R-J’S Hill, Schoen wager fantasy bankrolls on World Cup

Las Vegas Review-Journal sports writers Adam Hill and David Schoen have been given $5,000 fantasy bankrolls to bet during the World Cup on either sides, totals or props. Below are their bets for today, with an explanation of their picks:

ADAM HILL, REVIEW-JOURNAL

Bankroll: $5,000 Tuesday: Lost $0

Today: Betting $670

Bet 1: $370 on Mexico Under 3½ goals in group play (-185)

Comment: The value in the price has been lost, as Mexico’s offense looked disorganized and unimaginative through much of their three exhibitions. This is still worth a play, however, as asking El Tri to score more than one goal per game seems a tall task.

Bet 2: $300 on Will Croatia advance from Group A? (Yes, +110)

Comment: See the reasons above. Brazil will win Group A easily. Cameroon has a chance but is a bit of a long shot. That leaves a likely battle between Croatia and Mexico as the second team to advance from the group. Mexico is a bit of a mess right now. Croatia has produced a series of frustrating results, but a talented midfield should carry it through.

DAVID SCHOEN, REVIEW-JOURNAL

Bankroll: $5,000 Tuesday: Lost $0

Today: Betting $490

Bet 1: $290 on Argentina Over 6½ goals in group play (-145)

Comment: With Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain, La Albiceleste feature the most dangerous attacking unit in the entire tournament. Argentina’s toughest test in the group will come against a Bosnia-Herzegovina side that is vulnerable to counterattacks.

Bet 2: $200 on Will the Netherlands advance from Group B? (No, +130)

Comment: The Oranje face a tough opener against Spain in a rematch of the 2010 final, and their fate likely will be decided in the final group match against Chile. The Dutch are in transition, and this could be the country’s weakest national team since the mid-1980s.