Liam Flin
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Brazil and Serbia are the final nations to begin their 2022 World Cup campaigns as they meet at the Lusail Stadium in Group G on Thursday (2:00pm ET, FOX, Peacock, Telemundo).
For many, Brazil is the team to beat this year with a sensational offensive line, a capable defense and midfield and 2 top goalkeepers in their roster. But the opening game against Serbia is unlikely to be straightforward and it could be a gripping contest.
But now, here is the parlay we have prepared for this matchup, which pays at +850 odds at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Be sure to check out the rest of our World Cup soccer predictions and remember to gamble responsibly.
But now, here is the parlay we have prepared for this matchup.
Both teams to score – Yes (-120)
Vinicius Junior anytime goalscorer (+120)
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to receive a card (+225)
Same Game Parlay odds: +750
Let’s check out the reasoning behind each of our selections:
Both teams to score – Yes (-120)
With Neymar and Gabriel Jesus to call upon in the final third of the field, Brazil’s offensive riches are no secret but its first opponent, Serbia, is also dangerous on offense. Dusan Vlahovic is one to watch with 6 goals for Juventus in Italy’s Serie A this season, while Aleksandar Mitrovic has been one of the top strikers in the English Premier League, scoring 9 times in 12 games for Fulham.
Both should cause the favorites problems and it is worth noting that Serbia averaged more than 2 goals per game in its recent Nations League campaign, having finished top of Group B4 in Europe. Brazil is a super team but by no means impenetrable and both teams to score looks a decent pick to start our Same Game Parlay.
Don’t miss our Thursday World Cup mega parlay
Vinicius Junior anytime goalscorer (+120)
All eyes will be on Neymar in this Brazil team but his offensive teammate Vinicius Junior should not be overlooked. Vinicius has evolved into one of the hottest young talents in world soccer in the last few seasons and is a regular starter for European champion Real Madrid, having scored 6 times in Spain’s La Liga this season. Neymar is likely to be the player who takes Brazil#s pe on penalties, but Vinicius can cause problems with his darting runs on the left and looks a good bet to score at any time in this game.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to receive a card (+225)
Able to play in the center of midfield or in a wide role, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is arguably the most naturally talented player in the Serbia lineup and offers a lot to their offensive game. But he also helps out with the team’s defense and is known to have a fiery temperament.
In 14 games for his club Lazio this season, he has picked up 6 yellow cards and he was also cautioned when playing for Serbia against Sweden in the Nations League in September. This is going to be a tough and tense game for Serbia and if things start to boil over, Milinkovic-Savic is likely to be involved, so he looks a good bet to receive a card.
Make sure you check out the rest of our World Cup predictions
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