2018 FIFA World Cup Betting Review: Day 4.

2018 FIFA World Cup Betting Review: Day 4

Written by on June 18, 2018

Soccer Betting News
The opening round of games in the group stage is almost complete, and it’s fair to say that things have not gone as expected. This is especially true when you look at the favorites, none of whom have really come out and impressed in their opening games. Day 4 was perhaps the most shocking day of the tournament so far, as the current world champions are now right behind the 8-ball after a loss. Germany going down to Mexico was not the only surprise on this day, so let’s take a look at how it all played out, and how it all looked from a 2018 FIFA World Cup betting perspective. If you want to keep track on everything World Cup, be sure to check MyBookie Sportsbook Russia 2018 news page. Previews, reviews, predictions, and more.

2018 FIFA World Cup Betting Review: Day 4

Costa Rica 0 – 1 Serbia

Game Stats

  • Attempts: Costa Rica 10 / Serbia 10
  • On-Target: Costa Rica 3 / Serbia 3
  • Off-Target: Costa Rica 3 / Serbia 5
  • Blocked: Costa Rica 4 / Serbia 2
  • Woodwork: Costa Rica 0 / Serbia 0
  • Corners: Costa Rica 5 / Serbia 4
  • Off-sides: Costa Rica 1 / Serbia 3
  • Possession: Costa Rica 50 / Serbia 50
Given that Group E is home to Brazil, both teams came into this game feeling as though they needed a win in order to have any shot at moving on. It was a tighter game than I expected it to be, as I really thought that they would both come out and have a real go. At the end of the day, it came down to a moment of magic, with Kolarov netting the winner with a stunning free kick. Serbia did what they do best in the last half hour, winning the midfield battle and limiting Los Ticos attacking opportunities. With the win, the favorites in the World Cup are now 6-1-2 on the moneyline, with the Serbs winning at odds of -116. The UNDER is proving to be the pick, with the O/U now at 3-5-1. We went to .500 on the spread here, which sits at 4-4-1 after this game.

Next Games

Costa Rica vs. Brazil
  • When: Friday, June 22nd
  • Where: Saint Petersburg Stadium
Serbia vs. Switzerland
  • When: Friday, June 22nd
  • Where: Kaliningrad Stadium

Germany 0 – 1 Mexico

Game Stats

  • Attempts: Germany 25 / Mexico 12
  • On-Target: Germany 9 / Mexico 4
  • Off-Target: Germany 9 / Mexico 6
  • Blocked: Germany 7 / Mexico 2
  • Woodwork: Germany 2 / Mexico 0
  • Corners: Germany 8 / Mexico 1
  • Off-sides: Germany 1 / Mexico 2
  • Possession: Germany 60 / Mexico 40
Not only was this the surprise result of the tournament so far, it also saw the end of a pretty compelling trend. The Germans had made a habit of being involved in high-scoring games to open the World Cup, which made the OVER 2 ½ look like the pick here. The Mexicans shocked the world with a first-half winner, after which they grimly held on to record a historic win. Mexico became one of the biggest upsets at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Betting Odds for Matchday 1. The UNDER hit again, taking the O/U to 3-6-1 on the tournament. This was a rare win for the underdog, too, taking the moneyline to 6-2-2. The underdogs have done a good job of covering the spread, though, and with Mexico taking this one, the favorites have only covered in 4 of the 10 games played to this point.

Next Games

Korea Republic vs. Mexico
  • When: Saturday, June 23rd
  • Where: Rostov Arena
Germany vs. Sweden
  • When: Saturday, June 23rd
  • Where: Fisht Stadium

Brazil 1 – 1 Switzerland

Game Stats

  • Attempts: Brazil 20 / Switzerland 6
  • On-Target: Brazil 4 / Switzerland 2
  • Off-Target: Brazil 9 / Switzerland 4
  • Blocked: Brazil 7 / Switzerland 0
  • Woodwork: Brazil 0 / Switzerland 0
  • Corners: Brazil 7 / Switzerland 2
  • Off-sides: Brazil 1 / Switzerland 0
  • Possession: Brazil 52 / Switzerland 48
We were all still reeling from seeing the world champions fall to defeat in their opener, but it quickly became clear that the surprises for the day were not yet over. Brazil looked very comfortable in the opening 20 minutes and got what they deserved when they took the lead through a stunning Coutinho strike. Brazil never really looked to be in any danger but were a little too relaxed on a corner that led to the Swiss getting the goal that earned them a very valuable point in Group E. The draw on the moneyline paid a very nice +360. The UNDER hit again, with 5 of the last 6 hitting that mark, taking the tournament O/U to 3-7-1. The underdogs have now covered the spread in 6 of 11 games.

Next Games

Costa Rica vs. Brazil
  • When: Friday, June 22nd
  • Where: Saint Petersburg Stadium
Serbia vs. Switzerland
  • When: Friday, June 22nd
  • Where: Kaliningrad Stadium