Connecticut Sun at Las Vegas Aces odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Connecticut Sun at Las Vegas Aces odds and lines, with WNBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Connecticut Sun (13-1) and Las Vegas Aces (7-6) meet Friday at Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (ION). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Sun vs. Aces odds, and make our expert WNBA picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Aces won 2-1 in 2023

The Sun have posted 4 consecutive victories since falling 82-75 at home to the New York Liberty, the team’s only setback of the season. Connecticut won the last time out,  79-70 on Tuesday, although the Los Angeles Sparks posted the cover as a double-digit underdog (+13.5) with the Under connecting (153.5).

The Aces are coming off a 94-83 win over the Seattle Storm on Wednesday night, as Jackie Young rolled up 32 points. She has been on a scoring binge lately, going for 32 or more points in 2 of the past 3 outings, while averaging 25.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game in the past 3 contests.

Sun at Aces odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:22 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Sun +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Aces -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Sun +5.5 (+100) | Aces -5.5 (-130)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 163.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Sun at Aces picks and predictions

Prediction

Sun 88, Aces 83

Moneyline

CONNECTICUT (+170) has the best record in the WNBA, yet it is a rather substantial underdog in Las Vegas (-210). Take advantage.

The Sun has won all 5 games on the road this season, and defense is a major reason for the team’s overall success. Connecticut leads the league with just 70.7 points per game (PPG) allowed, exactly 4 points less than the next nearest team, the Minnesota Lynx.

The Aces are the top offensive team in the league with 87.4 PPG, so it won’t be easy for the Sun. But Connecticut is playing much better basketball, and it’s a great value at this price point.

Against the spread

CONNECTICUT +5.5 (+100) is worth playing at even-money if you can’t bring yourself to bet it straight up.

Las Vegas -5.5 (-130) is a little on the pricey side laying the points, and it has failed to cover the past 5 outings. The Aces are also 1-4 ATS in the past 5 games at home.

For the Sun, they’ve covered 3 of the past 4 contests, while going 5-0 ATS in 5 road outings.

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Over/Under

OVER 163.5 (-110) is a strong play in Friday’s late-window game.

The total has gone high in 3 of the past 5 games for Connecticut, while also going 3-2 in 5 outings on the road this season.

As far as Las Vegas is concerned, the Over has cashed in 3 of the past 4 outings, while going 4-2 in the past 6 outings at home.

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2022 World Cup: Argentina vs. France odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Argentina vs. France odds and lines, with World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The 2022 World Cup championship match on Sunday pits Argentina against France. Kickoff from Lusail Stadium is set for 10 a.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Argentina vs. France odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

It’s the No. 3 team in the world per FIFA men’s rankings against the 4th-best team and defending champs of the event that happens every 4 years. After almost a month in Qatar, fans will either see Argentine F Lionel Messi lift the 1st World Cup trophy of his legendary career or see a repeat celebration by France.

After losing 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in arguably the most shocking upset of the tournament, Argentina beat Mexico (2-0) and Poland (2-0) to win Group C. It then beat Australia (2-1), Netherlands (2-2, winning 4-3 in penalty kicks) and Croatia (3-0) to advance to the final.

France ripped through Group D, beating Australia (4-1) and Denmark (2-1) before losing to Tunisia (1-0). It beat Poland (3-1), England (2-1), and Morocco (2-0) to reach the final. In France’s most challenging game against England, it had 8 fewer shots, 3 fewer on target, and just 42% possession.

See also: Best Argentina vs. France prop bets

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Argentina vs. France odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 10:27 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Argentina +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | France +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Draw +215
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +135 | U: -155)

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Prediction

Argentina 2, France 1

Moneyline (ML)

LEAN ARGENTINA (+170).

It almost feels like destiny at this point.

Argentina has dominated to this point. In its most competitive game, against the Netherlands, it had 8 more shots and 3 more on target. Also, the French style of play could lean toward allowing a player like Messi to find the gaps.

France doesn’t play a high press like some sides, and those types of openings, like it saw with England, could lead to opportunities for its opponents. Messi, as we’ve seen all tournament, can fit balls where no one else can, and that should be apparent.

With the extra day to recover and the French side having battled some illness in the camp, this outcome feels like the best side on the moneyline.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (+135).

Argentina’s offense has been explosive. It is averaging 2 goals per game in this tournament, having scored on some of the better defensive teams in the world, Netherlands and Croatia.

France is not shy of attacking prowess either. Outside of the lone game that France didn’t try (their last group stage match with the group already clinched), France has scored at least 2 in every game and has scored 3 or more twice.

F Kylian Mbappe is one of the most explosive forwards in the world. Couple his talent with the 6-foot-4 F Olivier Giroud, and the France attack should have a solid height advantage over the Argentine backline.

Over 2.5 has hit in 15 of 21 World Cup finals but is just 1-4 O/U in the last 5. Nonetheless, the attacks here make the OVER 2.5 (+145) my FAVORITE PLAY.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

Want action on this contest or any other soccer matches? Bet online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in OH, CO and NJ. Bet now!

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2022 World Cup final: Argentina vs. France best prop bets

Analyzing Sunday’s Argentina vs. France title-game matchup and offering up expert World Cup picks and predictions on the top prop bets.

Argentina and France square off in the World Cup final Sunday. The match will begin at 10 a.m. ET at Lusail Iconic Stadium (FOX). Below, we look at Tipico Sportsbook’s prop bet lines around the Argentina vs. France odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Both Argentina and France come into Sunday’s match with 2 World Cup championships. Argentina’s most-recent win was in 1986, while France’s last victory was just 4 years ago when they beat Croatia 4-2.

Now all the focus will be on 2 players, forwards Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, both players lead the World Cup in goals, and they are favorites to score in this final game. Messi at 35 years old is soccer’s setting sun, while Mbappe at age 23 is the rising sun.

See also: World Cup final odds, picks and predictions

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Best Argentina vs. France prop bets

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 10:17 p.m. ET.

Argentina total goals OVER 1.5 (+175)

After its opening-round loss to Saudi Arabia, Argentina has put up 2 or more goals in every match this World Cup. Its offense has come together, and it enters Sunday with a 5% greater shooting accuracy than France. 56.1% vs 50.8%.

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France F Olivier Giroud: ANYTIME GOAL (+265)

Now if you think France has the leg up (it has a more accurate crossing rate), F Olivier Giroud is someone to keep an eye on, who has been on a tear. The top 2 goal scorers this World Cup have been Messi and Mbappe, both played in 6 matches and scored 5 times.

But Giroud is right behind them with 4 goals despite playing 1 less game. With all the attention on Mbappe, Giroud could squeak one in.

Highest-scoring half: SECOND HALF (+112)

For both France and Argentina, the second half is when things get exciting. A majority of their goals come towards the end of the match.

Combined, they scored 10 goals in the first half (5 each) vs. 15 in the second half (France 8, Argentina 7). On the flip side they have conceded 1 total goal (France 1, Argentina 0) in the first 45 minutes but a massive 9 goals in the latter half (France 4, Argentina 5).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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2022 World Cup: Morocco vs. Croatia odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Morocco vs. Croatia 3rd-place match odds and lines, with World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The 3rd-place Game of the 2022 World Cup has Morocco and Croatia meeting Saturday at Khalifa International Stadium. Kickoff is at 10 a.m. ET (FOX/Telemundo). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Morocco vs. Croatia odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

The dream run for Morocco is nearly over. It was unable to bounce defending World Cup champ France Wednesday, falling 2-0 in the semi-final. However, it has still been a miraculous run for the African nation.

Morocco defeated Portugal and Spain in the knockout stages, while also topping world power Belgium in the group stage. This side has used suffocating defense and timely scoring to make a deep run in Qatar.

These teams actually each met in Group F play to open their World Cup runs, playing to a scoreless draw in that match back on Nov. 23. It was an even battle, too, with both sides accounting for 5 total shots with 1 shot on goal per side. Croatia dominated the possession at 61.0%-to-39.0%.

The “Kockasti”, or Checkered Ones, came up short in their bid for a 2nd straight World Cup Final. Croatia was pounded 3-0 by Argentina in their semi-final game Tuesday.

It has been a magical run for Croatia, too, as it bounced World Cup favorite Brazil in the Quarterfinal, while also stopping Japan on penalties in the Round of 16.

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Morocco vs. Croatia odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:45 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Morocco +205 (bet $100 to win $205) | Croatia +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Draw +255
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Prediction

Croatia 2, Morocco 1

Moneyline (ML)

This is the only rematch of the entire 2022 World Cup, and the first time we saw a scoreless draw between these sides.

I think both teams will be a little looser, taking some chances to push the ball up and down the pitch. Nobody likes to be in the 3rd-place match, coming up just short of a title, but it is usually an entertaining affair.

CROATIA (+135) has a little more offensive firepower, and it should get it done in a fun match.

Over/Under (O/U)

In 2018, Belgium upended England 2-0, and in 2014 we saw Netherlands drop Brazil 3-0. In fact, in 10 of the past 11 third-place matches dating back to 1978 have seen 3 or more total goals.

While we saw a scoreless draw the first time these teams played each other, there is no pressure in this match, and it should be much more wide-open. OVER 2.5 (-115) is the way to go, especially based on the lengthy history of the 3rd-place match.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

Want action on this contest or any other soccer matches? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

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2022 World Cup: Morocco vs. France odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Morocco vs. France semifinal match odds and lines, with World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The 2nd seminfinal matchup of the 2022 World Cup has Morocco and France meeting Wednesday at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor at 2 p.m. ET (FOX/Telemundo). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Morocco vs. France odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Morocco pulled off a stunner Saturday in a 1-0 quarterfinal win against Portugal. The entire Iberia Peninsula isn’t a fan of the African nation, and Morocco also ousted neighbor Spain in the Round 16 on penalty kicks.

The Atlas Lions are easily the Cinderella of this World Cup, scoring just 5 goals while conceding only 1 goal in 5 matches. They are 24th in the FIFA world rankings.

France, the defending champions and No. 3 team in the world, showed England the door with a 2-1 win in the quarterfinal. Les Bleus has been much more prolific on offense, registering 11 goals, with at least 2 markers in 4 of the 5 matches.

Kylian Mbappe is vying for the Golden Boot as top scorer with 5 goals in 5 matches, and he has tacked on 2 assists. Teammate Olivier Giroud is right on Mbappe’s tail with 4 goals in 4 matches.

Argentina and Croatia play the 1st semifinal match on Tuesday.

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Morocco vs. France odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 12:08 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Morocco +600 (bet $100 to win $600) | France -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Draw +300
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +130 | U: -150)

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Prediction

France 1, Morocco 0

Moneyline (ML)

Morocco has been doing a tremendous job in this tournament, especially defensively. But this isn’t a side which has shown an ability to score, and that’s not good against Les Bleus. The miracle run is coming to an end in the semifinal against the defending champs, and that’s nothing to be ashamed about.

While France (-190) is a little on the expensive side, a play in the Double section with FRANCE AND UNDER 2.5 GOALS (+185) for a chance to nearly double up is too hard to pass up.

In addition, FRANCE TO WIN WITH A CLEAN SHEET (+105) is also a solid play at plus-money.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 2.5 (-150) is a little on the pricey side, but if you like to play it safe, that’s the way to go.

If you like to roll the dice a little, and trust a 1-0 score for the final, play UNDER 1.5 (+190) for a chance to nearly double up.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

Want action on this contest or any other soccer matches? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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2022 World Cup: Croatia vs. Argentina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Croatia vs. Argentina odds and lines, with World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Argentina battles Croatia on Tuesday in the 1st of 2 World Cup semifinals. Kickoff from Lusail Stadium in Qatar is set for 2 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Croatia vs. Argentina odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

With 2 wins in the group stage, Argentina won Group C. They then beat Australia 2-1 in the Round of 16, ending with 9 more shots and 4 more shots on target. Argentina, the No. 3 team in FIFA’s world rankings, met the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.

Argentina was leading 2-0 in the 80th minute when the Netherlands found a way to score 2 goals in the final 10 minutes plus stoppage time. Argentina advanced by winning 4-3 in penalty kicks. They had 8 more shots and 3 more on target than the Netherlands.

Croatia also had an exciting quarterfinal matchup. They went into extra time 0-0 with No. 1 Brazil. F Neymar scored in the 105th minute just to have F Bruno Petkovic equalize in the 117th.

Croatia, No. 12 in FIFA’s rankings, had 12 fewer shots and 10 fewer on target, but won 4-2 in penalty kicks. Croatia has given up just 3 goals in 5 games, holding Belgium and Morocco scoreless.

Tuesday’s winner will play the winner of Wednesday’s France-Morocco match for the title.

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Croatia vs. Argentina odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 12:59 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Croatia +390 (bet $100 to win $390) | Argentina -122 (bet $122 to win $100) | Draw +245
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +150 | U: -175)

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Prediction

Argentina 2, Croatia 1

Moneyline (ML)

BET ARGENTINA (-122).

Argentina is 1 of the few teams that have the decision-making in the midfield to counter what M Luka Modric can throw at them. Modric is 37 and should have tired legs this far in the tournament.

The difference here is how each team played in the semifinal with F Lionel Messi and Argentina competing at the same level as the Netherlands. Croatia, on the other hand, was outplayed by Brazil but managed to advance due to their opponent failing to capitalize.

The Messi-led side should be able to make their opportunities count, netting 2 in just 5 shots on frame against the Netherlands.

Croatia allowed 11 shots on goal and just 1 goal against Brazil. If Argentina ends with those figures, expect multiple shots to end in the back of the net. At (-122), back Argentina to win in regulation.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN OVER 2.5 (+150).

The Croatian pace has been the main reason they have struggled to score. They do not play at a high pace with an aging, yet technically sound,  midfield. Argentina scored in the 1st half against the Netherlands, and that helped open things up. That could certainly be the case Tuesday.

Croatia has played well defensively, but holding Morocco and Belgium without a goal isn’t as impressive as it seems as both had struggled to score for most of the tournament.

If Argentina can strike in the 1st half and make Croatia get out of their comfort zone, expect the OVER 2.5 (+150) to be the better option.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

Want action on this contest or any other soccer matches? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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2022 World Cup: England vs. France odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s England vs. France odds and lines, with World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The 2022 World Cup’s final semifinalist will be decided Saturday when England and France meet Saturday at Al Bayt Stadium in a 2 p.m. ET kickoff (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the England vs. France odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

England won as a -180 favorite 3-0 vs. Senegal Sunday. Liverpool M Jordan Henderson and Tottenham Hotspur F Harry Kane scored before the break to secure a 2-0 halftime lead for Gareth Southgate’s side. Arsenal M Bukayo Saka’s 3rd goal of the tournament gave England a 3-goal lead in the 57th minute.

Saka is the odds-on favorite to cash as England’s top goal scorer at +100, ahead of Manchester United F Marcus Rashford (3 goals) at +135.

Paris Saint-Germain F Kylian Mbappé scored twice and AC Milan F Olivier Giroud netted a goal for France as Les Bleus defeated Poland 3-1 in the Round of 16 Sunday, exactly as we predicted. France cashed as a -320 favorite and the Over 2.5 (-115) hit in stoppage time on Mbappé’s 2nd goal.

Mbappé has 5 goals in Qatar and is the favorite to finish as France’s top goal scorer at -2000, while Giroud (3 goals) has the 2nd-best odds at +1000.

Croatia and Argentina advanced to the semifinals with wins Friday, while Morocco and Portugal meet early Saturday before England and France wrap up the quarterfinal round.

Watch the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on FOX and FS1 with FUBO TV

England vs. France odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:49 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: England +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | France +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Draw +225
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +120 | U: -140)

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Prediction

France 2, England 0

Moneyline (ML)

BET FRANCE (+150).

Even though England has Manchester City D Kyle Walker, who will be tasked with slowing down Mbappé, the combo of the PSG striker alongside Giroud will be too much for England to handle.

France has looked unstoppable this tournament, with the exception of its match vs. Tunisia that was played by mostly backups.

England struggled to score vs. USA in group-stage play and I expect its offense to come back down to Earth after a pair of easy 3-0 wins vs. Senegal and Wales.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (-140).

Look for France to score 1 to 2 goals, but it will be extremely difficult for Les Bleus to net 3 or more Saturday. England has only allowed 2 goals all tournament and has proven to be 1 of the stronger squads defensively.

What should really help the Under hit will be England’s offense regressing toward the mean after 2 extraordinary outings vs. lackluster competition.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

Want action on this contest or any other soccer matches? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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2022 World Cup: Morocco vs. Portugal odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Morocco vs. Portugal odds and lines, with World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Morocco and Portugal face off Saturday at Al Thumama Stadium. Kickoff is at 10 a.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Morocco vs. Portugal odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Portugal beat Switzerland 6-1 on Tuesday and Cristiano Ronaldo‘s benching was the top story coming into the match. Did we watch one of Ronaldo’s final games with Portugal? Or did we watch the ascent of the man who started in his place, Goncalo Ramos? Ramos scored a hat trick in the rout and looks to prove that game was more than an anomaly.

Morocco also entertained in their 0-0 win over Spain (after penalties). The North African team held Spain scoreless even with penalty kicks, Spain missed their 3 attempts and had 13 shots in the match. Despite the great defensive effort, Morocco comes into Saturday as the obvious underdog.

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

Morocco vs. Portugal odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 11:20 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Morocco +450 (bet $100 to win $450) | Portugal -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Draw +280
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +120 | U: -140)

Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

Prediction

Portugal 2 Morocco 1

Moneyline (ML)

Portugal is 5th in shots (54), compared to Morocco’s 24th (30). Portugal also 8% more accurate in their passes. They will most likely control the ball throughout the match. It’s juice-filled, but BET PORTUGAL -145.

Over/Under (O/U)

Defense versus offense. Morocco has only allowed 1 goal so far, against Canada while Portugal has scored in each World Cup match this year.

But Portugal’s defense has allowed a goal in all but 1 game (against Uruguay), while Morocco has scored 4 goals in group play. I expect a higher scoring game so I LEAN OVER 2.5 (+120).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

Want action on this contest or any other soccer matches? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Ethan Matthew on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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2022 World Cup: Netherlands vs. Argentina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Netherlands vs. Argentina quarterfinal match odds and lines, with World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Netherlands and Argentina meet in a quarterfinal matchup Friday at Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail at 2 p.m. ET (FOX/Telemundo). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Netherlands vs. Argentina odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Netherlands dispatched the USMNT last Saturday 3-1 in the Round of 16. Now, the Oranje look to make manager Louis van Gaal proud, trying to oust Argentina.

The good news is that Memphis Depay finally appears to be fully fit after a nagging injury going into the group stage, and he is likely to be available for the entirety of the match.

The Dutch went 2-0-1 in Group A play, including a pair of 2-0 wins over Senegal and the host nation Qatar sandwiching a 1-1 draw with Ecuador.

Things certainly got off to an uneven start for La Albiceleste, as Argentina was stunned 2-1 in the group stage opener by Saudi Arabia. It might have been the best thing to happen, as Argentina bounced back with a pair of 2-0 wins over Mexico and Poland, before showing Australia the door in the Round of 16, winning 2-1.

Lionel Messi has been doing Messi-like things, scoring 3 goals with 4 points through 4 matches, while Julian Alvarez has bagged 2 goals. Cody Gakpo is the leading scorer for Holland, posting 3 goals in 4 matches.

Argentina might have to go it without Angel Di Maria, who is nursing a muscle strain and is a question mark for the match.

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Netherlands vs. Argentina odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 2:12 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Netherlands +255 (bet $100 to win $255) | Argentina +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Draw +220
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +150 | U: -175)

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Prediction

Argentina 1, Netherlands 1

Moneyline (ML)

I really like the DRAW (+220) play for a chance to double up. These teams should play to a 1-1 score through full time, requiring extra time and perhaps penalty kicks to decide a winner.

A draw play on the 3-way line is a winner if the match is tied through 90 minutes plus stoppage time.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under 2.5 (-175) price is a little too rich for my blood, and I feel as if both teams are going to be able to find the back of the net in the match. There is world-class talent on both sides.

As such, roll the dice on YES (+110): BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE at plus-money. In case you’re new to wagering on soccer, if this is a scoreless draw, similar to the Morocco-Spain match in the Round of 16, going to penalty kicks, this would not be a winning play if both teams score on PKs. It’s a winner only if both sides score in regulation.

In addition, picking the CORRECT SCORE, 1-1 (+430), could help you multiply your initial stake by more than 4 times. That’s too hard to pass up.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

Want action on this contest or any other soccer matches? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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2022 World Cup: Croatia vs. Brazil odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Croatia vs. Brazil odds and lines, with World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

In the 1st quarterfinal battle, Croatia faces Brazil on Friday with kickoff from Education City Stadium set for 10 a.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Croatia vs. Brazil odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Croatia finished 2nd in Group F play, recording 2 draws (both 0-0) and a win. They ended group stage play with 4 goals scored and 1 allowed, all in their sole win over Canada. They outlasted Japan in the Round of 16 on penalty kicks. Croatia ended with 17 shots (4 on target) and 59% possession. They won 3-1 in penalties.

Brazil, No. 1 in the FIFA rankings and the favorite to win the title, abused South Korea 4-1 in their Round of 16 matchup. Brazil had 3 more shots on target than South Korea and managed just 54% possession. Brazil won Group G by beating Serbia 2-0 and Switzerland 1-0 before allowing some players to get rest in a 1-0 loss to Cameroon.

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Croatia vs. Brazil odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 1:22 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Croatia +750 (bet $100 to win $750) | Brazil -270 (bet $270 to win $100) | Draw +420
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -130 | U: +110)

Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

Prediction

Brazil 2, Croatia 0

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

There’s no value on the moneyline. Brazil scored 4 on South Korea with ease, all in the 1st half. They are far more talented than Croatia.

Aside from 4 against Canada, Croatia didn’t score in the group stage. That  justifies the value of these moneyline odds. That said, ultimately this is a pass.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (+110).

Brazil might be a high-paced side, but they haven’t dominated most games from an offensive standpoint. They went Under this total in all group stage games and only beat Switzerland 1-0.

Their match with Switzerland should be similar to this match with Croatia as both the Swiss and Croatian strength comes in their technical midfield. There were just 5 shots on target in that battle.

For Croatia, they have gone Under this total in 3 of their 4 World Cup matches and had 2 group stage matches ended without a single goal. The best offensive team Croatia has faced, Belgium, ended with just 3 shots on target.

Expect both defenses to come to play, and the UNDER 2.5 (+110) is the best value on the table in this battle.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

Want action on this contest or any other soccer matches? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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