World Cup 2014 – Last-16 Predictions
With the group stages of the 2014 World Cup drawing to a close, Sportingly Better takes a look at the best value football predictions ahead of the last round of 16 matches.
World Cup Football Predictions
Brazil v Chile
Colombia v Uruguay
Netherlands v Mexico
Costa Rica v Greece
France v Nigeria
Germany v Algeria
Argentina v Switzerland
Belgium v USA
Hosts Brazil will be looking to progress into the second round for the fifth consecutive World Cup, with South American opponents Chile the opponents in arguably the stand-out tie of the round.
The Selecao have won each of their last seven meetings in all competitions according to the Ladbrokes World Cup tool, with a win ratio of 76% reflected in the odds of 1.57 for Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side to win in 90 minutes.
Chile will be hoping to shock the hosts with their fast-paced attacks and high pressing line however, after unseating World champions Spain and running the Netherlands close earlier in the tournament.
Jorge Sampaoli’s side can be backed at even money on the Asian Handicap and that bet may be worth a punt given Brazil’s somewhat mediocre run in the World Cup so far.
Second favourites Argentina should overcome Switzerland, but Alejandro Sabella’s side will have to quickly address their over-reliance on Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.
Elsewhere Luis Suarez’s global ban has seen Uruguay drift to 40/1 in the outright betting market, with Colombia available at the short price of 1.50 to progress to the next round.
European hopefuls France, Netherlands and Germany will all be expected to get through after winning their respective groups somewhat easily.
The Netherlands will welcome back Robin Van Persie from suspension for the game against Mexico and backers of the Oranje can get odds of 2.10 for Louis van Gaal’s side to win within 90 minutes.
Mexico fired in three goals against Croatia to secure their place in the last-16, whilst two disallowed goals against Cameroon could have brought Miguel Herrera’s side level on goal difference with Brazil.
These two sides shared a 2-2 draw at the group stages at France ’98 and with the Netherlands likely to revert to a more attacking style, backing both teams to score could pay out this weekend.
Meanwhile Group D winners Costa Rica will look to continue their fearless approach after finishing ahead of Uruguay, Italy and England.
The Ticos odds of 1.72 to qualify against a stubborn Greek side are likely to find their way in plenty of accumulator bets this week, given how well Jorge Luis Pinto’s side have coped in Brazil.
Recommended Football Tips
Chile +1 Asian Handicap @2.00
Both teams to score (Netherlands v Mexico) @1.83
Costa Rica to qualify @1.72
Author Credit: Jonathan Day
Image Credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ConfedCup2013Champions16.jpg
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