World Cup betting: Don’t bite on Uruguay
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: $5,360
Thursday: Won $100
Today: Betting $315
Bet 1: $315 on Colombia (-½, minus-105) over Uruguay
Comment: He doesn’t grab all the headlines, but Colombia’s James Rodriguez has been perhaps the most impactful player in this tournament. At just 22, he’s well on his way to becoming one of the elite players in the world. Plus, he won’t have to worry about getting bitten with Luis Suarez suspended.
DAVID SCHOEN, REVIEW-JOURNAL
Bankroll: $3,515
Thursday: Lost $550
Today: Betting $450
Bet 1: $240 on Brazil-Chile both teams to score (Yes, minus-120)
Comment: Clearly, I had no grasp on the unpredictable group stage, as my dwindling bankroll shows. But after watching all three of Brazil’s matches, I came away unimpressed by the Selecao’s defense. Chile scored five goals in its first two matches before being blanked by the Netherlands. And we all know Neymar and Co. can put the ball in the onion bag.
Bet 2: $210 on Colombia (-½, minus-105) over Uruguay
Comment: You can make a case with plenty of teeth that Colombia has been the most impressive team in the tournament. Uruguay’s attack lacks bite without the suspended Luis Suarez … OK, that’s enough. Quite simply, Uruguay stunk in its opener, as Suarez was still recovering from knee surgery, and Los Cafeteros should feast (sorry, couldn’t resist) on a motivated but undermanned Uruguayan side.
