FIFA World Cup Props Today, 06/18: Embolo to Score (+140), Jimenez to Score (+205) Among Best Bets

It’s day eight of the group stage of the World Cup and with comes a pair of matchups with host countries in action. We get to see Groups A and B in action here as the first eight sides to start the second round of group play square off in search of a victory. We have a clash for the top spot in Group A as one of the host countries is in action. Meanwhile, on the flip side, Group B enters Thursday in a four-way tie for the top spot. Each side hopes to separate themselves and take a step toward the knockout stage.

World Cup Schedule

• South Africa vs. Czechia – Group A (12 pm ET)
• Bosnia-Herzegovina – Group B (3 pm ET)
• Qatar vs. Canada – Group B (6 pm ET)
• South Korea vs. Mexico – Group A (9 pm ET)

With this slate on the docket, there are some solid options for your World Cup best bets and anytime goal scorer picks across the tournament. It’s time for players to make a name for themselves. Let’s take a look at some of the top plays to help you walk away a winner at the window.

Anytime Goal Scorer Best Bet Picks Today

Raul Jimenez, Mexico Anytime Goal Scorer (+205, DraftKings)

Jimenez may be one of Mexico’s top scoring threats in the World Cup. The 35-year-old tallied nine times in 36 matches for Fulham in the Premier League this season. He has six goals in 24 World Cup qualifying matches in his career. Last week’s clash with South Africa marked his seventh World Cup appearance and he scored his first goal. With Cesar Montes missing the match after earning a red card, El Tri might rely more on offense here. Meanwhile, in a match with South Korea for the top spot in Group A, Jimenez scores again.

Breel Embolo, Switzerland Anytime Goal Scorer (+140, DraftKings)

If there is a player for the Nati that found their scoring stroke recently, one need look no further than Embolo. He tallied four times in six World Cup qualifying matches to help Switzerland make the field. That was followed by a pair of goals in three international friendly matches for El Nati. For good measure, he tallied Switzerland’s lone goal in their draw with Qatar in their Group B opener. While one could look to Dan Ndoye (+240) as well, Embolo is the prime option for the Nati in this match to score.

Cyle Larin, Canada Anytime Goal Scorer (+120, DraftKings)

We saw Qatar struggle in their first group play match. That doesn’t bode well for them here in their chances against Canada. Larin, the former first overall pick in the MLS back in 2015, is looked at for scoring punch. He tallied 43 goals in 87 matches with Orlando in the MLS before going overseas. Larin was a massive scoring threat for Canada in the 2022 World Cup qualifying round, tallying 13 times in 16 matches. This time around, he scored the lone goal for Canada in their draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina to start group play. With Qatar struggling, look for Larin to score again here.

Other World Cup Best Bets

Pavel Sulc, Czechia To Score or Assist (+175, DraftKings)

Czechia had South Korea on the ropes, taking a 1-0 lead in the 59th minute. The Lokomotiva then made the curious decision to swap out their top scoring option, Patrik Schick. At the same time, Czechia also swapped out their most creative playmaker in Sulc. Both players left in the 64th minute and we saw South Korea tally twice after that to hand the Lokomotiva a bitter defeat. Facing a South Africa squad that struggled to do anything offensively against Mexico means Czechia should be better offensively. Sulc has a hand in some Czechian offense as the Lokomotiva earn a win.

Qatar to Score Under 0.5 Goals (-143, DraftKings)

While one might point to the fact that Qatar scored in their opener against Switzerland, one needs to look deeper. The Maroons were dominated in the match in all facets. Qatar lost the possession battle 68% to 32% in the match. In addition, Qatar took a 26-6 beating in shot attempts and a 7-3 beating in shots on goal. The Maroons were moments away from a 1-0 loss when an own goal by Switzerland gave them a draw. Canada turned up the pressure on Bosnia-Herzegovina to earn a draw in their first match. They learned from those miscues and shut Qatar down to win by shutout here.