World Cup Round of 16 betting preview

World Cup Round of 16 betting preview

By Michael Gales Jun 26, 2014

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The 2014 World Cup is now at the knockout stage, read this Round of 16 betting preview before placing your bets. With a number of shock results in the tournament so far read for the latest odds, implied probability, handicap form and news surrounding each game.

Colombia vs. Uruguay betting (June 28th)

Two South American nations go head-to-head in the round of 16 as Group C winners Colombia face off against the Group D runners up, Uruguay.

Colombia have enjoyed a sensational World Cup campaign so far, winning all three of their group games. That has included nine goals scored, four of which came in their demolition of Japan in their final Group C fixture.

Uruguay’s qualification has been slightly more controversial. After a poor start to their campaign, losing 3-1 to Costa Rica, Luis Suarez returned and fired two past England in a dramatic 2-1 win, before beating the Italians 1-0.

However, the striker bit Italian defender Giorgio Chillieni in the following match, which has left his participation in the remainder of the competition in question. FIFA announced a nine game international ban for the Liverpool goal scorer, and the ball is now in Uruguay’s court as to whether they make an appeal or accept Suarez’s suspension.

Colombia are the current favourites on the 12 with Pinnacle Sports, with odds offered at 1.980* – an implied probability of 50.51%. Uruguay are available at 4.280* (a 23.36% chance of an upset), but will do well to beat the Colombians who have covered the spread in all three of their previous games.

During a recent Twitter Q&A, our Head of Sportsbook alluded that Luis Suarez’s absence from this fixture could be worth 0.25 of a goal to the Uruguayans. The current odds on the spread have Colombia as the 1.943* favourites on a -0.5 handicap, leaving bettors with even more of a predicament before placing their bets.

Netherlands vs. Mexico betting (June 29th)

Netherlands qualified first from Group B after three impressive victories. They shocked the footballing world when they brushed aside defending champions Spain 5-1 in their opening game. Since then, they have proved they can win when not playing their best after fighting back to beat Australia 3-2, and showed they have a strong squad when they beat Chile 2-0 without talisman Robin Van Persie.

Mexico’s qualification has been just as impressive. They finished on equal points with Brazil following two wins and a 0-0 draw with the host nation. In fact, they would have topped the group if they had a slightly better goal difference; finishing on +3 compared to Brazil’s +5. Nevertheless, the Mexicans will be delighted to qualify and with their inspirational captain Rafael Marquez leading them out on Sunday they will go into the game full of confidence.

The current odds at Pinnacle Sports offer Netherlands at 2.170* on the 12 (an implied probability of 46.08%), with Mexico available at 3.700* (a 27.03% chance of an upset).

Mexico have only conceded once so far; the late consolation by Ivan Perii in their 4-1 victory over Croatia. However, the Dutch have been free scoring with 10 goals in three games. Total goals are offered at 1.971* for over 2 and 2.5.

Costa Rica vs. Greece betting (June 29th)

Both of these nations will be ecstatic to progress to the round of 16, and no side has defied the odds more than Costa Rica. They topped Group D – which was mathematically the most difficult group based on FIFA World Rankings – despite being the underdogs in all three of their fixtures.

Victories over Uruguay and Italy guaranteed their qualification before a 0-0 draw with England, so the CONCACAF side will be confident they can beat the Greeks.

Greece’s qualification was slightly more dramatic. After a 3-0 loss to Colombia and a 0-0 draw with Japan, they were out of the competition at 1-1 with the Ivory Coast after 90 minutes.

Fortunately for the European side, Georgios Samaras was fouled in injury time, and the striker showed nerves of steel to dispatch a well-taken penalty and send Greece into the round of 16.

Costa Rica are currently the narrow favourites on the 12 with Pinnacle Sports, with odds at 2.610* (38.31% implied probability). Greece, the underdogs in this fixture, are available at 3.160* (31.65% implied probability).

A tight game is expected with the spread set at a level handicap.

Click here for the latest World Cup Round of 16 odds

*Odds subject to change

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