Brazil has finally showed its true colors. The team which was expected to run away with the U-20 World Cup title this year never looked impressive in the tournament until the semifinals when it rolled up a 5-0 win over Senegal.
Many suspect that Saturday's match against Serbia is nothing more than a mere formality on the quest for Brazil's record-tying sixth U-20 championship.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Not surprisingly, Brazil, with its powerful name in the soccer world, is the -280 favorite to lift the trophy on Saturday, which is as big of a favorite as you'll see in any major international tournament final.
Over the course of 90 minutes though, this match is considered to be a lot closer than that initial price suggests. The Brazilians are -120 on the moneyline, which essentially makes this match a 50/50 proposition as to whether they will win the fixture or it will go into extra time or be won SU by Serbia.
The total is not surprisingly low at 2 (over -120), though 24 hours into the betting proceedings for this match, all of the bets at BookMaker Sportsbook have been on the over.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We found it tough against their fitness and energy. We need to improve in that respect. But my guys are doing really well here, and they are making history for their team, themselves for their country." – Serbia manager Veljko Paunovic on his team's fitness problem going into the finale against Brazil
RECENT FORM
It took a while, but Brazil finally looks to have the right combination of strikers up top to cause problems for the opposition. After so many woeful games offensively against the likes of Portugal and Uruguay (both of which ended 0-0 after 120 minutes and needed penalty kicks), the Brazilians finally struck pay dirt time and time again, netting five against Senegal in the semifinals.
Serbia has needed extra time in three straight matches, but three straight times, it was able to advance. The road hasn't been terribly tough with matches against Hungary, the United States and Mali, but winning all three matches after extra time and having the gumption to score winners in two of those three duels without the use of penalties is most certainly commendable.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
This match really has to only go 90 minutes for Serbia to survive. These youngsters have played 120 minutes in three straight matches, and it would be incredibly tough to match the strength and general talent on the Brazilian team through an extra 30 minutes after playing through 90 on level terms.
That said, we suspect that Serbia is going to get off to a good start. No, it isn't going to possess the ball a ton, but when it does get its feet on the ground and have a chance to attack, it should once again be efficient.
This will be a much different challenge for Brazil than the match against Senegal was, as the African side was overwhelmed early and never got its feet on the ground from that point forward.
Serbia won't have such issues. If the defense only manages to bend and not break, this is a winnable fixture. Either way, we want the Asian Handicap of +0.5 on our side, but we think this is a match which could be won in 90 minutes as well.
Serbia 1, Brazil 0
BookMaker has live U-20 World Cup odds for every clash of the season. BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. Brazil opened as a -120 favorite. The first offering of the total came in at 2 (over -120). Live wagering during the match offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer match now!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The fixture between Brazil and Serbia will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2015, at 1:00 a.m. at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. The game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.
