World Cup betting: July 12
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
Bankroll: $4,335
Wednesday: Lost $300
Today: Betting $360
Bet 1: $360 on Brazil-Netherlands (Over 3, minus-120)
Comment: The third-place match is a silly tradition in the World Cup, and neither team is thrilled to be playing today. Oddly enough, Brazil might be in a better mental place than Netherlands despite the 7-1 thrashing in the semifinals because the Dutch suffered an even more disappointing shootout loss. Both teams will be able to play free of pressure and expectation, and it should make for a wide-open match. Brazil should win, but I don’t have much interest in laying a half-goal in this one.
DAVID SCHOEN
Bankroll: $3,915
Wednesday: Lost $300
Today: Betting $500
Bet 1: $500 on Brazil (-½, plus-115) over Netherlands
Comment: I agree with Dutch coach Louis van Gaal that this game is useless. Both teams are gutted — for entirely different reasons — after missing out on the final, and the Oranje had one less day of recovery. Expect the Dutch to rest several players and the Brazilians to be motivated to put on a show for their fans who made this such a memorable World Cup.
