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Jonathan David, Heung-min Son, Patrik Schick, and Breel Embolo are among the players I expect to have a major say on Thursday’s World Cup card.
Those expectations, and World Cup odds, helped shape my World Cup picks, with four goalscorer parlays offering attractive value across the day’s slate.
Best World Cup parlays for Thursday, June 18
| Match | Picks | Odds |
|---|---|---|
 CZEvs.  RSA |
Patrik Schick Foster Lyle |
<<+900>> |
 SUIvs.  BIH |
Breel Embolo Dan Ndoye |
<<+700>> |
 CANvs.  QAT |
Jonathan David Ismael Kone |
<<+600>> |
 MEXvs.  KOR |
Raul Jimenez Heung-min Son |
<<+800>> |
Czechia vs South Africa parlay: +900
South Africa had a tough task in the World Cup opener, and it showed, as it lost two players to red cards. Czechia also struggled in their opener, losing the xG battle 3-1 to South Korea.
Patrik Schick (+137) was subbed out after Czechia took a 1-0 lead, but his nation would eventually fall 2-1. He should see more minutes with plenty on the line in the second match and remain the focal point of the Czechia attack that needs to keep its foot on the gas.
Foster Lyle (+300) recorded one of South Africa’s three shots on target against Mexico and led the team in expected goals. With both teams coming off opening losses, this game has a chance to open up, creating opportunities on both sides.
- Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FOX
Check out our full Czechia vs South Africa predictions!
Switzerland vs Bosnia parlay: +700
The Swiss are coming off a disappointing draw against Qatar, with their only goal coming from the penalty spot via Breel Embolo (+125), who led the match in xG at 1.14. Switzerland can find multiple goals against a Bosnia side that was fortunate not to concede more against Canada.
Dan Ndoye (+225) paced Switzerland with six total shots in the opener and finished second on the team in xG behind Embolo. He was subbed off in the 65th minute, but this Swiss attack needs goals after all four nations in the group drew their opening matches, and advancement might come down to goal difference.
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FOX
Check our full Switzerland vs Bosnia predictions!
More World Cup betting tools
Canada vs Qatar parlay: +600
Canada created plenty of chances in the opener but struggled to finish. Jonathan David (-105) will continue to be the focal point of the attack and is the shortest-priced scorer in this matchup for a reason.
I’m going to add another Canuck in Ismael Kone (+240), who stayed on the pitch in the last match and controlled a lot of the attacking flow. Qatar conceded 3.2 xG in the opener along with a penalty, and Canada could flirt with two goals on Thursday.
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FSI
Check out our full Canada vs Qatar predictions!
Mexico vs South Korea parlay: +800
The Group A winners from the opener meet Thursday night. These two nations played to a 2-2 draw in the friendlies, while Mexico also won 2-1 in the 2018 World Cup.
It’s tough to leave Raul Jimenez off this card as he led Mexico in xG and found the net in the second half against South Africa. He has now scored in three straight World Cup/Gold Cup playoff matches.
I hate to be square (I really don’t), but Heung-min Son (+240) was dominant against Czechia, recording six shots on goal and becoming the only player in the match to finish with an xG above 1.0 despite not finding the back of the net. The volume and role are too good to ignore.
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FOX
Check out our full Mexico vs South Korea predictions!
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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