Joffe’s World Cup Challenge, Day 9: It’s Time for Wine and Higher Stakes

Well, the good news for my Aussie family (and my +.5) is that they squeaked out a draw with Denmark and are still alive to make it out of the group stage. The bad news is that France beat Peru, but the over didn't come close to cashing.

Then there’s Argentina and the “GOAT” Messi. That was one of the most pitiful performances I’ve seen so far this tournament. It was made even worse by Argentina's BS poor-loser tactics down the stretch.

Argentia were +1000 to win the tournament and now are in real danger of not even making it out of the group stage.

Messi … Argentina. Dead. To. Me.

And for the record, Ronaldo >>> Messi.

Anyway, this all ended in having another 1-2 day. It turns out betting on soccer is kinda hard. Which can only mean one thing: It's time to start upping my bet amounts.

Full disclosure: I had some wine while writing this because it seems I’m better at this when wine is in play. You’ve been warned.

Are World Cup Favorites Brazil Ready to Shine Against Costa Rica?

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Costa Rica vs. Brazil

8 a.m. ET, FS1

More games than not have gone under in this tournament, which is pretty blahhhhh for someone like me who doesn’t watch a lot of soccer. The betting aspect certainly eases the blah, but it means I’m clenching for a lot more of the game than I would normally. Oh well, good exercise.

But Fridays aren't for exercising. They're for betting overs. Someone put that on a t-shirt and send me my 10%.

The pick: $15 to win $13.04 on Over +2.5 (-115)

Iceland vs. Nigeria

11 a.m. ET, FOX

I’m all in on my Iceland boys. Argentina are in real trouble. If I have my math right — and like I said, I've had some wine — an Iceland win would could come close to knocking Argentina out of the tournament for good. (Good riddance, ya losers.)

I’m convinced Iceland have a real shot to make it to the knockout round, but I'm not 100% sure they'll win this game. So give me the PK so I'm covered if we see a draw.

The pick: $15 to win $12.50 on Iceland PK (-120)

Serbia vs. Switzerland: How To Bet This Group E Coin Flip

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Switzerland vs. Serbia

2 p.m. ET, FOX

I've got no read on this game. I gotta give the Swiss credit for playing Brazil to a draw, but a little pro tip here from a super sharp soccer bettor: What happened in the past might not necessarily help predict the future. Serbia sit atop Group E right now, but that seems bound to change after tomorrow.

The pick: $15 to win $15.00 on Switzerland PK (+100)