Our football expert Evan Psarras with his thoughts on Day 2 of the World Cup.
Things did not go well for Canada four years ago in Qatar. They qualified for the first time since 1986 but failed to collect a single point. This time around on home turf they will be hopeful of recording their first ever win in the tournament. Any success they do have will be on the back of defence as Under 2.5 goals is 9-0 in their last 9 games with no more than a single goal in 5 of those matches. They have maintained an impressive 6 clean sheets in that stretch and have a good record against European opposition – 3 wins and 3 draws in their last 6. Bosnia endured a rigorous campaign to qualify which included the European playoffs where they defeated Wales and Italy (both via penalties). It is difficult to see where the goals will come from for them. Dzeko scored 6 of their goals in the qualifiers but is now 40 years of age. He has 73 international goals while the rest of the squad have a combined 20 goals between them. A single goal from either side could be enough for all three points.
Tips
Best Bet: Both Teams To Score – NO ($1.73)
SGM: Bosnia Double Chance, Under 2.5 goals, 1st Half Under 1.5 goals ($2.75)
The entire nation will come to a standstill and all eyes will descend on Los Angeles. A perk of being one of the hosts is automatic qualification but the downside attached to that is fewer competitive matches played. They have had their troubles defensively conceding at least once in their last 8 games and allowed 2 or more goals in each of their last 5. Paraguay will be thankful that South America gets 6 spots in the finals as they claimed the final spot in qualifying. A run of 4 clean sheets from their final 6 qualification games was the difference but they did lose 2-1 to the USA in a friendly late last year. Both teams were missing key players in that match and history tells us that goals will be very hard to come by in this contest. Under 2.5 goals is 9-0 in Paraguay’s last 9 matches in this tournament with 10 total match goals in that stretch (1.1 goals per game). Expecting a tense contest and believe Paraguay can hold on for a draw.
Tips
Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals ($1.60)
SGM: 1st Half Result – Draw, Paraguay Double Chance, Under 3.5 goals ($3.24)
First Goalscorer Promo: Miguel Almiron ($10)
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