World Cup Betting, June 29

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: $5,660

Saturday: Won $300

Today: Betting $540

Bet 1: $300 on Netherlands (-½, plus-110) over Mexico

Comment: Apparently, I haven’t learned my lesson on Mexico. Miguel Herrera has done wonders coaching this team, but the fact remains it’s still not very good. Still, going against it keeps costing me money. This time, Mexico might be up against too much with Arjen Robben playing well and Robin van Persie returning from a one-match ban.

Bet 2: $100 on Netherlands-Mexico (Over 2½, plus-120)

Comment: The biggest key to Mexico’s success in this tournament has been the aggressive style Herrera preaches. Don’t expect anything to change now that the knockout stage has begun. That should open up plenty of space for the lethal Dutch attack.

Bet 3: $140 on Costa Rica (Pick, minus-140)

Comment: Expect Costa Rica to be the far more aggressive side in this matchup of teams few expected to reach this point. Greece is known for its commitment to defense and probably will double-down on that strategy with so much on the line. Teams from the Americas also have shown to have an edge on European sides.

DAVID SCHOEN, REVIEW-JOURNAL

Bankroll: $3,915

Saturday: Won $400

Today: Betting $335

Bet 1: $200 on Netherlands (-½, plus-110) over Mexico

Comment: Many, myself included, claimed this was the worst Dutch team since the mid-1980s. Obviously, we were wrong, as Louis Van Gaal’s switch to a counterattacking 5-3-2 formation hid their defensive deficiencies and perfectly suits Arjen Robben. The Oranje still haven’t played the “Total Football” style they’re famous for — they committed more fouls in the group stage than any other team — but they should have enough to slip by.

Bet 2: $135 on Costa Rica-Greece (Under 2, minus-135)

Comment: Both teams prefer to sit deep and defend. If there isn’t an early goal, this could turn into a boring midfield battle, as neither side will be adventurous with a berth in the quarterfinals at stake.