Football Bet of the Day: Czechs to keep South Africa at bay

The second round of fixtures at the World Cup begins in earnest on Thursday, and South Africa will want to make up for their Mexican horror show in the opener when they face Czech Republic in Atlanta (12pm local, 5pm BST, BBC One). 

This one takes the focus for Thursday’s Football Bet of the Day, which you can find below.

Czech Republic vs South Africa Odds

Czech Republic are 8/13 to win this game, South Africa are 18/5 and a draw is 13/5.

South Africa saw two players sent off in the opening game against Mexico, with Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane both dismissed at Estadio Azteca. The result was done and dusted fairly early on in the second half due to the initial sending off, but the lasting effect of the reds means that South Africa will be without Sithole and Zwane due to suspension for this second match.

It means Hugo Broos’ side will be weakened against the Czech Republic, and they are already a squad lacking serious depth, so I worry for them. On the other hand, I was enthused by the Czech Republic’s battling performance against South Korea, despite the fact that they lost the game 2-1. 

They were a threat from set pieces, and did well against seriously strong opposition, so I think they will have more joy against South Africa, who look like the weakest side in the group. After defeats, this game is really a must-win for both sides so it could open up. If it does follow that pattern, I think it suits the Europeans who boast the better individual players on paper.

Patrick Schick and Tomas Soucek will provide a serious attacking threat, and the Czechs are dangerous from Vladimir Coufal’s long throws and set pieces. I think they are rightfully favourites to win this game, and they should go onto get the three points that will take them towards qualification - however I want to boost our odds by backing them to also keep a clean sheet. 

South Africa created an xG of 0.08 in the opening game against Mexico. I know some people will write that off due to the red cards, but the visitors played 50 minutes with 11 men and created absolutely nothing. 

There’s not enough quality there for them to trouble better teams, and the Czechs only conceded eight goals in eight qualification matches to reach these finals - five of those coming in one game away against Croatia. I think the price on offer for them to win to nil is excellent, and will pick that out as Thursday’s Football Bet of Day. 

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Sub Switch

Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.

Sub Switch

Pre-Match Bet Builder & Single bets on qualifying Player selections. Selected leagues & markets only. Applies to Price Boosts & Turbo Boosts. Extra-time will count. T&Cs Apply.