The last year has been an exhilarating one in the world of sports. In Boxing, the sport’s undisputed pay-per-view king Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has bounced back from his shocking loss to Russia’s Dmitry Bivol with back-to-back victories, firstly settling his trilogy with Gennady Golovkin, then handily dispatching Britain’s John Ryder in front of a partisan home crowd in Guadalajara. In the NFL, Patrick Mahomes set his Kansas City Chiefs on their road to dynasty-like status with a stunning come-from-behind victory over Jalen Hurts’ Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LVII.
But it is perhaps the world of soccer that has provided the biggest story of the last 12 months thus far. That particular tale was told last December when Lionel Messi etched his name into the history books as the greatest soccer player that’s ever lived when he led his beloved Argentina to their first FIFA World Cup triumph since the days of Diego Maradona some 36 years ago. The former Barcelona superstar picked up the Player of the Tournament award as he netted seven times in eight games, including two in a scintillating final against France, en route to glory.
The European soccer season is currently drawing to a close, and the continent’s top leagues are all reaching their apex, but there is still money to be made in the beautiful game. Betting on sports still requires plenty of strategic thinking – the same level of focus, determination, and control over your entertainment budget that comes in handy when playing online slots Canada under responsible gambling practices. Above all, by thoroughly reviewing betting guides, going over odds, and choosing a legitimate platform, you could make yourself a pretty penny this summer.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at two soccer tips that could make you some money throughout the summer. And remember, always gamble responsibly.
Manchester City to Win Their First UEFA Champions League (in 90 minutes): -260
Ever since their Abu Dhabi-backed takeover back in 2009, Manchester City has become a household name in the world of soccer. Prior to the aforementioned buyout, it was their city rivals Manchester United that were the biggest name in both English and European football. In the 14 years since however, it is The Blues that have taken over the mantle as England’s best football team.
They have won six Premier League crowns in the last 11 years, including four in the last five. And they are a whisker away from a fifth title in six years, sitting atop the English top flight with just a handful of games remaining. But there is one trophy that has eluded them over the last decade, the trophy that the club’s oil-rich owners want more than any other.
That trophy is of course the UEFA Champions League, and The Citizens have known nothing but pain in the competition in the last few years. Back in 2019, they had a last-minute winner controversially ruled out by VAR which saw them eliminated by compatriots Tottenham Hotspur at the quarterfinal stage. Two years later, they were stunned by fellow English side Chelsea in the final, losing 1-0 to a goal from German striker Kai Havertz, despite being massive favorites.
Last season, however, they suffered their most embarrassing defeat yet. Heading into injury time in the second leg of their semi-final against Real Madrid, they led by two goals, meaning that the Spanish outfit had to score twice in a matter of minutes to take the tie to extra time. But Brazilian winger Rodrygo did exactly that, scoring two goals in two minutes before Karim Benzema netted a winner in extra time to send City crashing out.
This year, the two clubs met once again in the semifinals and the English champions ran riot, running out 5-1 winners on aggregate. City’s progression set up a meeting against Inter Milan, who comfortably defeated cross-city rivals AC to punch their ticket to Istanbul, their first Champions League final since Jose Mourinho led the Nerazzurri to an unprecedented treble back in 2010. Pep Guardiola’s side will never have a better chance to win the tournament, and at odds of -260, the bookies clearly think that the elusive ‘Big Eared’ trophy will finally be making its way to the Etihad Stadium this summer.
USWNT Continue Their Dominance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup: +275
At the aforementioned 2022 FIFA World Cup, the USMNT gave a great account of themselves as they progressed from the group stages ahead of Iran and Wales, earning a creditable draw against England on the way. However, that famous golden trophy hasn’t yet made its way stateside. That is in the men’s game at least.
In the world of women’s soccer, the United States is the dominant force. They have lifted the trophy on four occasions including winning the last two tournaments back-to-back. They head to Australia and New Zealand this summer as the favorites for glory once again, and we expect them to make it a trifecta of triumphs on August 20th.
The star of the show four years ago was Megan Rapinoe. She won the Player of the Tournament award as she led the Stars and Stripes to glory however, at 37 years of age, she will be reduced to being more of a squad player this time around. Instead, the pressure to deliver falls on the shoulders of the likes of Alyssa Thompson and Alex Morgan.
The biggest competition for the USWNT looks to be coming from England. The Lionesses lifted the European Championships on home turf last summer, and they will be gunning for their first-ever World Cup trophy this summer. But the aforementioned Morgan sank the English at the semifinal stage in France four years ago, and the Americans should have too much to handle for the rest of the competition once again this summer.
