World Cup betting: No fireworks expected in Cameroon-Croatia match
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: $4,970
Tuesday: Lost $180
Today: Betting $120
Bet 1: $120 on Cameroon-Croatia Under 2½ goals (minus-120)
Comment: Neither team did much to generate any attack in their World Cup openers. Croatia’s goal against Brazil came on a fluky misplay by a defender in the box. Cameroon might have been even more inept offensively against Mexico. Quality chances will be difficult to come by in this one. Croatia also is a good bet to win, but the price has gotten a bit too steep in a must-win match.
DAVID SCHOEN, REVIEW-JOURNAL
Bankroll: $4,825
Tuesday: Won $0
Today: Betting $210
Bet 1: $150 on Chile (+1, Even) over Spain
Comment: This is familiar territory for Spain, which lost its first match in 2010 before winning the World Cup, and it’s easy to overreact after the 5-1 thrashing at the hands of the Netherlands. But something about this Spanish side seems off. Manager Vicente del Bosque is expected to make several lineup changes against the South Americans, as Spain hopes to avoid becoming the third defending champion in the past four World Cups to crash out in the group stage.
Bet 2: $60 on Cameroon-Croatia Under 2½ goals (minus-120)
Comment: Nothing suggests this match in the jungle heat of Manaus will be full of goals like so many others in this tournament have been. Samuel Eto’o (knee) is not expected to play for Cameroon, and the Croatians haven’t been in good form offensively.
