Matchday 3 of the World Cup was solid for contrarian bettors as Iceland earned their first ever point in a 1-1 draw vs. Argentina. Below shows the betting results for Saturday's action.
Match #8: Croatia vs. Nigeria (Group D)
Result: Croatia 2-0 Nigeria
Moneyline: Croatia -145
Spread: Croatia -0.5 (-145)
Total: Push (2 goals)
Both teams struggled to get shots on target but Croatia broke through in the 32nd minute on an own goal. Luka Modric added another in the second half to put them up 2-0 and atop Group D.
Sharp money had hit Croatia all morning leading up to the match, moving the Europeans from -122 to -145.
Match #7: Peru vs. Denmark (Group C)
Result: Peru 0-1 Denmark
Moneyline: Denmark +133
Spread: Denmark -0.5 (+133)
Total: Under 2 (-148)
This was as frustrating as it gets if you bet Peru as they missed a number of chances including a penalty kick at the end of the first half, ultimately losing 1-0. Sharp money had come in on Peru early on, and then on the draw late, but neither were able to cash.
The 28% of Under bettors also cashed after surviving slew of quality of chances throughout the match.
Match #6: Argentina vs. Iceland (Group D)
Result: Argentina 1-1 Iceland
Moneyline: Draw +444
Spread: Iceland +1.5 (-130)
Total: Under 2.5 (+108)
Contrarian bettors got wins on the moneyline, spread and total in this one as Iceland earned their first ever point in the World Cup, drawing 1-1 with Argentina. Despite all the possession, the South Americans couldn't break through enough to get a win, and Leo Messi had a PK saved with 25 minutes left in the game.
Just 8% of bettors took the draw (+444), 21% on Iceland (+1.5), and 22% on Under (2.5).
Match #5: France vs. Australia (Group C)
Result: France 2-1 Australia
Moneyline: France -360
Spread: Australia +1.5 (+130)
Total: Over 2.5 (-150)
France and Australia played a scoreless first half with few quality chances, but the second half opened with penalty kicks for both teams within 15 minutes. Antoine Griezmann converted for France to go up 1-0 before Mile Jedinak did the same for Australia to tie it 1-1.
In the 80th minute, Paul Pogba put France ahead 2-1 and they held on for a nervy win in the opening match of Group C. Australia will be frustrated and disappointed that they weren't able to salvage a point against one of the World Cup contenders.
The 11% of Australia (+1.5) bettors are happy they kept it close, though.
