The World Cup is now down to 31 teams after the Knockout Stage began on Sunday, with Canada edging South Africa 1-0.
There are some compelling matchups and, fortunately, no more draws.
When it comes to future odds, France (+350) is the favorite right now with Argentina (+400) taking over as the second-favorite over Spain (+700), who has dropped to third, which ties them with England (+700).
France was the best team in the Group Stage, playing outstanding soccer, since a shaky first half against Senegal. Kylian Mbappe scored two goals in each of France’s first two games and had a pair of assists in Game 3.
A team to watch is Japan, who finished second in the very tough group including the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia. They’ll have a very tough game on Monday against Brazil at 1pmET on Fox.
When it comes to superstar players, Mbappe’s teammate Ousmane Dembele has had four goals so far, including three against Norway in Game 3. However, Norway’s 6-5 attacker Erling Haaland did not play in the third game after scoring four goals in the first two games.
The player to watch for Brazil is Vincius Junior, who has scored four goals.
Team USA has been impressive thus far despite losing its last game to Turkey in Game 3 with nothing to play for. The key is the health of star Christian Pulisic, who played some in the Turkey game and was electric in the opener against Paraguay.
However, the biggest star is 38-year-old Lionel Messi, who has six goals for Argentina and is -125 to win the Top Goalscorer prop. Haaland (+1800) might be the best pure goalscorer aside from Messi and Mbappe, but Norway isn’t expected to go far.
On Monday, there are three outstanding games starting with Brazil (-310)/Japan (+235) at 1pmET from Houston. Germany (-900/+550) faces Paraguay at 4:30pmET from Foxborough, while the Netherlands (-165/+125) will meet Morocco from Mexico at 9pmET.
Norway (-180/+145) plays the Ivory Coast on Tuesday at 1pmET from Arlington, while France (-1100/+600) meets Sweden from East Rutheford, N.J. at 5pmET. The day will end with Mexico (-170/+135) hosting Ecuador from Mexico City at 9pmET.
On Wednesday, England (-1100/+650) takes on DR Congo at 12pmET from Atlanta. Belgium (-175/+140) takes on Senegal at 4pmET from Seattle. The U.S. (-1000/+550) is in action at 8pmET against Bosnia-Herzegovina from Santa Clara.
On Thursday, Spain (-1000/+550) faces Austria at 3pmET. Portugal (-260/+200) meets Croatia at 7pmET. Switzerland (-195/+150) faces Algeria at 11pmET from Vancouver.
On Friday, Egypt takes on Australia from Arlington at 2pmET. Argentina will meet Cape Verde from Miami at 6pmET. It ends with Colombia taking on Ghana at 9:30pmET from Kansas City.
That will conclude the Round of 32, and Canada has made the Round of 16 and will play on Saturday, July 4 at 1 p.m. ET from Houston against the Round 32 3 Winner.
(odds from DraftKings)
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Upcoming Events at ATS:
- The World Cup runs through July 19. Consists of 32 teams in the Knockout Stage, mainly playing in the United States. It’s the biggest event in the world.
- Wimbledon Tennis Championships (June 29-July 12)
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- UFC 329 MCGREGOR VS HOLLOWAY 2 / LAS VEGAS, NVSaturday July 11th*Projected +30 units as $250 /u clients expected to win $7,500+
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