World Cup betting: Going under with Greece

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: $4,850

Wednesday: Lost $120

Today: Betting $610

Bet 1: $210 on Greece-Japan Under 2½ goals (minus-140)

Comment: The conservative, defense-first approach is a trademark of this Greece side, but it was taken to a new level in the opener against Colombia. Greece didn’t even play well defensively in that one, though. Look for it to double down the efforts on the back end. Japan is more of a pressure side. That style didn’t show up in the opener, though. Neither team did much threatening of the goal, and that could continue.

Bet 2: $200 on Colombia (-½, plus-115)

Comment: James Rodriguez was brilliant for Colombia in the opener, helping his team overcome injuries to two key attacking players. His creativity was a big part of a 3-0 win, and he should play another big role today against Ivory Coast. It’s also a good idea to keep betting South American teams.

Bet 3: $200 on Colombia-Ivory Coast Over 2½ goals (plus-105)

Comment: Colombia’s attack looked strong in the opener, and it should be able to score against Ivory Coast. Colombia also has a huge question mark in the center of the back line, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if both teams are able to find the net and it becomes a shootout.

DAVID SCHOEN, REVIEW-JOURNAL

Bankroll: $4,915

Wednesday: Won $90

Today: Betting $240

Bet 1: $140 on Greece-Japan Under 2½ goals (minus-140)

Comment: The most interesting thing about either of these teams is the Japanese fans who cleaned up their end of the stadium after the loss to Ivory Coast on Saturday. Greece was anemic going forward in its opener, and this match figures to be much of the same.

Bet 2: $100 on England (-½, plus-115) over Uruguay

Comment: This is a must win for both teams, but England appears to be in better form at this point. Star forward Luis Suarez isn’t close to 100 percent fit for Uruguay, and the South Americans will be without Diego Lugano (knee), the team’s captain and defensive stalwart.