An incredible Round of 16 slate today, with a box office Iberian Peninsula rivalry match between Spain and Portugal. And of course, the USMNT tries to reach the quarterfinals for the third time in their history, taking on Belgium. One feel pick and one value play today. Let’s go.
The stakes are higher as the tournament progresses, but I'm still delivering daily picks, so continue reading for my goal scorer picks and World Cup player props for Monday, July 6.
World Cup Goal Scorer Picks Today
Spain vs Portugal Goal Scorer Pick
Lamine Yamal — Assist vs. Portugal (+235)
This price is a bargain despite the fact that Yamal has not recorded an assist in the tournament yet. It’s not because he’s not creating, and you can simply see that when you watch Spain play.
He averages 12 dribbling attempts and almost three chances created per 90 minutes, the best mark in the tournament since 1998. In a 19-minute cameo against Cape Verde, he created a big chance, got two shots away, and fired 10 passes into the penalty area.
For Barcelona this season, Yamal posted 16 goals and led La Liga in assists.
Portugal will make this a tight, cagey game. Spain will go to their best player to unlock it.
At +235, I’ll back him to create a big chance that someone like Mikel Oyarzabal can bury.
| Spain Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 -115 | 2.5 -125o / 100u | -110 |
| Portugal Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 -115 | 2.5 -125o / 100u | +295 |
Belgium vs USA Goal Scorer Pick
Christian Pulisic — Anytime Goalscorer vs. Belgium (+220)
All the pregame attention is on Folarin Balogun and FIFA’s controversial decision to reinstate him after his Round of 32 red card. That could be just how Christian Pulisic likes it.
He needs to make a statement in this tournament — the face of the US men’s national team. But has yet to score at this World Cup after an injury forced him off at halftime of their first match. He then missed one game entirely, and was able to make a 30-minute cameo against Türkiye.
Pulisic was back in the lineup in the Round of 32, but wasn’t at his best against Bosnia. If the USMNT are to advance, that can’t happen again tonight against Belgium.
While everyone focuses on Balogun, Pulisic will be motivated to make an impact. He scored 8 goals with 4 assists for AC Milan this season. He laid an assist against Paraguay before his injury.
Belgium have conceded in every match at this tournament but one — their 0-0 draw with Iran in the group stage.
At +220, back Captain America to step out of the shadow and deliver when the team absolutely needs it most.
| Belgium Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 -180 | 2.5 -155o / 125u | +180 |
| United States Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 +140 | 2.5 -155o / 125u | +150 |
