World Cup viewers on December 2nd are advised not to blink out of fear they might miss another stunning result. If Matchday 13 is anything like the last several days of action then we are surely in for another wild ride. The conclusion of group stage play will see all eight teams in Group G and Group H fighting for their place in the Knockout Round. For Portugal and Brazil they are at worst already qualified but by no means are things done and dusted. Hopefully you’ve been cashing those underdog tickets to build yourself a little extra holiday fund or pad the old bankroll. So let’s dive in and take a closer look at what’s on the docket in Qatar tomorrow.
World Cup Betting Preview Matchday 13: Friday, December 2nd
Korea Republic vs. Portugal (+525 Korea Republic ML) (-175 Portugal ML) (+315 Draw):
Korea Republic (0-1-1)
Portugal (2-0-0)
Kickoff: 10AM EST
Channel: Fox
The Korean’s are no stranger to facing a juggernaut and needing a result in their third match of group play. In fact, four years ago in Russia they found themselves against Germany and in a similar scenario for their third match. In Qatar, Korea will be eliminated with a draw or loss. If they can find a way through the Portuguese then it will take tiebreakers and a favorable result in Ghana vs. Uruguay to secure a spot in the Knockout Round. For Portugal, they win Group H with a win or a draw. They could also take top honors in the group with a loss and if Uruguay beat Ghana. Ultimately I think this match plays out in a similar way to how France approached Tunisia a couple of days ago. The Koreans will give everything they have, unfortunately it won’t be enough. Play: Both Teams to Score (-115)
Ghana vs. Uruguay (+400 Ghana ML) (-130 Uruguay) (+260 Draw):
Ghana (1-0-1)
Uruguay (0-1-1)
Kickoff: 10AM EST
Channel: FS1
For as poorly as they have played, Uruguay is not out of it just yet. One thing is for sure, a draw or a loss and they are on a plane home. The only way through to the Knockout Round is a win and a Portugal win or draw against Korea. Tiebreakers would come into play if they were to win and Korea beat Portugal. On the Ghanaian side, a win means they’re in and a loss means they’re eliminated. If the match ends in a draw, Ghana could still qualify if Portugal win or draw against Korea. It would take tiebreakers if Korea were to beat Portugal. I stand firm in my belief that Uruguay have been a disappointment at Qatar. Meanwhile, Ghana have shown great passion and tenacity. The African nations seem to find a way and I think Ghana will here. Play: Ghana Tie No Bet (+265)
Serbia vs. Switzerland (+160 Serbia ML) (+175 Switzerland ML) (+240 Draw):
Serbia (0-1-1)
Switzerland (1-0-1)
Kickoff: 2PM EST
Channel: FS1
Serbia have been rather uninspiring and only have one point to their name in Group G. Therefore, if they were to draw or lose this match then it would spell their elimination. The Serbians would advance to the Knockout Round with a win and a Brazil win or draw against Cameroon. The tiebreakers come into play if they can win and if Cameroon beat Brazil. Meanwhile, if the Swiss can win then they are through but a loss would see them exit. The Swiss could still find a place in the Knockout Round with a draw and a Brazil win or draw against Cameroon. Tiebreakers will come into play if they were to draw and Cameroon beat Brazil. I expect a pretty pragmatic game from both sides but give the Swiss just a slight advantage. Play: Switzerland ML (+175)
Cameroon vs. Brazil (+700 Cameroon ML) (-450 Brazil ML) (+550 Draw):
Cameroon (0-1-1)
Brazil (2-0-0)
Kickoff: 2PM EST
Channel: Fox
For my money, Brazil have looked like the side in Qatar most ready to hoist the World Cup. They have scored three goals and have yet to concede one. A Brazilian win or draw in this match means they claim the top spot in Group G. A Brazilian loss by fewer than 3 goals and they would still top the group if the Swiss lose or draw. Meanwhile, if the Cameroonians draw or lose they are officially eliminated. It’s a tall order but if Cameroon do beat Brazil they would sneak into the Knockout Round if Switzerland win or draw against Serbia. Cameroon would require tiebreakers if they beat Brazil and Serbia beat Switzerland. The difference in technical skill and quality on the ball largely favors Brazil. Even if Cameroon will go for it but even if they do score I don’t see them keeping a clean sheet. Play: O2.5 (-135)
