Day 11 of the World Cup will give Spain their chance to redeem themselves after a shocking loss to Switzerland in their opener. More on that later.
We will see Group G and H complete the second leg of the group stage, and we will go to four matches per day starting Tuesday.
Portugal and North Korea face off in the first match of the day. Portugal got a tie against the Ivory Coast in their opener, and are looking to get three points here. North Korea gave Brazil a tough fight in their 2-1 loss to the record World Champion, and Portugal can’t overlook the Asians.
The Europeans need a better effort from Cristiano Ronaldo, who wasn’t a factor against the Elephants. He has struggled when playing for the national team lately and hasn’t scored a goal in 16 months. He has scored more than 70 goals in club competition in the last two seasons.
Despite Ronaldo’s struggles, we should see a victory by Portugal here. There is not a lot of value in this, as the risk-reward ratio isn’t very favorable. If you want to back Portugal, you have to put down at least $264 to win $100 (Pinnacle). A draw seems very unlikely, but if you think North Korea can shock the Portguese go to bodog for a +400 line.
Switzerland surprised against Spain, and have a chance to get another three points against Chile. The Chileans play a very offensive style, just like the Spaniards do, and the Swiss have shown that they know how to shut down that type of play.
Switzerland have not conceded a goal in five straight matches at the World Cup. Their coach, Ottmar Hitzfeld, is looking to extend that streak and will bank on a strong defense and a dangerous counter attack.
Goalkeeper Diego Benaglio has done his share, making key saves against the Spanish. Look from another strong performance from him.
Chile goes in as the favorite, but I think Switzerland can at least get the draw. Pinnacle has the best odds for draw at +215, with 5Dimes following at +213. If you believe Switzerland can pull off another victory, go to 5Dimes for a +265 line.
Spain is looking for redemption in their second match of the tournament. The Red Fury need a win over Honduras, and they shouldn’t have a problem getting one. While the Spaniards struggled against Switzerland’s defense, they won’t face as strong of defensive unit in their matchup with Honduras.
Honduras kept their opener against Chile closer than expected, but they don’t have the talent to keep the Spanish squad from scoring. Spain comes in as the heavy favorite and it would be even more of a shock if they didn’t win this one.
I can see a break out game for the Red Fury with many goals. If you are with me, check Pinnacle’s over 3 at +103 or even the over 3 and 3.5 at +129.
