TOURNAMENT: 4-0 (BIG PLAY: 1-0)
I will start by saying I'm very happy at the way the tournament has started, at least from my point of view. We have gone undefeated thus far and the USA looks every bit as exciting as I thought they would actually not be.
But as happy as I am about the above, I really copped out last night with a play that I thought had little to no chance to lose, and it did just that. But the price I paid for the certainty was high and I approached the game with too much trepidation somewhat due to all the nervy commentary. In fact, I was going to pay Florian Balogun as an anytime scorer (+250) and the USA in the FH (+180). Both would have been MUCH better plays, produced more excitement on my end, and cashed more handsomely.
One thing I AM good at is moving on so let's do that here and try to keep the unblemished record. Of course, that will change at some point but not in the first game today, as I have also earmarked this game for months. Additionally, I have an additional play in the form of a parlay in case anyone wants to try and circumvent the juice.
Todays' early match is another gift in my opinion as the side from the Middle East (Qatar) has REALLY struggled, not just of late, but throughout the qualifying campaign. Their underwhelming 0-0 draw with El Salvador in their final friendly before the tournament saw their winless run stretch to six games (D2, L4), a run that's seen them score just two goals! And that was not even against a side as tidy and put together as the Swiss!
Switzerland on the other hand plays very good at these tournaments having reached the final 16 in the past 4 WC's played. They don't have many stars on their squad but they have a lot of really technical players who are excellent finishers, especially against lesser opponents. The Swiss came through qualifying for this tournament without trailing at any point (W4, D2), and you think that will change against a lowly Qatar?!? No chance. And if that's not enough, consider that six of the eight goals that Switzerland have scored in 2026 have come before half-time!!! Their fans will also show up in droves so it will be a home field type of game for the Swiss.
Bear in mind, I'm not ever trying to convince anyone of anything. BUT, if in some way the Swiss are not ahead at the half, I will put quite a sizable play on them in the 2nd half. But again, I do not see that happening.
SWITZERLAND FH (-165)...BIG PLAY!!!
SWITZERLAND FH (-165)/BRAZIL TIE OR NO BET (-425)= (-104): If you want to try and get cute I'm also going to play this which will limit any downside but includes Brazil in a parlay. A Brazil team that I have as a future to win the Cup and one that are are unbeaten across their last 20 World Cup openers (W17, D3). Morocco on the other hand, as awesome as they are, have never won their opening game at a World Cup (D3, L3). So unless history reverses itself, at worst this should be a tie. You already know how I feel about the first leg.
I'll for sure be back with more plays and another big play. Would be nice to get the first match under our belts and keep the record at undefeated but there are always surprises and the ball has to hit the back of the net for the games to cash. But I feel really good about this tournament (and the sport in general) so I'm hoping to see everyone at the window.
As always, tail or fade, good luck to all...
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