Soccer World Cup Free Play 06/18: Netherlands vs. Australia

Soccer World Cup Play: Netherlands vs. Australia

***Early PLAY***

The Dutch team made the biggest headline of the first round of games and obviously, big things are expected from them, not only in here but also for the Tournament. However this isn’t a good spot for them mentally and physically, while as weird it might sound, Australia will be a tough matchup for them.

Regarding their spot: coming off a big game vs. World Champions Spain in a tremendous effort, and now having to face the weakest team of the group in an early start? It’s not that hard to imagine a bit of a letdown “too easy” mode for them especially in the first half of the game.

The Dutch side made their damage against Spain primarily because they faced an awful Spanish high defensive line who committed some tremendous errors - Casillas, Ramos and Piqué all looked awful. Spain usually plays w/ a high defensive line as they tend to dominate the ball possession, and their defenders provides them more passing targets… obviously, by giving “some” space between their defensive line & their GK, they are a bit exposed on the back, and the Dutch just take advantage of that! Just look for their goals and you’ll notice that most of them were the result of long through passes that caught Spain off guard…

The problem in here is that unlike Spain, Australia will sit back and play conservative football. It’s going to be almost impossible for the Dutch team to find some space on the back of Australia defense and so, I expect them to struggle a bit early on the game.

Their potential lackadaisical effort to start the game and this tactical approach from Australia could offer some problems to Netherlands.

I’m playing Australia (+0.75) FIRST HALF…there is some value w/ Australia +0.5 @plus money as well, but this +0.75 line suits better us.

Pick: 3 units (Single Dime Play) on Australia (+0.75) FIRST HALF @ -102 / 1.98 on Pinnacle Sports (OR -105 / 1.95 on Betonline)