World Cup Parlay Today: Best Parlay Bets & Prop Picks for Thursday, July 2
We're back with our World Cup parlay for Thursday as the Round of 32 rolls on. The day opens with a matinee between Spain and Austria at 3 p.m. ET, the evening features Portugal vs. Croatia at 7 p.m. ET, and the nightcap between Switzerland and Algeria at 11 p.m. ET.
We're making our World Cup best bets highlight one play from each of the three games. After yesterday was derailed early in the England game and by a red card in the late game, we're going to get in the win column today with a +450 parlay.
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⚽ World Cup predictions today: July 2
See all of our experts' World Cup picks based on the latest World Cup odds and favorites
| 💰 Best bets | 📊 Best odds | ⚖️ Wager (units) |
|---|---|---|
| Austria Over 1.5 cards | -120 via bet365 | 1.5u -> 1.25u |
| Portugal vs. Croatia - both teams to receive a card | -125 via bet365 | 1u -> 0.8u |
| Switzerland vs. Algeria Under 2.5 | -150 via bet365 | 0.75u -> 0.5u |
Total wagered: 3.25 units | Max profit: 2.55 units
💰 Best World Cup prediction today
Austria Over 1.5 cards vs. Spain (-120)
This bet is based on Austria's out-of-possession play, and I expect that to be in abundance this afternoon against a Spanish side likely to command 65-70% of the ball (currently leading all teams with 69.4% in the World Cup). Austria's high press (gegenpress) has struggled with elite competition, breaking down in particular against high-possession teams. Austria has recorded at least one yellow in each game in the tournament, while averaging over 10 fouls per game. Against the only elite opponent it faced in the Group Stage (Argentina), it received two yellow cards and committed 13 fouls.
Teams forced into defending against Spain for long periods often get pulled into being carded. Uruguay picked up three, Saudi Arabia recorded two. Only Cape Verde had fewer, recording just one, and that was a game in which Cape Verde committed only one foul.
Kickoff time: 3 p.m. ET
Spain vs. Austria odds: Spain (-360) | Draw (+475) | Austria (+1100)
How to watch: FOX, Telemundo, FOX One
💵 SBR Edge: There's also the referee issue
Glenn Nyberg takes the whistle for the third time this tournament, and he's not a referee to let a lot go. Nyberg has issued three yellows in both games he's handled in the tournament, with the losing team in each game recording two (but that's just noise, though it's fun noise).
Nyberg's foul numbers, just under 20 for the tournament, often tick into the mid-20 range. A short leash lends itselves to yellows, he averaged four per game across his four WCQ games, too.
🔥 More World Cup predictions for Thursday
Portugal vs. Croatia - both teams to receive a card (-125)
Portugal has one of the best midfields in the world with Fernandes, Nevers, Vitinha, Neto, etc. Yeah, there are so many of them, even off the bench, that you can "etc." that list. Croatia's defenders will be forced into plenty of phase-breaking fouls to break things up before the Portuguese can set up and sustain box circulation. The Portuguese had 36 touches in Uzbekistan's box and 29 in Congo's box, and those types of numbers are generally a recipe for disaster that need to be avoided.
But Croatia's midfield is adept as well, and they'll probably settle in the possession range of 40%. Portugal are not a high-discipline team, and they'll commit tactical fouls when their structure gets broken.
A game that sees Portugal exhibit territorial dominance or a chaotic game favors each side getting booked once. It doesn't hurt that Espen Eskås is another non-nonsense ref, and one who issued four yellows in his only WC appearance so far and has issued (at least one) yellow card to each team in seven of his last 10 matches across the WC, WCQ, Champions League, and Europa League.
Kickoff time: 7 p.m. ET
Portugal vs. Croatia odds: Portugal (-140) | Draw (+280) | Croatia (+400)
How to watch: FOX, Telemundo, FOX One
7️⃣ More Portugal vs. Croatia and CR7 action
Our Gordon Brunt broke down this game further with his Portugal vs. Croatia prediction, while Philip Wood took a deep dive on the global superstar with his best Cristiano Ronaldo prop bets.
Switzerland vs. Algeria Under 2.5 (-150)
Switzerland is one of the most controlled teams in the tournament, so I'm not expecting this to be a wide-open attacking game. They'll have the bulk of possession and usually have less than 2.0 xG in balanced fixtures; one of their biggest issues throughout the tournament has been creating and finishing high-end chances.
Algeria will be forced to try to overcome the Swiss mid-block with transitional attacking, which isn't something they're particularly excellent at. Their opportunities will be limited, probably 3-4 shots on target, and they'll be lucky to generate a goal from that output.
Neither side here is a high-tempo team pressing team, neither side really creates chaos in transitional play. Scoring bursts are unlikely.
Kickoff time: 11 p.m. ET
Switzerland vs. Algeria odds: Switzerland (-105) | Draw (+225) | Algeria (+340)
How to watch: FS1 / Telemundo / FOX One
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