The 2022 World Cup is already proving something of a surprise-laden tournament, with the big guns being shot down by supposedly inferior opposition with alarming regularity. First, we had Argentina suffering a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia, having been a goal ahead, and now lightning has well and truly struck twice.
Japan Show Great Character In Impressive Win
Those among us who like a bit of a flutter will have perhaps been tempted to back Japan in their opening World Cup clash against a Germany side that no one seems to be backing, but even then, the World Cup betting odds on such an outcome suggested a win for Hajime Moriyasu’s side were long and as for the possibility of them turning the game on its head, recovering from a half-time deficit, would have earned any brave punter a massive payout.
Ilkay Gundogan put Hansi Flick’s side ahead, and youngster Jamal Musiala was causing the Japanese defence all sorts of trouble and keeper Shuichi Gonda pulled off a few smart stops, and what happened in the second half was certainly not on the cards.
However, Japan bravely fought back, and arguably Germany were complacent when first sub Ritus Doan levelled the match before former Arsenal man Takuma Asano won it in the 83rd minute.
The win may well act as a wake-up call for Germany, but they may now have to get something from their clash with Spain to progress to the Round of 16.
Spain Slaughter Costa Rica
Luis Enrique’s Spanish side arrived in Qatar without much of a fanfare and with not many pundits or fans expecting all that much from a side that hasn’t made much of an impact in the tournament since their 2010 triumph in South Africa.
However, within half an hour of their encounter with Costa Rica, any concerns about Spain’s effectiveness, especially in the final third, were vanquished. Goals from Dani Olmo, Marco Asensio, and Ferran Torres put Spain in a commanding position.
The second half provided more of the same and saw impressive Barcelona teen Gavi impress greatly, not least with his fine finish for Spain’s fifth, and there was even time for sub Alvaro Morata to register a goal himself as Spain ran out 7-0 victors over a Costa Rican side that looked shell-shocked by the time the final whistle blew.
If you now wish to back Spain to win the World Cup, though their odds have dropped, the 13/2 from BoyleSports is worth considering.
Brazil Make World Cup Bow
Every football betting site in the world has Brazil down as the favourites for the World Cup, and considering how some of the leading sides have started the tournament, Germany and Argentina both being humbled, one can well see why there is a lot of interest in Tite’s side when it comes to the World Cup betting.
Brazil will get a chance to show just how prepared they are for the fight as they open their account against Serbia in Lusail. It will be interesting to see who Tite selects in the attacking third, and this may well shape betting plans, especially for Premier League fans.
Tottenham and Arsenal fans will be hoping that Richarlison, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli will feature in Brazil’s front line for their opener, but in reality, they may all miss out, and that’s why a treble from Grosvenor Sports on Brazil to win and to score more than 3.5 goals, and Neymar to net first is worth a bet at 16/1.
It appears most likely that their front three will involve Neymar partnering with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Barcelona wide-man Raphina, so be mindful of this if you are planning on betting on one of your club’s top international stars.
Cristiano Ronaldo Starts Likely Final World Cup Campaign
He’s in the news a great deal, when isn’t he? But right now, it’s for the wrong reasons. The legendary forward has been released by Man United and is now looking for a new club, and there will be no shortage of suitors.
This is likely the 37-year-old’s final World Cup, and he gets into action against Ghana today, and we expect the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to let his feet do the talking. With this in mind, we are loving the 7/1 price boost from BoyleSports on Cristiano Ronaldo scoring two or more goals.
Elsewhere we expect Switzerland to edge out Cameroon in a game that we feel will yield just one single goal and Uruguay take on South Korea, which we believe will end in a high-scoring draw.
