World Cup 2014 Previews & Betting Tips

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Bosnia & Herzegovina v Iran

Bosnia are for the first time to a World Cup and there was plenty of enthusiasm in the country as well as in the team. With players like Dzeko, Pjanic, Ibisevic and Spahic, it was highly expected that the former-Yugoslavian nation will make a positive impact and we can't blame the bookies for making them favorites, after Argentina, to reach the next stage of the competition. But whatever it's said and whatever might happen from now on, it was pretty obvious that Bosnia didn't play as bad as their position suggests. The opening match against Argentina was in fact one of their best matches ever, playing nearly on the same foot, only not getting a little bit of more luck in front of goal.

They faced Nigeria the next day, who were coming off a disappointing draw with Iran, thus playing with more focus on defence and really playing tactically smart, keeping Bosnia at bay for the whole match after taking the lead in the first half. The point is, I think that Bosnia have been a little bit unlucky in Brazil and just because they have zero points so far, it doesn't mean they cannot beat an inferior side like Iran.

Carlos Queiroz's men were really brave to play a goaless draw with Nigeria and then lose right on the line with Argentina, but honestly speaking, they are just inferior in every single department and even if they still keep their qualifications chances alive, it's like a dream in my opinion and that's because they are supposed to beat Bosnia, and expect Nigeria to lose against already qualified Argentina. Not so likely in my view, and the more they realize that, the more mistakes they will make on the pitch today. Bosnia, on the other hand, will desperately want to win their first World Cup match and with such odds, I say it worths the investment.

Bet: Bosnia to win @ 2.05 BetWay WON

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Bosnia won 3-1, pick won

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Algeria v Russia

Russia still have a chance to go through but the only way to make it happen is to beat Algeria today. Leaving political talks aside, it would be unfair to say that the Russian can't play good football. They are, in fact, one of the talented teams in Europe and they have always played good football at the Euro/World Cup, even when they lost. They have technical and fast players who now play tactically well thanks to Capello, and I really think they can do much more than they showed in the first two matches.

Algeria, on the other hand, are the first African nation to have scored four goals at a World Cup, and many voices claim that their match and superb victory against South Korea (score 4-2) was one of the best matches played so far in Brazil. Nevertheless, I think the class and the superior level of experience of the Russian side, will prevail today. It's simple: win and you are through, lose or draw and you are out in shame. I really think Capello's men will go for the first one!

Bet: Russia to win @ 1.95 BetWay LOST

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Colombia v Uruguay

So we are in the last 16' at the World Cup in Brazil, and the winner from these two will reach the next stage of the competition, which means it will be inches away from the big final! The big news is the missing of Uruguay top striker Luis Suarez, who got suspended for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini during the final match in group D. Colombia, on the other hand, will have to do without the injured Radamel Falcao, leaving them short up-front and meaning that Cavani will take the main role in attack.

Talking about odds, I don't personally understand why should Colombia be such favorites? We have two South American teams, both will be missing their star players, and both have very good players and are somehow related from a football perspective. It's like flipping a coin if you ask me, and when I get 2.65 for a 50/50% flipping, it would be insane not to take the better odds. The match will be played in Brazil, on a neutral ground, so there's no home advantage and anything and really anything can happen. It's a question of concentration and who can stay fresher for 90 minutes, but also a question of Luck as this is a single match and the old saying says the ball is actually round. Take the better odds and let's flip that coin!

Bet: Uruguay (DNB) @ 2.65 BetWay LOST

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Belgium v USA

Never in history has the popularity of soccer been greater in the United States. This surely is related to their recent qualification out of the group stages and they will have a wonderful chance to reach the best 8' should they manage to pass through Belgium today. But can they do it? Anything can happen of course as the ball is round and this is soccer we're talking about, but when we look at their chances, I would say that the European side has the best of them. You wouldn't say so much when looking at their odds, set by bookmakers, but the thing is, USA have had a great campaign so far and as everyone talks how much have they improved, this leads to creating an artificial thought that they can play with top European sides on the same foot.

I am not saying they won't have a chance and I'm not even saying they won't go through. But if we are to talk about chances and probabilities, then I must say that Belgium is the side that looks like value to me, in relation to their odds. Belgium is no longer an average European football team. Belgium have improved a LOT in the recent years and their 3-0-0 campaign so far proves this statement. They have fantastic players who come from some of the best teams in Europe, more experience and more class. It might be that USA are more interesting to watch thanks to their enthusiasm or so, but looking at things from a realistic point of view, it would be naive thinking that they stand a decent chance to create any problems against Marc Vilmots' men.

Bet: Belgium to win @ 2.00 BetWay (VERY) UNLUCKY LOST

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Netherlands v Costa Rica

Costa Rica are only here because of chance and lots of enthusiasm, but today it's the end of their legacy. They've been a nut hard to crack during the group stages and people got really impressed by los Ticos, but today against Netherlands they get extremely overrated and I think this is a good opportunity to take a very probable Dutch win at some very tempting odds. We only get 1.55 but the true is, it should be much lower if not the recent good results delivered by the Central American side. The Dutch team are many steps above and it's a big difference in class, physical strenght and nearly everything if being honest. It's no question that Costa Rica will try to repeat their recent matches and stay cool at the back, counting on fast counterattacks, but the Europeans are really good at breaking up defences and as soon as they score the first goal, more will follow. Costa Rica have very slim chances to do anything today and backing Netherlands to win this match is the only good call today.


Bet: Netherlands to win @ 1.55 BetWay