Kiwi punter wins big

World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Argentina and Switzerland. Photo / AP

A lucky Kiwi punter managed to make more than $50,000 from yesterday's Football
World Cup matches.

According to the TAB, the football fan successfully picked the score at the end of normal time for the matches between Argentina and Switzerland, and Belgium and USA match to be nil all.

His $500 double bet on the games turned into $51,000, with his betting odds placed at $12 and $8.50 for each of the matches.

Belgium eventually won its match at the end of extra time 2-1.

Argentina also emerged victorious from the competition's Round 16, with an extra-time goal over Switzerland putting the final match score at 1-0.

Meanwhile, football fans and betting fanatics will be eyeing up this weekend's quarter final matches, with the first match between Germany and France due to take place early Saturday morning.

Host nation Brazil will battle Colombia in the second match of the day, and Argentina are due to face Belgium on Sunday, followed by the the Netherlands and Costa Rica.

TAB odds put Brazil as the favourites to take out the World Cup, at $3.60.

Punters keen to be a bit more adventurous would likely pin their hopes on Costa Rica, with odds set at $50 for the nation to take out the tournament's top spot.

Quarter final odds - at the end of normal time
• Saturday 5 July @ 4am Germany $2.30, France $2.90, Draw $3.30
• Saturday 5 July @ 8am Brazil $1.80, Colombia $4.20, Draw $3.50
• Sunday 6 July @ 4am Argentina $2.00, Belgium $3.60, Draw $3.30
• Sunday 6 July @ 8am Netherlands $1.45, Costa Rica $7.00, Draw $4.00
Source: TAB