Both Mali and Senegal should be very proud of their under-20 men's soccer teams. Both reached the semifinals of the U-20 World Cup in shocking fashion, and though both ended up bowing out there, one of the two will end up claiming third place in the consolation match of the World Cup.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Mali actually had the better run for our money to reach the third-place match, and that's why it is the slightly favored team in this duel. The Eagles are +140 favorites to claim the third place honors in 90 minutes, while Senegal is at +195.
That has equated to making Mali the very slight PK -133 favorite on the Asian handicap.
The total is very high by U-20 standards at 2.5 (under -122), though third place games tend to be more exciting as both teams tend to go for broke with little on the line except for personal glory.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"My players are inexperienced, and in the end, that was the main reason for our defeat. They were really brave all match long though, and now I really want third place for them. We will do everything to make that happen for our team and our people. Everyone back home has been really happy with our success during this tournament, mainly because it has been quite an unexpected story." – Mali manager Fanyeri Diarra when asked what type of importance this third place match has for him
RECENT FORM
Mali really played strong soccer against Serbia in the semifinals on Wednesday. The team was beaten 2-1 in extra time, but the fact that it overcame a horrid start and an early goal by the Serbians was impressive nonetheless. Previously, Mali knocked off Germany in penalties and Ghana by a 3-0 count in the knockout rounds.
Senegal meanwhile, was hammered by Brazil 5-0 in the semis in a match where class was never in question. The Senegalese were just run off of the pitch from the get go, and the argument could be made that they were lucky to only be beaten by five. That shouldn't spoil an amazing run though, one which included wins over Uzbekistan and Ukraine in the knockout rounds.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Mali has shown more of a tendency to go forward here in the knockout rounds of the U-20 World Cup, and though it has had the better run of results as we see it, we still think that Senegal is the sharper of the two plays.
Mouhameth Sane and Sidy Sarr have been anchors for this team all the way through the tournament, and we suspect that their level of athleticism will trump what Mali and its inexperienced group of boys brings to the table in this one.
Though Mali and its honchos have said all of the right things leading into this match, often times what we find when one team bows out of a tournament in heartbreaking fashion with the other is blown out of the water, it is the team which played the less nervy game which ends up taking these third place matches.
Senegal's price of +195 on the moneyline is just too good to pass up over 90 minutes.
Senegal 1, Mali 0
The U-20 World Cup lines for this contest were first released by BookMaker Sportsbook with Mali lined as a +140 moneyline favorite and a total of 2.5 (under -122). Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time moneylines, spreads and totals. Live betting is open during every step of this match!
Need to fund your account before the big game but don’t have your computer? No problem! BookMaker Sportsbook now offers a mobile betting cashier so you can deposit money directly from your smartphone. Don’t miss out on getting paid because you couldn’t bet. Click here and deposit at BookMaker now! The fixture between Senegal and Mali is scheduled for Friday, June 19, 2015 at 9:30 p.m. ET at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. The match will be televised live on FOX Sports 2.
