Pretty sure his odds got better.
Before the WC he was the leading contender with Salah and Messi in 2nd and 3rd. Salah certainly had a worse WC and while Messi’s is arguable, he needed an extraordinary WC to pass Ronaldo (in the eyes of the bookies). So it’s not that his play necessarily elevated him, it’s that the closest people failed to catch up.
Wow, just checked and he is a HUGE favorite. It would be interesting to see if they change if he leaves RM for Sporting or Juve, as the recent rumors suggest.
In any case, I already have a lot riding on Neymar, since I have a sizable wager on Brazil. If Brazil or France win, I can determine if I want to re-invest my proceeds.
I still can’t comprehend why Barrios wasn’t sent off. To me it was very similar to Pepe head-butting Thomas Mueller in 2014–if anything, Pepe used even less force, so if the argument is that this action by Barrios somehow wasn’t violent conduct, I don’t see how that’s consistent.
As someone that hates Pepe, Pepe being sent off was a fucking joke. I’ll never understand why FIFA thinks touching someone in a non playing situation is worse than any reckless two footed ankle breaking challenge that’s ostensibly going for the ball. The laws of the game say violent conduct is “excessive for or brutality.” Pepe lightly rested his forehead against Muller. Brutal…
That being said, I’m also very surprised the Colombian player wasn’t sent off.
The problem for Pepe was that Mueller was on the ground in a defenseless position at the time he did it, so pretty much any force whatsoever could be construed as “excessive” in that setup. And his prior reputation surely didn’t help him.
I guess I maybe just answered my own question about why the two scenarios could be adjudicated differently, but I still think Barrios should have been sent off. It wasn’t quite as ridiculous as Alex Song karate chopping Mario Mandzukic in the back, but it was still pretty bad. Geiger didn’t have good control of the match and letting that slide just made him seem more of a pushover.
…because why not?
QF1- It’s pretty much confirmed that Cavani is out injured, which is a real shame, because that will just force Uruguay to play even more compact and defensively, in hopes of French impatience or defensive lapses leading to 3-4 breakaway attempts for Suarez to slot one through with a bit of his magic (and hopefully not a bite!) An early goal for France would really do wonders for this game, but I’m afraid it will be a 0-0 draw into extra time. That Uruguay defense is stout, although they finally let one in last game. France will run them ragged and may even force a red card. France’s options off the bench will be the difference in extra time and France will take it 2-0. Goals for Ousmane Dembele and Nabil Fekir.
QF2- Belgium will begin the game with an early goal by Lukaku off of a corner, taking advantage of Brazil’s usual slow start, stirring up the horrible memories of 4 years ago throughout the Brazilian population. But the Selecao quickly strike back with Neymar sending a perfect cross to Jesus (or Firmino if he starts) exposing Marinez’s aging back 3, and reminding Brazil fans that none of the players on the pitch (with the possible exception of Marcelo) played in that game. 1-1 at the half. In the 2nd half, Brazil’s quickness and quality will be too much for Belgium, and the Brazil defense will remind them that they haven’t allowed more than 1 goal in any of their previous 29 games. Goals by Coutinho and Neymar in the 2nd half will lead to the 3-1 win and showdown versus France.
I will warn you, that I have been wrong before. 
Neymar Louganis Jrs best dives of 2016.
Brazilian RB Danilo out for rest of WC with an ankle injury picked up in practice.
Brazil’s Danilo out remainder of World Cup with ankle injury Brazil's Danilo out remainder of World Cup with ankle injury
via @ESPN App http://es.pn/app
Is Fellaini a starter do we know? Think he has to if Belgium are to have a chance - need some physical disruption and ball retention up top against a tough defence. Seen Rom get marginalised too many times in these sort of games, reckon Feli contesting matters in the mixer might allow him to shin one in on the rebound.
I agree. If Mexico had him one or two of their crosses into the box might have been headed in. He needs to maintain his composure because he can be undisciplined and pick up cards.
Our friend Neymar mocked in a new KFC commercial.
Uruguay aren’t letting Mbappe go on runs. Godin is marking the hell out of Griezemann.
Fun fact: Last three major tournaments, France have lost t to eventual winner.
Euro2016: Final Portugal
WC2014: QF Germany
Euro2012: QF Spain.
Fellaini is probably plan b or even plan c for belgium. They have an attack of Mertens, Hazard and Lukaku, with de Bruyne behind them. Nothing about them is geared towards throwing the ball high in the box. Although they might decide he will be a handy extra defensive midfielder.
The smartest thing I heard would be to go back to 4 in the back (Vermaelen and Kompany in the center, with Alderweireld and Vertonghen as backs. Two defensive midfielders (Witsel with either Dembele or Fellaini) and de Bruyne in his proper position behind Lukaku, with Mertens and Hazard from the sides. Carasco and Meunier have been less than impressive, especially defensively.
Looks like France is just too much for Uruguay. The Celestes sure have put up a good fight.
If history is any indicator (which it isn’t,) Brazil should fear France.
They have to beat Belgium first. 
France-Belgium would make for an interesting match. La grande nation against their often belittled and mocked small neighbor, with much quality on both sides.
I agree. I love it when history and sport intersect.
So glad that Chompers Suarez is not going through. They should have expelled him permanently last World Cup.
Now if only Floppers Neymar can lose too.
I’m a Dortmund fan so it was exciting to hear that we have the next CR7, Pogba and Iniesta. I love optimism but…
https://mobile.twitter.com/BVB_Network/status/1015270254472122368