SOCCER WORLD CUP ARTICLES

The World Cup Final offers a phenomenal contrast of teams and styles with a great case that be made for either side. France is loaded with a considerable amount of offensive firepower while Croatia boasts the best midfield crops in the game. Punters are debating whether it will be a high scoring affair, which would seem to favor France while a lower scoring match would tend to favor Croatia.   More

The promise of France is one win away from being fulfilled. Les Bleus were one of the top tier favorites to win the World Cup and have what is considered to be one of the deepest and most talented teams in the tournament. At the start of the World Cup tournament Croatia was an afterthought.   More

The consolation third place playoff game will offer no consolation at all for Belgium or England. Their dreams were crushed in semi final losses. For Belgium it is the end of what has been called the “Golden Age” for their soccer program. For England it was a tantalizing upset run in which midnight finally struck for Cinderella.   More

It has been 52 years since England last won the World Cup but it now appears that the Three Lions have a serious shot at ending that drought. And the football mad country has completely lost their minds. English manners and decorum have completely gone out the window. Insanity is now prevailing.   More

Both Belgium and France entered Russia as among the top tier favorites to win the World Cup. For the French, this is in some ways is an early arrival. While they boast a highly talented roster it is young and can be inconsistent. Most of the time their immense talent is able to cover up for youthful mistakes. Les Bleus are rarely   More

For Russia the 2018 World Cup has been a dream come true. Despite protests about Vladimir Putin’s country being named host country the event itself has been a marked success. As for the much derided Russian football team they have gone much further than anyone could have hoped for and dreamed of.   More

Until 2018 England was one of the great unfulfilled promises and frustrating overlays that could be found in any sport. Every four years their fanatical fanbase would expect a championship. Punters would wager huge amounts expecting glory. And every four years it would be turned into frustration for both the team and the gamblers who had their bankrolls busted.   More

It is no surprise that Brazil has made it this far in the World Cup. They entered as a prohibitive favorite to win the whole thing and nothing has served to change that perception with punters so far. Belgium also had high expectations and was a betting favorite to win it all. The one thing that separates Brazil and Belgium is history.   More

So far the high expectations for France have been met even though some of it has resembled a high wire act, which is also not surprising. Many punters see France as a team on the come. They boast an embarrassment of riches when it comes to pure talent and ability. But their youth can sometimes offset that.   More

One of the most competitive matches in the Round of 16 is expected to be the one between Sweden and Switzerland on Tuesday on FS1. It could also be one of the lowest scoring, as oddsmakers put a total of 1.5 for this match. Sweden went 2-1 to win Group F, while Switzerland finished second in Group E, as they went 1-0 with two draws.   More

England is a slight favorite against Colombia in a Round of 16 match on Tuesday that can be seen on FOX. Colombia was able to win Group G thanks to wins in their last two matches, while England finished second in Group H after a loss to Belgium in their final group match.   More

Belgium is favored in the Round of 16 as they take on Japan on Monday in a game that can be seen on FOX. Belgium went undefeated in Group G, winning all three of their matches; while Japan went 1-1-1 to finish in second place in Group H. Belgium was able to get the top spot in Group G by defeating England 1-0 on Thursday. Let’s look at the match between Belgium and Japan and World Cup picks.   More

One of the most anticipated matches in the Round of 16 has Brazil taking on Mexico on Monday in a game that can be seen on FS1. Brazil was the top team in Group E, as they went 2-0 with one draw, while Mexico finished second in Group F, as they went 2-1.   More

When the World Cup final tournament started not many fans or analysts were thinking that Croatia was a serious top tier contender. But when the Blazers destroyed Argentina in their second match of the group stage they served notice that they were a potential dark horse that emerged as a serious contender to win it all.   More

As usual Argentina was a popular choice to win the World Cup as action began in Russia. This is as much about their star player Lionel Messi as for anything else. Truth be told La Albiceleste had a terrible qualifying run and were often exposed as a one man team. Yet as is often the case hype and symbolism triumph reality and the public flocked to the Argentine squad. It proved to be the ultimate name brand overlay.   More

Russia faced a lot of derision both as a nation and as a team heading into the 2018 World Cup. More than a few people complained about holding the World’s Greatest Sporting event in a country run by Vladimir Putin. Even if the critics own countries had problems of their own too. As for the team few experts or fans gave Russia any respect at all.   More

After a spirited Group phase the World Cup now gets down to the nitty gritty Round of 16. The rules are simple. Win and advance or lose and go home. The pressure will be enormous with the highest possible stakes. just one mistake can end a lifetime of dreams while just one brief moment of glory can turn a man into lifetime legend and hero status.   More

For Panama and Tunisia, the end of the road for their World Cup journey comes on Thursday. Both teams proved to be overmatched in Group G with powerhouse teams from Belgium and England. Panama has been particularly putrid as a team that made it to the tournament for the first time in their history.   More

For fans, punters, and analysts alike the matchup between England and Belgium is one of the most highly anticipated of the World Cup tournament so far. In fact, this match is one that rivals any Group pairing in recent memory. For England and Belgium their match on Thursday will be for Group G.   More

It is a virtual elimination game in Group H on Thursday, as Senegal takes on Colombia on FOX. Senegal comes into the match with four points, even with Japan, while Colombia is one point back with three points. Senegal can get through to the Round of 16 with just a draw, while Colombia must win.   More

Japan has control of their own destiny in Group H, as they just need a draw against Poland on Thursday to advance to the Round of 16. Japan has been one of the surprises of the 2018 World Cup, as they were not expected to do anything. On the other side, Poland has been a major disappointment, as they come into this game winless.   More

Mexico entered World Cup play virtually ignored and not well respected. When punters evaluated Group F it was conceded that the Great German Colossus would easily win the foursome. If anyone was to cause trouble it was thought to be the well disciplined team from Sweden.   More

It would be hard, if not impossible, to find a bigger World Cup mismatch that the upcoming game between South Korea and Germany. The German Machine rolled into Russia as prohibitive World Cup favorites. And as a team touted as having the best chance to become the first repeat champion since 1962 Brazil pulled off the second of back to back titles. For South Korea success is defined as simply getting to the tournament.   More

It all comes down to one match for Serbia and Brazil in Group E on Wednesday. Brazil can advance to the Round of 16 with a win or a draw, while Serbia needs a win. It is possible that Brazil could also advance with a loss, but that scenario is unlikely,   More

Switzerland can clinch a spot in the Round of 16 with a win or a draw on Wednesday against Costa Rica. The Swiss can also finish at the top of Group D with a win at the 2018 World Cup. Costa Rica has already been eliminated, so they are just playing the role of spoiler for this match.   More