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Dan Bilicki’s picks
Japan 2, Costa Rica 0
Don Brennan’s daily hit on the world of sports betting. Whether you’re new to sports gambling or an experienced wagerer, this newsletter offers trustworthy insights into the odds game. 19+. Please gamble responsibly.
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To be honest, this scoreline might flatter Los Ticos after that embarrassing opener. Japan is going to be a tricky side to play for any team going forward and know that it can almost certainly seal a spot in the knockout stage for the sixth straight World Cup with a win. Costa Rica is in desperate need of some youth in its ranks, similar to what Japan has gotten since Russia.
Belgium 2, Morocco 1
Will the Red Devils have their hands full with another unheralded opponent? Similar to Canada, Morocco boasts a hard-working team with a couple of stars that can make a difference. Belgium does have talent to take all three points here, but is going to have to work for it again.
Canada 1, Croatia 1
The only bad thing about Canada’s impressive performance against Belgium in its opening game is that now teams will better know what to expect. Croatia couldn’t get much going against Morocco, but can’t be counted out because of its experience. While we’d bet Canada nets its first-ever World Cup goal, asking for a win might be a bit much.
Spain 2, Germany 1
It really could be all over for the Germans, getting bounced in the group stage for the second straight World Cup. As talented and deep as the German squad is, La Furia Roja is probably better on both fronts. With all of the pressure on the Germans, we think they fall here and get sent home in the group stage for the second straight World Cup.
Paul Chapman’s picks
Japan 3, Costa Rica 0
Hard to read anything into Spain’s 7-0 shellacking of Costa Rica other than they’re one of the poorest teams in the tournament. Japan’s confidence will be sky high after deservedly beating the Germans and the Japanese team speed will torment Costa Rica. A Japanese victory will heap pressure on the Germans, this is one match that will have massive ripple effects that reach into the knockout round.
Belgium 2, Morocco 0
Perhaps I’m putting too much stock in reputation, but I honestly don’t believe Belgium will be as poor in this match as they were against Canada. It’s clear they need Romelu Lukaku back to lead the attack, but they’ll need a much improved game from Kevin De Bruyne who made some inexplicably poor decisions when leading Belgium’s counterattack in their opening game. One thing is clear for Belgium though, it’s going to take some astonishing finishing, or a healthy dollop of luck, to get past the brick wall that is Thibault Courtois in goal.
Canada 2, Croatia 1
Freely admit that my opinion on Canada’s hopes shifted drastically in their valiant loss to Belgium. They simply have to be better at finishing, they had more than enough chances to finish the game but in the end couldn’t finish their dinner. But their team speed rocked Belgium, and if there’s a question mark for Croatia, it’s age and speed. It’s an area Canada can exploit and think they will. They seriously need to make much more out of their opportunities, especially off corners which were dreadfully poor against Belgium.
Spain 1, Germany 1
What a match this is after Germany dropped their opener. They’ll likely finish the group with a thumping of Costa Rica, but will it matter, they just have to get a result of some sort in this match to keep their hopes alive. It’s tough to judge Spain because Costa Rica were so poor, but they have to be thrilled with the play of Gavi and Pedri, the Barcelona kids who looked like they were fully up to the occasion.
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Bilicki and Chapman's picks for Nov. 26
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FIFA World Cup power rankings
