Uruguay v France: Draw – 21/10
There’s a lot to like about the meeting of Uruguay and France as the World Cup quarter finals gets under starter’s orders on Friday. And we aren’t just talking about Luis Suarez’s shiny choppers or Olivier Giroud’s gorgeous flowing locks.
This meeting between everyone’s dark horses and one of the tournament favourites pits the meanest defences against the rampant, free flowing flair of the French attack.
That’s not to say Uruguay aren’t capable of delivering one hell of a counter punch themselves. After all, they do boast the knockout combo of Suarez and Edinson Cavani upfront – just ask Pepe and the rest of Portugal how effective they can be.
Meanwhile, Didier Deschamps will be hoping his Les Bleus outfit can take out a second consecutive South American powerhouse after sending Argentina packing in a 4-3 classic last weekend.
If you are missing Italy’s defensive skulduggery at this tournament, don’t fret because Diego Godín has more than filled that void so far and we reckon he – along with the rest of Uruguay’s defensive unit – can keep the French at bay for at least 90 minutes to bring in the 21/10 punt of a draw. Who doesn’t love a bit of extra time drama eh?
Brazil v Belgium: Both Teams to Score in Second Half – 13/5
Before you start screaming at us that Brazil have one of the meanest defences in the competition, hear us out!
We’re fully aware that Tite’s men have only conceded a single goal in their last nine games, but Belgium have been on a goal scoring bonanza mission since landing in Russia.
Roberto Martinez’s side have found the onion sack a whopping 12 times so far in the World Cup, including three in the last 25 minutes to amazingly knock out Japan from 2-0 down.
With the game being about as predictable as Donald Trump’s next tweet, we’ve decided to look elsewhere in the market for our punt and we’ve dug out a little nugget for you.
Nine of the 12 goals the Belgium’s have scored have come after half time, while five of the seven Brazil have scored have also hit the net in the second period. Those stats point in all directions to the 13/5 gamble of both teams to notch in the second half – do not say we didn’t tell you!
Find the latest world cup betting over at paddypower.com* All odds correct at time of posting.