Wednesday's Best World Cup Bets
United States (-175) vs. Algeria (+275, 2.5)
The United States thought it had put together one of the most incredible comebacks in World Cup history when it scored in the 85th minute to make it 3-2 against Slovenia, after trailing 2-0 last Friday.
However, a bad offside call from the official negated the goal and left the USA with another draw after tying England 1-1 in the opening game of Group C competition. That play let the air out of the Americans and has them still shaking their heads going into Wednesday’s final group game.
"I'm a little gutted to be honest," star forward Landon Donovan told reporters. "I don't know how they stole that last goal from us."
Algeria, on the other hand, is picking up momentum after a surprising draw with England, finishing 0-0 Friday. The Desert Foxes have yet to score a goal in their first two World Cup matches and have leaned on defense and solid goaltending from Rais Bolhi.
With the United States still trying to get the taste of last Friday’s game out of its mouth, don’t be surprised if Algeria sneaks one past a distracted USA squad while limiting its opponent to a goal.
Pick: Draw +220
Ghana (+385) vs. Germany (-232, 2.5)
The pressure is mounting on the Germans, who followed their brilliant 4-0 win over Australia in the opener with a shocking 1-0 loss to Serbia in Group D Friday. A loss to Ghana would send Germany packing after being tagged among the favorites to win the 2010 World Cup.
If Germany is to avoid this massive upset, it will need to do so without star striker Miroslav Klose, who was suspended due to cards. In his place, German manager Joachim Loew will go with Brazilian-born Cacau.
"Right now I have a tendency that Cacau can play from the beginning but Gomez and Stefan Kiessling have also shown committment and could be there from the start," Loew told the media.
"I could change positions. The last training is very important. After a defeat you consider all the possibilities. Right now, I have a tendency toward Cacau."
With the lineup getting a facelift, the Germans must also watch out for yellow cards. They were booked five times against Serbia and could lose players for the knockout stage if they get careless Wednesday.
"I have, of course, after the game against Serbia, reminded my team what it means going into tackles, that a yellow or red card can happen," Loew said.
With the frontline in flux and the Germans playing passive, don’t expect another four-goal explosion. Germany will score early and protect the lead for most of the game.
Pick: Under 2.5