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Wednesday featured an emotional victory from Ukraine over Scotland. While playing with a plead for peace, the match for Ukraine was bigger than soccer. Their success in the World Cup provides hope for those who feel the grunt of the war with Russia. During the match with Scotland, the Scots never stood a chance. Ukraine has qualified for the World Cup, and now we can turn our attention to the UEFA Nations League. As excited as I am to bet more soccer, I will tread lightly about these games. Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne said it himself; he isn’t thrilled about these games and feels they are meaningless. Nonetheless, I found a bet on PointsBet Sportsbook that caught my attention.
Belgium vs. Netherlands (Friday, 2:45 p.m. ET)
Both Teams to Score (-155)
This is an interesting match because you have the better side playing at home, yet the motivation seems to be lacking from the captain De Bruyne. Despite whatever he is saying, don’t mistake his sentiment for that of his teammates. Especially those who will be using this opportunity to vie for more playing time come the World Cup. There will be there who desperately want to make a good impression and show their improvements.
Netherlands are a side who are still figuring themselves out under new manager Louis Van Gaal. Their tactics have changed under van Gaal and so too has their quality. While they are no longer a top-five team, they should still have enough quality to find the back of the net against Belgium. They are playing a Belgium team who will be without super keeper Thibaut Courtois, who is out after sustaining an injury in the Champions League. Simon Mignolet of Club Brugge will be thrust into action against Belgium.
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The bet I am on this match is both teams to score (-155). It’s a little over the standard vig I am comfortable with playing, and if that bothers you, take over 2.5 goals (-125) for 0.5 units. However, I am comfortable laying the juice here because of how dynamic these teams are. Both teams to score has hit in the last three meetings between the two. Netherlands haven’t been shut out in their previous nine matches and the hosts in their last 16 games. Belgium have the defensive quality to keep Netherlands out of the net. Still, with a back line of Toby Alderweireld, Dedryck Boyata, and Jan Vertonghen and the absence of Courtois, Netherlands will likely get one.
The main reason I am not sold on over 2.5 goals is the tournament’s structure. Right now, they are in group play. Should they get to the 70th minute at 1-1, both managers would likely see the match out and gladly take a point from this tie.
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