole in the team’s attack. Bettors can expect a passive Swiss squad, hoping not to lose anyone else before its final two group games.
Pick: Under 2.5
South Africa (+161) vs. Uruguay (+125, 2.5)
The tournament host has its sights set on the knockout round after a surprising 1-1 draw with Mexico in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup. That draw proved to South Africa and its players that the country can compete with the best in the world.
"The most important thing was to get confidence and I have a feeling that out of that result we got that confidence. The good thing is we can build on that performance,” Siphiwe Tshabalala told reporters.
Uruguay is without top midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro, who was carded twice in the team’s 0-0 draw with France and will be forced to sit out Wednesday’s match.
With Uruguay’s attack struggling to produce and the home side getting an edge when it comes to the officials, expect the South Africans to sneak out a tight 1-0 victory.
Pick: South Africa +161