Chris Fallica
FOX Sports Betting Expert
“Bear Bets” are real bets that Chris “The Bear” Fallica actually does.
Overall tournament score: 17-23, -5.9 units
What an exciting time for football fans and bettors as we got to see all the fun Euro And Copa America Action on FOX and the FOX Sports App.
As for betting on these games, I will be giving you my best tips throughout the tournament. If I see an edge and bet on it, I will generally pass it on. I want us all to win!
I believe in transparency, so over the next few weeks I will be revealing my record of best tournament bets.
Remember: only bet as much as you feel comfortable with! So go ahead and join in the fun.
(All times ET)
Spain Comparisons FranceTuesday, 3 p.m., FOX and FOX Sports App
We said last round that every French knockout match under Didier Deschamps has followed the same pattern: the French opponent seems to be on France’s heels, then France scores a goal and wins 1-0 or on penalties. France will play an ugly match this time too, because Spain was the best team in the tournament and cannot afford to give themselves too much space.
Is Kylian Mbappé fit? Remember, he asked to be substituted in extra time against Portugal, is still battling a broken nose and trying to get comfortable with the mask. Spain are missing three players through injury and suspension – two in the back line – does that give France a glimmer of hope of scoring their first goal of the game? I’m curious to see if Camavinga gets the nod over Rabiot. France definitely looked a lot more dangerous in the last game when Camavinga came on for the suspended Rabiot.
In any case, a close and exciting game can be expected, which means under 2.5.
CHOICE: Spain/France Draw +195
TIP: Under 2.5 goals
Netherlands Comparisons EnglandWednesday, 3 p.m., FOX and FOX Sports App
Every England game is torture. And this one will probably be no exception.
There is a great deal of familiarity between the two teams, particularly in the Dutch defence, with Virgil van Djik and Nathan Ake both playing in the Premier League. They know the tendencies of the English players quite well.
I’m curious to see if Ronald Koemans tinkers with the lineup, as Memphis Depay hasn’t done much in the tournament. Could Malen or Frimpong start? Regardless, both of England’s knockout matches went to extra time and it will likely be the same this time.
CHOICE: England/Netherlands Draw +215
TIP: Under 2.5 goals
Argentina Comparisons CanadaTuesday, 8 p.m., FS1 and FOX Sports App
This should be fairly straightforward as Canada had a good chance around 30 minutes into the first game and never looked like Argentina were threatened after that. In that game, Argentina had 3.38 xG and a repeat of that will likely result in an equally dominant, if not more dominant, win. Aside from the injury time goal against Ecuador, Argentina have not conceded a goal in the tournament and are unlikely to do so here either.
CHOICE: Argentina HT/FT -110
CHOICE: Canada under 0.5 goals -135
UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final betting guide
Player of the tournament
There are still some opportunities in the POT market, as the players expected to be featured in an England or France tournament win have failed to impress.
France are in this stage of the competition thanks to their defense. Mike Maignan was incredible against Portugal, allowing just one penalty from Robert Lewandowski. William Saliba has been touted as potentially the best center back in the world throughout the tournament, so if France win, one of these two is likely to be the winner of the award. The same goes for England, where neither Harry Kane nor Jude Bellingham, aside from the magic against Slovakia, have been the main performers. Frankly, nobody has been, but Bukayo Saka is worth a try under that number. Saka saved England against Switzerland, just like Bellingham did against Slovakia, and then converted a penalty.
One of the sadder stories from the last European tournament was the racist abuse Saka received after he missed a penalty. If England win their next two games and Saka plays two solid games, I can easily see him being the winner.
CHOOSE: Mike Maignan +5000 Player of the Tournament (1/2 Unit)
CHOOSE: William Saliba +2000 Player of the Tournament (1/2 Unit)
CHOOSE: Bukayo Saka +3000 Player of the Tournament (1/2 Unit)
Chris “The Bear” Fallica has been covering sports for nearly three decades. His focus is college football, but he also has interests in NFL, soccer, golf, tennis, MLB, NHL and horse racing, betting on such events “occasionally.” Chris recently won the inaugural Circa Football Invitational and finished in the top 10 at the Golden Nugget Football Contest. He has qualified for the NHC Handicapping Championship multiple times. Remember, “The less you bet, the more you lose when you win!” Follow him on Twitter @Subscribe to.
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