This article is part of our World Cup series.
The World Cup group stage is winding down and there is still plenty to play for. Will Belgium put up a fight? Can Germany advance and cruise past Costa Rica? Once again, I'm going with some long odds, so hopefully you like taking some riskier bets.
World Cup Best Bets for Belgium versus Croatia
Croatia to beat Belgium +170
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I've been down on Belgium the entire tournament and I'm not changing that stance now. Croatia are rightly favored as they still aren't guaranteed first in the group if Morocco win. Belgium haven't shown much and are in need of three points, so there's a chance they'll show some urgency. But does that matter?
Andrej Kramaric bagged a brace last match and figures to get opportunities again. Croatia should control the midfield unless Belgium really turn things up. Goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are always in play, but I don't like how Belgium have looked, so I'm on Croatia to win at +170.
World Cup Best Bets for Canada versus Morocco
Over 2.5 goals between Canada and Morocco +110
Morocco will advance with a point from this match, while Canada are already eliminated. That being the case, there's a chance this is another up-and-down contest, similar to Canada's loss against Croatia. With nothing to play for but pride, there could be some rotation for Canada, though they aren't the deepest of teams.
Unless Canada change how they play, I think over 2.5 goals at +110 is the way to go. There should be opportunities for both sides in this one. It's a worry that Morocco will play things safe, but I'm not sure Canada will allow that to happen, as they'll probably do some pressing to make things interesting, looking for their first point.
World Cup Best Bets for Japan versus Spain
Japan to have more corners than Spain in second half +295
This is a tough spot for Japan, who blew a golden opportunity in their last match, as they fell to Costa Rica. Now, against possession-heavy Spain, things look tricky for them, as Germany could thrash Costa Rica in the other Group E match.
This is another tough match to bet given the circumstances. However, I think we can get a little crazy with this one. Unless Japan score the opener, they'll likely be pushing in the second half and they have a lot of substitutes who can make things happen. With Spain possibly in a situation where they don't have to do anything, Japan at +295 to have more second-half corners seems like a smart bet.
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World Cup Best Bets for Costa Rica versus Germany
First goal scored for Germany and Costa Rica between 21st and 30th minute +390
Costa Rica are coming off a win, but that didn't take anyone off their scent as one of the worst teams at the World Cup. They were ripped apart against Spain and could find similar difficulties against a potent German attack. Of course, that makes it kind of hard to bet with Germany -2.5 at -120 and Germany -6 corners at -115. Even Germany moneyline up to the 30th minute is -130.
Instead of taking something at -130 odds, I'll take the opposite route and go big. I don't think Germany are as efficient as Spain, so it'll take some time for them to get their feet under them and to open up the Costa Rica back line. That leads me to +390 for the first goal in the match being scored between the 21st and 30th minute. If you want something safer, go with what I listed above, but that's not how I roll.
World Cup Betting Picks Thursday, Dec. 1
- Croatia to beat Belgium +170
- Over 2.5 goals between Canada and Morocco +110
- Japan to have more corners than Spain in second half +295
- First goal scored for Germany and Costa Rica between 21st and 30th minute +390
Visit RotoWire all season for exclusive sports betting picks and our weekly Kits & Wagers betting show. Remember that betting apps vary in terms of odds, so we have an easy-to-use odds page that allows you to shop for the best lines at DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and PointsBet. You can also use the WynnBET promo code for $100 in free bets.
