Just the fact that there are two African teams in the Under-20 World Cup semifinals is quite the accomplishment. However, Senegal could find its road to a major championship dashed on Wednesday against the giants from Brazil.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Just the name of Brazil is going to carry a lot of weight here in this tournament, though it has become clear to us that this probably isn't the best side in the world in relation to the rest of the U-20 teams out there.
The Brazilians though, are still -155 favorites to win this match in 90 minutes in spite of the fact that they only haven't scored a goal in their last two games.
Senegal is a definite underdog to advance of nearly the 3 to 1 variety, and it is +420 to get to the final in normal time.
The total is set at 2 (under -140), a number that you would think is low but truly isn't considering the fact that just one of the last 10 matches played in this tournament has reached three goals.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"Portugal created more in front of goal than we did and deserved to win today. They were better than us." – Brazil manager Rogerio Micale on his team's quarterfinal escape from Portugal
RECENT FORM
As Micale pointed out, Brazil wasn't exactly at its best through 120 minutes against Portugal. Winning in penalties is never easy no matter who you're going against though, and the fact that the Brazilians were able to win that shootout 3-1 is a big accomplishment. It was the second straight fixture which Brazil won on penalties, as it did so 5-4 against Uruguay in the Round of 16.
The Brazilian youngsters had no trouble scoring goals in the group phase, netting nine in three matches against Hungary, North Korea and Nigeria. This though, has obviously been a real challenge in the knockout rounds.
Senegal meanwhile, is trying to become a rare team to lose its first match and still win the tournament. The African nation was beaten 3-0 by Portugal in its opener, and it was fortunate to get four points from two games against Colombia and Qatar after that to qualify for the knockout rounds.
From there, the Senegalese took care of Ukraine on penalties and Uzbekistan 1-0 behind a Mamadou Thiam strike.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Brazil is going to deservedly be the big favorite in this match, but we aren't so sure that it is going to warrant being as big of a choice of the oddsmakers as it is lined to be.
Senegal will have a few days to take a look at the Brazilian penalties, grabbing a lot of film from two shootouts to react to tendencies. Even young kids under legal drinking American drinking age should be able to retain enough information to succeed if this goes the distance.
Micale has tried five different combinations of strikers over the course of the last two games, and the results just haven't looked good regardless of who has been out there.
If the frontline mates in green and yellow aren't able to create more in front of net, this is a match which is there for the taking for Senegal in what might be the biggest moment this nation has ever had on the pitch at any level.
Senegal 1, Brazil 0
The U-20 World Cup lines for this contest were first released by BookMaker Sportsbook with Brazil lined as a -155 moneyline favorite and a total of 2 (under -140). 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 Brazil and Senegal is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at 12:00 a.m. ET at Christchurch Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand. The match will be televised live on FOX Sports 1.
