Updated World Cup odds, picks, predictions: Two best bets to play before the semifinals

The World Cup has been full of drama, surprises, and moments of magic, but ultimately, it has been chalky.The four pre-tournament favorites, France, Spain, England, and Argentina, are the last countries remaining in the 48-team field.France will take on Spain in the first semifinal on Tuesday afternoon in Dallas, then England and Argentina will renew their long-standing international rivalry in Atlanta on Wednesday.Before the tournament began just over a month ago, it was Spain that topped the odds at most sportsbooks.

As we head into the penultimate round of the World Cup, another team has clearly separated itself from the pack.France, which has been to the finals in each of the last World Cups with a win in 2018, is the consensus favorite to lift the trophy at +150.Les Bleus are the only team in the tournament that has won all six matches this summer without needing extra time.Didier Deschamps’ side has only conceded two goals in the tournament, and none since the knockout rounds started.If you bet France before the tournament, you’re sitting pretty right now.

But the value on Les Bleus is long gone.As is the value on Kylian Mbappe to win the Golden Boot (most goals) and/or Golden Ball (tournament MVP).Mbappe is odds-on at -120 to win the Golden Boot, and he’s +150 to win the Golden Ball.

So if not France, which of the four remaining teams has the most value heading into the semifinals? And what about the awards markets? Mbappe and Lionel Messi are tied with eight goals apiece in the Golden Boot hunt, but there’s another superstar at a much better price worth a hard look.We haven’t seen the best of Spain yet.That may sound ludicrous since La Furia Roja are in the semifinals having conceded just one goal throughout the entire tournament.

Still, if you’ve watched Luis de la Fuente’s team this summer, you’d be right thinking that this team has another gear it can hit, especially offensively.Spain’s best player, Lamine Yamal, has one goal and no ...