Steve Davies
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4-time world champs Germany and the 2nd-ranked side in the world Belgium are on the brink of early exits from the World Cup on what is shaping up to be a thrilling Thursday in Qatar.
Germany has to win their Group E finale, Belgium probably has to win their last match in Group F, and we’ve got bets from both games as part of a 4-leg Thursday World Cup parlay which pays +1576 odds with FanDuel Sportsbook.
Make sure you check out all our World Cup soccer predictions and remember to gamble responsibly.
Spain ML (-260)
Germany ML & over 2.5 total goals (-279)
Croatia ML (+170)
Canada vs Morocco tie (+230)
4-leg parlay odds: +1576
Let’s check out the reasoning behind each of our selections.
Spain ML over Japan (-260) – 2:00 pm ET
Spain has looked as good as anyone at this year’s World Cup over the first two matches – yet still aren’t assured of qualifying. They dominated Costa Rica and won 7-0; they dominated Germany yet only tied 1-1.
The 1 thing we can be certain of is that they will dominate Japan, and that should lead to a solid victory that sees them win Group E. Japan was outclassed by the Germans but won 2-1 and bossed the Costa Ricans but lost 1-0, which makes them a little hard to predict.
Germany ML over Costa Rica & over 2.5 total goals (-279) – 2:00 pm ET
It’s hard to believe, after the mess they made of their opener against Spain, that Costa Rica is still in with a shot at the Last 16. But the fact is that if they win, they’re through. Even a draw coupled with a Spain win over Japan and the Ticos take 2nd place.
That’s the theory. The reality is that Germany is warming to their task, looked pretty well organized against the Spanish last time out and can win this well. They’ve unearthed a striker in Niklas Fullkrug who may well worry the Costa Rica back line to death, and if Germany can get their noses in front early, this could be another big scoreline.
Croatia ML over Belgium (+170) – 10:00 am ET
Two things we know after 2 rounds of Group F matches — Croatia’s midfield is arguably the best in the tournament; Belgium has been shocking. The first of those two statements might not seem such a shock – Modric, Brozovic and Kovacic are class and know each other’s games inside out.
But the Belgians look woeful with no spark coming from playmakers Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard. They got lucky against Canada, got what they deserved against Morocco and if they don’t make a stand now, they are going home. Take Croatia to get the victory.
Canada vs Morocco tie (+230) – 10:00 am ET
Canada has waited all these years to get back on soccer’s biggest stage and within a few, short days, the journey’s over. They’d love to sign off in style but against an obdurate Morocco side who are very much in the qualification hunt, that’s not going to be easy.
John Herdman’s men have gambled and it hasn’t paid off. They’ve been adventurous and fun to watch, but too easy to score against. So forget the fireworks, stay solid and if they can achieve that against limited opponents they can get a point on the board.
Make sure you check out the rest of our World Cup predictions
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