World Cup betting action on Monday features a pair of Group G matches, with Germany big favorites against Portugal while the United States faces their rivals from Ghana at nearly even odds.
USA vs. Ghana betting preview: World Cup Group G odds action kicks off
USA opens Group G betting against Ghana, while Euro powerhouses Germany and Portugal also play Monday. See the latest odds.
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Monday’s match between the United States and Ghana rekindles a recent but intense World Cup rivalry. The two squads have faced off at each of the last two World Cups with Ghana victories ending World Cup hopes for the USA in each of those matches.
This time, both squads enter the tournament as longshots to advance, with the United States owning 9/1 odds of winning Group G and 5/2 odds of advancing to the round of 16. Ghana is also at 5/2 to advance, with slightly longer odds of 11/1 to finish the group stage in first place.
Monday’s match is a virtual pick, with Ghana holding a slight edge on the moneyline at 33/20 while the United States is 7/4. With upcoming matches against Germany and Portugal, both squads will be desperate to record three points on Monday to maintain any hope of advancing to the knockout stage.
Germany, favorites to win Group G with odds of 4/7, are heavy even-odds favorites on Monday, with Portugal sitting at 14/5 on the moneyline.
Germany and Portugal's past four matches have all come at international tournaments. Portugal last defeated Germany in their group stage match at Euro 2000.
Die Mannschaft have since defeated Portugal in the third place game at the 2006 World Cup, claimed a 3-2 victory at Euro 2008, and handed them a 1-0 defeat in the group stage of Euro 2012.
Monday’s match is particularly important to Portugal. While they enter the tournament ranked No. 4 in the world by FIFA, the status of Cristiano Ronaldo for Monday’s match remains up in the air.
The Real Madrid star has been hobbled by injuries that could impact his playing time and effectiveness.
If Portugal, who sport strong 10/21 odds to qualify for the round of 16, lose to Germany, they will be under intense pressure to post victories against the United States and Ghana to ensure their advancement to the knockout stage.
Monday's other match sees tourney longshot Iran meeting Nigeria in Group F action. Nigeria sits as a 6/5 moneyline favorite over Iran, who are a distant 1000/1 to claim the World Cup title.
Watch for line updates and World Cup matchup reports on every game.
See More:
