Groups G and H close the second round of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. We have two derbies on the menu, one in each group. Stay tuned with us to see the preview and picks.
Brazil VS Switzerland
The Brazilians opened the tournament with a routine win over Serbia, 2-0. It was obvious that Selecao was a better team, yet the goals came in the second half, with the five-time champions scoring in a short span, and threatening to the Serbian goal at least two more times, if not more.
Switzerland defeated Cameroon, with a goal scored by the Cameroon native, Embolo, who didn’t celebrate it. It turns out that score is a difference-maker in a very boring game, which saw the Africans being a better team overall. The Swiss defense was too slow, and they had luck on several occasions.
This is a game in which we expect to see Brazil with an open mind, even though Neymar isn’t playing. Their pace and quickness up front are fantastic, and the Swiss unit won’t be able to compete with it.
Pick: Brazil wins 1/2 at BetXchange
Portugal VS Uruguay
The two sides still remember their last clash. It was four years ago in Russia when they met in the knockout stage. Uruguay won that one, 2-1, eliminating Portugal, who came to win the trophy as the reigning European champions. Today Portugal has a different team, and they are still one of the top favorites to lift the trophy. Though not as before. We saw them playing 3-2 against Ghana in the opener, and if the African team had more luck, it could have been a draw.
Uruguay had a dull event against South Korea, against whom they took just a point following a goalless draw. It’s been pretty nasty to watch that game, as there weren’t too many chances on either side.
That will probably be the same outcome on Monday night, with these two sides playing careful football, especially Uruguay. The odds on under 2.5 goals aren’t bad at all, and we are going with that.
Pick: Under 2.5 goals 2/3 at BetXchange
Serbia VS Cameroon
This is a game that could eliminate one team from the knockout contention, as both of these teams have one defeat already. The Serbs lost to Brazil, against whom they held for 45 minutes, but fell apart in the second half. Their team wasn’t complete, with Filip Kostic sitting out, while Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic played injured.
Cameroon had a chance to beat Switzerland, whom they outplayed, but allowed a goal due to their inexperience. Instead of taking the lead early on, using their excellent scoring opportunities, the Lions conceded from nothing, allowing a worse rival to win.
The defenses aren’t that good on both ends, and the respective attacks are better parts of the lineup. Our pick here would be over 2.5 goals.
Pick: Over 2.5 goals 11/10 at BetXchange
South Korea VS Ghana
These two teams are very enigmatic because they have certain potential, only they aren’t using it properly. Korea took one point from the game against Uruguay, and we can say that it was the most righteous outcome. The Koreans played enough to rebuff Uruguay’s attacks, not sending too much energy on the offensive side.
Ghana showed its offensive skills in the second half against Portugal, but the defense was mediocre, allowing two goals in a short span. The last chance of the game was in the final minute, when Portugal’s goalkeeper made a mistake in front of his goal, yet the Ghanaians didn’t have enough luck to level the score.
This game should be open as well, as both sides have to be aggressive and open-minded. Our pick is both teams to score.
Pick: Both teams to score 1/1 at BetXchange
