World Cup betting is getting real serious right now as the final eight has been decided, and we’ll know who the final four will be by the end of the weekend. Here are your sports betting picks for the big tournament.
Netherlands Brazil Betting – Friday, 10:00 AM ET
This could be the best matchup of the bunch, and Brazil is a -120 favorite over the Dutch, who have won two and drawn four of their nine meetings with the Samba Kings. Brazil may be without playmaking midfielder Elano, who has an ankle injury, while there are rumors of dissention in the Dutch camp. Both teams have been impressive so far, but Holland’s Arjen Robben may be the one player who decides this match. (World Cup betting pick: Netherlands +320)
Uruguay Ghana Betting – Friday, 2:30 PM ET
The Uruguayans are -105 favorites in a clash of two countries who have never met, and Ghana would have to be considered the soccer betting darkhorse in the quarterfinals. Asamoah Gyan is sure to earn some attention from European teams for his clutch goal-scoring ability, but Uruguay has Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, who have arguably been the best strike duo in the World Cup. (World Cup betting pick: Uruguay -105)
Argentina Germany Betting – Saturday, 10:00 AM ET
In a match of two teams that had controversial decisions go their way in the knockout round, Argentina is favored at +115 over the Germans, who would have likely beat England anyway. Argentina has eight wins and five draws in 18 meetings with the Germans, and there’s still bad blood from the 2006 meeting at this very same stage, which the Germans won on penalties. Germany says that Argentina doesn’t respect the referees, while Argentina responded with saying that Mexico, the team they beat in the last round, is better than Germany. It’s revenge day in South Africa. (World Cup betting pick: Argentina +115)
Paraguay Spain Betting – Saturday, 2:30 PM ET
Spain is the biggest favorite of the quarterfinals at -210, and David Villa has been a beast for the World Cup pre-tournament favorites, who are improving with each match. Paraguay needed penalty kicks to rid of Japan in the knockout stages, and the strikers are going to have to play better if they want any chance against Spain, who have won one and drawn two of their three meetings with the Paraguayans. Fernando Torres looks to get another start for Spain despite not finishing a match so far in this tournament. We’re putting our online betting money on Xavi to run the midfield for the Spanish, which will lead them into the semifinals. (World Cup betting pick: Spain -210)