World Cup Semifinal Betting Recap: Croatia Comes Back to Beat England in Extra Time
Twitter @FoxSoccer. Pictured: Croatia’s Ivan Perisic
- Croatia defeated England, 2-1, after extra time to advance to the World Cup final vs. France.
- Just 13% of bettors took the draw in regulation, which opened +220 and closed +200.
After battling through 90 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of extra time, Croatia were victorious over England and will now meet France in the World Cup final.
Here's a look at the betting results from Wednesday.
Match #62: England vs. Croatia (Semifinal)
Result: England 1-1 Croatia (Croatia advance to final after winning 2-1 in extra time)
Moneyline: Draw +200
Spread: Croatia +0.5 (-150)
Total: Push (2 goals)
It was another unlikely first goalscorer as Kieran Trippier (+3300) put England up within five minutes on a beautiful free kick.
DREAM START FOR ENGLAND!
Trippier beats Subašić on the free kick to put the Three Lions up 1-0 early against Croatia! pic.twitter.com/em1IQ9SRml
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 11, 2018
The goal off the set piece was the 70th of this World Cup, accounting for 43.7% of all goals.
England held the lead into the second half, but Croatia started to take control of the match and equalized in the 68th minute on an Ivan Perisic goal.
CROATIA EQUALIZE!
Ivan Perišić beats Kyle Walker to the ball to pull Croatia level with 20 minutes left in the game. pic.twitter.com/O0xaQRULT7
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 11, 2018
It was the 160th goal of the World Cup, cashing for bettors who took over 159.5 before the tournament started.
The teams remained tied 1-1 after regulation, which meant the draw (+200) cashed for 13% of bettors. That's where the sharp money was, as it opened +220.
The teams were still tied 1-1 in the second half of extra time when Mario Mandzukic netted the game-winner:
MANDZUKIC GIVES CROATIA THE LEAD! pic.twitter.com/mz8WLlqiQm
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 11, 2018
Heading into the match, Croatia were available at +1200 to win in extra time.
They'll now play France in the World Cup final on Sunday at 11 a.m. ET.
Through 62 matches of the tournament, here are the betting results:
- Favorites 33 wins (-3.25 units)
- Underdogs 15 wins (+9.15 units)
- Draws 14 (-10.10 units)
Underdogs would be down about 9 units if not for South Korea beating Germany in the group stage.
There were only 9 draws through 48 group matches (19%), but there were 5 in 14 knockout games (36%), three of them from Croatia.
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