Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 28

Yahoo Sports Issues 16 World Cup Round-of-32 Betting Picks as Knockout Rules Shift

Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 28

Yahoo Sports Issues 16 World Cup Round-of-32 Betting Picks as Knockout Rules Shift

Q: Will Mexico's legendary Azteca fortress be enough to overcome an Ecuador team that some experts predict will cause an upset?

Yes—Mexico’s edge at Azteca makes them the likelier team to get through, even if Ecuador has upset potential. The strongest case for Mexico is the venue. Estadio Azteca’s altitude, around 7,200 feet, has long been a major competitive advantage, affecting stamina, recovery and the flight of the ball. Mexico also brings an exceptional record there, having not lost a competitive match at Azteca since 2013, and they have already used home conditions well in this tournament by winning all three group matches without conceding. That is why the main betting recommendation is Mexico to win in regulation at +125. The expert view is that Ecuador’s attacking limitations could be exposed in a match where Mexico can lean on crowd energy, familiarity and physical conditions. Mexico is also widely seen as the host nation best positioned for a deep run largely because of this home-field advantage. Still, the upset case is real. Some analysts believe Ecuador can cope better than most with altitude and have enough discipline to drag the game deep. One projection even has Ecuador winning after extra time, which matters because standard match bets usually cover only 90 minutes. If the match is level after regulation, Mexico’s “fortress” would not automatically cash a regulation bet. So the evidence points to Azteca being enough to give Mexico the upper hand, but not enough to rule out a tight, potentially extended match.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 28

16 Round-of-32 picks headline Yahoo Sports' knockout preview, which stresses that most wagers settle after 90 minutes unless a book explicitly includes extra time or penalties.
South Africa double chance at +110, Japan double chance at +100 and Germany -1.5 at +112 are among the early featured plays, with Canada injuries and skepticism about Brazil driving two of them.
The preview also leans heavily toward totals and favorites later in the bracket, including Netherlands-Morocco over 2.5, France -1.5, Mexico to win at +125 and England-DR Congo under 2.5.
Other notable calls include Senegal to advance at +140, the United States to win the first half at -115, Croatia double chance at +100 against Portugal and Switzerland to win in regulation.
Yahoo also said its Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX ONE reopens for the knockout round as the Round of 32 matchups are finalized.