FIFA World Cup Goal Scorer Picks Today June 28: David and Larin Look to Get Better of Bafana Bafana

The knockout stages begin with what should be an open match between group runners-up Canada and South Africa. Neither side was considered a contender to win the World Cup before the tournament, and both will feel comfortable playing without pressure. That should mean plenty of options for FIFA World Cup goal scorer picks today.

Given the format change, there’s an important caveat to remember: goal scorer bets can either include or exclude extra time. If the bet excludes extra time, any goal scored is limited to the first 90 minutes and stoppage time.

These bets are best for when one team has a clear advantage. If the sides look even, it’s smart to take the lower payout to allow for an extra time goal to count.

That seems to be the case here. Canada doesn’t have the advantage of playing at home, and neither side has looked impressive in this tournament so far. The Canadians look like the slightly stronger side, but the advantage isn’t pronounced enough to dismiss the possibility of an extra 30 minutes.

Here’s a look at some of the most likely FIFA World Cup goal scorer picks today.

Jonathan David, Anytime Plus Extra Time (+140, FanDuel)

In the knockout stages, teams get desperate on defense. That makes penalties more likely, and David is Canada’s main man from the spot. He’s scored all of Canada’s past three goals from the spot, and he’s just as much of a threat in open play.

In the 6-0 win over Qatar, David did most of the damage. He scored a hat trick against the Crimsons, which would put him in the race for the Golden Boot in a normal year. This year, with Lionel Messi putting home six goals already, that’s not happening.

But David still has a good chance to get a goal against a suspect Bafana Bafana defense. South Africa couldn’t hold either Mexico or Czechia, and Canada has scored in every match at this tournament. David should add to his total.

Cyle Larin, Anytime Plus Extra Time (+160, FanDuel)

David’s been the better scorer in terms of volume. Larin has been the more consistent. He has opened the scoring for Canada in two of the Reds’ three matches, finding the first goal against Qatar and grabbing an equalizer against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Larin scored eight goals in the club season for Southampton, and he’s likely to press the issue along with David. Both are likely to find the mesh at some point, as both are regularly involved in the attack. Larin’s odds offer slightly better value.

Evidence Magokpa, Anytime Plus Extra Time (+500, DraftKings)

Canada’s defense isn’t good enough to expect a shutout. Both teams have scored in three of Canada’s past four matchups, and South Africa should be pressing forward after outplaying South Korea in the final match of the group stage.

But picking a goal scorer for South Africa is hard, because Bafana Bafana spreads out its scoring. Anyone in a South Africa shirt is a reasonable choice to be the goal scorer.

Magokpa has had a shot on target in five of his past seven appearances for South Africa. That kind of consistency makes him worth a flier. The heavy odds mean that this is a dart, but someone is likely to score for South Africa. Magokpa’s ability to get the ball to the target make him a reasonable pick.