World Cup Betting: A matchup of powerhouse teams is set for Friday in the World Cup as Spain takes on the Netherlands. Both teams are considered contenders to win the group so this is a huge opener in Group B. Spain is listed as the favorite with the total listed at 2. Here is a look at the match and World Cup picks.
Spain -115, Netherlands +375, Draw +230, total 2 over
The goal line has Spain laying a half goal at -115.
This game will be a rematch of the 2010 final and once again it is Spain who is favored. They pulled out the title by a score of 1-0 four years ago in the final. This is no ordinary opener of group play as the winner of this match will have the inside track to winning Group B and getting a more favorable matchup in the round of 16. Winning Group B would be huge because the winning team would likely avoid powerhouse Brazil until the final. The second place team could end up facing Brazil in the round of 16.
Spain
The defending World Cup champs have won the last three major tournaments so they are looking at being labeled one of the top teams of all time if they win the 2014 World Cup. Spain is a veteran team with older players and there is some concern about how well they will do this time around. Spain is led by players like Xavi, David Villa, Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Iker Casillas and Andres Iniesta.
Netherlands
The three veterans, Robin Van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben lead this team. How well each of them play in 2014 is the question as none of them have had great seasons in their respective leagues although Robben has played well.
World Cup Picks
There are question marks for both teams but I don’t see any problems in goal. I will play this opener in Group B under the World Cup betting total.