World Cup Best Bets - June 15

The Netherlands edged to an unconvincing 2-1 win over Uzbekistan in their final pre-World Cup friendly as they ended a two-game winless run. Prior to their draw with Ecuador and loss to Algeria, the Dutch had beaten Lithuania (4-0) and Norway (2-1). Across their last four, they have failed to keep a single clean sheet, while their last match against Japan ended in a 2-2 draw. With the Dutch not in the greatest of form right now, I am backing them to drop points in their opener. 

Ivory Coast head into a tough group that contains Ecuador, Germany and Curacao hoping to begin their campaign with a win. Across their last two friendlies, Ivory Coast have managed to beat France 2-1 before edging past Philadelphia Union in a 2-0 win. Particularly impressive was their win over a strong French side as they scored in the 53rd and 84th minutes to triumph. With four consecutive wins heading into this one, I back the Ivory Coast to continue to build as they impress in their opener. 

Spain are the big favourites to make it out of Group H at the summit as they face Cape Verde, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Heading into the competition, they have won two of their last four, drawing the other two. A frustrating pair of draws with Egypt and Iraq led into a 3-1 win over Peru in their final warm up. While they have not been perfect, teams like Spain save their best for major tournaments. After all, wins in friendlies mean nothing if a side then underperforms at a World Cup. With the difference in quality between the pair massive, I am backing Spain to easily beat Cape Verde in their opener.