There will be at least one surprise team in the semifinals of World Cup odds since the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal match between Ghana and Uruguay will have a place in the final four. Uruguay is a half goal favorite in World Cup betting on Friday in this match that can be seen on ESPN with the total at two under.
World Cup odds favor Uruguay but it is not a huge line against Ghana. The three-way line has Uruguay at +115, Ghana at +260 and the Draw at +260. Keep in mind this is a knockout game so the draw would pay off if the game ends tied after 90 minutes and injury time.
Ghana has been a surprise team so far in World Cup betting and they will look to keep their run going against Uruguay. Ghana has had an excellent defense and just enough scoring led by the midfield of Kevin-Prince Boateng and Dede Ayew. The problem for Ghana is that Ayew will not play on Friday due to suspension and Jonathan Mensah is also suspended. Boateng is also dealing with a hamstring injury and he may not be at full strength if he plays at all. It would have been tough enough for Ghana to score against a very good Uruguay defense even if they were at full strength.
Uruguay is somewhat of a surprise in the quarterfinals but looking at their roster it is not hard to see why they are winning vs. the World Cup odds. Striker Diego Forlan is capable of scoring goals, the defense for Uruguay is superb and they are getting solid goalkeeping. Uruguay is one of only a few teams that have more than one good scoring threat as in addition to Forlan they also have Luis Suarez. On defense they have a superb defender in Diego Godin who has been as good as anyone in the World Cup. They also have an underrated midfielder in Diego Perez.
Uruguay has a rich history in the World Cup but in recent World Cups they have done nothing. Uruguay won their first two World Cups in 1939 and in 1950 but after reaching the semifinals in 1970 they had virtually no success. That could change on Friday as they are favored to get by Ghana in quarterfinal World Cup odds.