WC 2010 SUMMARY - LIST OF THE ALL BETS

We're approaching the end of WC. Competition has been marked with referees' mistakes that sent some selections home, new irregular ball by Adidas and that terrible noise. Quality is, in my opinion, just average. Some profit from the bets. 

Two more games. I won't touch game from the bronze (Germany at 1.65 simply doesn't worth of it), but will post analyze for the final.

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Hope I helped you to earn some cash and would like to use this opportunity to say thanks to all who sent me e-mails with the appreciations. Cheers lads!

We all have the same target, to rob the bookies and this blog will stay free as long as there's an interest for it. 

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I'm taking a break and will be back when the seasons start. Maybe only few bets before it.

Good luck,

Dule

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However, here's the list of my all bets (with links to original posts). 

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BETS:

England - USA, England to win (1.53) and Argentina-Nigeria,over 2.5 ( 1.82). Double @ 2.83 

Serbia - Ghana, Serbia to win @ 2.10 

Germany - Australia, Germany -1ah @ 2.10 

Holland - Denmark, Holland -1ah @ 2.03 

Japan - Cameroon, Cameroon to win @ 2.23  

Portugal - I.Coast, Portugal to win @ 2.30  

Brazil - DPR Korea, Korea +1ah 1st half @ 1.925  

Hond.-Chile, Chi. to win and Spain-Switz.,Spain to win to nil.Double @ 3.16  

Argentina - S.Korea, Argentina -1ah @ 2.03  

Greece - Nigeria, Nigeria to win @ 2.22  

France - Mexico, France to win @ 2.29 

Germany - Serbia, over 2.5 @ 2.10  

England - Algeria, England -2ah @ 2.70  

Holland - Japan, Holland -1ah @ 1.95  

Ghana - Australia, Ghana -0.5ah @ 2.28  

Cameroon - Denmark, Denmark 0.0ah @ 1.92 

Slovakia - Paraguay, Paraguay to win @ 2.15 

Brazil - I.Coast, Brazil -0.75ah @ 2.08 

Portugal - Korea DPR, Portugal -1ah @ 1.72 

Chile - Switzerland, corner handicap Chile -1ah @ 1.85 

Spain - Honduras, Spain -2ah @ 2.02 

Mexico - Uruguay, Uruguay to win @ 5.00 

S.Africa - France, S.Africa +0.25ah @ 2.08  

Nigeria - S.Korea, S.Korea -0.25 @ 2.10 1/2 LOST

Slovenia - England, total cards over 5ah @ 2.00 

USA - Algeria, USA -0.75ah @ 2.17 1/2 WON

Ghana - Germany, Germany -1.5ah @ 2.45  

Chile - Spain, Spain -1ah @ 1.93  

Uruguay - S.Korea, Uruguay -0.75ah @ 2.19  1/2 WON

Germany - England, England -0.25ah @ 2.14  

Argentina - Mexico, Argentina -1ah @ 2.25  

Brazil - Chile, Brazil -1ah @ 2.08  

Spain - Portugal, Spain to win @ 2.10 

Holland - Brazil, Brazil -0.5ah @ 2.05  

Uruguay - Ghana, Uruguay to win @ 2.10 

Argentina - Germany, Germany to qualify @ 2.25 

Paraguay - Spain, Spain -1ah @ 1.80  

Uruguay - Holland, Holland -1ah @ 2.49  

Number of bets: 38

Average odd: 2.24

Number of wins: 16

Number of draws: 5

Number of loses: 15.5

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GAMBLES:

Milijas to score first (Ghana) @ 13.00   

Name of the finalists: Germany-Brazil @ 17.00 

Group betting: 1st USA 2nd England, 1st Spain 2nd Switzerland, 1st Argentina 2nd S.Korea. Treble @ 28.00  

Brazil - Portugal, Brazil to win 1-0 @ 7.00  

Forlan to score first (S.Korea) @ 5.50  

Holland - Slovakia, Slovakia to score first @ 3.75  

Brazil - Chile, red card in the game-YES @ 3.00  

Paraguay - Japan, Barrios MOM @ 7.00  

Argentina - Germany, Germany -1ah @ 6.10 

Germany - Spain, Germany to win on penalties @ 10.00 

Holland - Spain, draw @ 3.20

Number of bets: 11

Average odd: 9.41

Number of wins: 2

Number of draws: 0

Number of loses: 9

2.

ANTEPOST:

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England 1st, USA 2nd @ 2.50  LOST

Serbia to win the group @ 4.00  LOST

Serbia to reach semi-final @ 9.00  LOST

Spain 1st, Chile 2nd @ 2.10  WON

Uruguay to qualify @ 2.10  WON

Uruguay and SA to qualify @ 15.00  LOST

Robinho top goalscorer 29.00  LOST

Luis Suarez top goalscorer @ 51.00  LOST

Kaka golden ball @ 15.00  LOST

Best team goalscorer:Milijas (15.00), Suarez (3.50), Rooney (2.37). Treble @ 124.68  LOST

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Number of bets:10

Average odd: 25.438

Number of wins: 2

Number of draws: 0

Number of loses: 8

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World Cup 2010 bonuses
888sports - NO LOSE BET
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WC 2010 - 06.07.

Uruguay - Holland, Holland -1ah @ 2.49 (188bet)  2-3 DRAW

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Uruguay will be missing several key players. Defense line will be consisted first time from those four. They've noticed a great success, progress to the final wouldn't be realistic in my opinion.

Holland made a historic win against Brazil. They're just one step far from the end. Robben was maybe a little bit predictable (always going to the left, instead to shoot by right leg), but Wesley Sneijder is in a life form. A serious candidate for a golden ball.

I think it will be easier than most people expect and predict a safe Holland's win.

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World Cup 2010 bonuses
888sports - NO LOSE BET
Open your account, here. Place your first bet (maximum 20 pounds). If you lose, in the next 72 hours you’ll get your money back! Offer applies to new customers only, between June 1, 2010 & July 12, 2010.

WC 2010 - 02.07.

Holland - Brazil, Brazil -0.5ah @ 2.05 (bet365)  2-1 LOST

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Odds on Brazil maybe look too low,but they're fair in my opinion.Holland looked fine so far,but my impression is they haven't had any real test.And now they face the strongest possible.They haven't conceded in 13 of last 16 games,but quality of those opponents is way below.

Only bad side to this Brazil is their players like sometimes to entertain themselves during the game.Fabiano,for example,allowed a counter attack for Chile trying to perform some trick.

No,really can't imagine any possible outcome than Brazil to progress.Odd suggests there's little less than 50% possibility for their win in 90 minutes.I think it's higher and will accept the offer.

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Uruguay - Ghana, Uruguay @ 2.10 (Expekt)  1-1 LOST

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Nothing much to say about this encounter.At the first moment,I thought a bet on yellows (over) could be a nice idea,but Benquerenca doesn't show too much.I'm not impressed at all with Ghana and am taking Uruguay here.Much bigger talent,higher level of discipline,better tactic set-ups,better coach...More than enough for me.Correct score 1-0.

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World Cup 2010 bonuses
888sports - NO LOSE BET
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WC 2010 - 28.06.

Holland - Slovakia, Slovakia to score first @ 3.75 (bet365)  LOST

The Dutch played a perfect qualifications and started WC with all 3 wins and just a single goal conceded (after a doubtful penalty).However,they have a long list of failures on big competitions after underestimations of the opponents and this time they're already seen in a quarter clash against Brazil.Robben is fit,but same as Rooney and Torres and I don't expect (still) great performances from him.

Slovakia made a first class surprise,now they're full of self confidence and can play without any pressure.In a positional game however,they don't have too much chances and it would be only a matter of final result.I expect not so defensive Slovakia and who knows,maybe Weiss got some silly idea to attack Holland.

Class difference is obvious,just I don't see Holland at 1.40 worth of backing and easily can imagine this game going in the wrong way.A gamble for me.

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Bets for tonight will follow.Stay tuned.

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Brazil - Chile, Brazil -1ah @ 2.08 (bet365)  3-0 WON 
red card in the game - yes @ 3.00 (bet365)  NO LOST 

Brazil is top favorite to win WC.In group games,only against Ivory Coast they showed a piece of the full potential.Dunga rested Kaka,Robinho and Elano,all 3 will be in the squad tonight.Both teams know each other very well and I'd exclude any tactical surprise.Brazil likes to play against Chile,6 win in a row,5 of those were with 2 or bigger winning margin.In last 5,Brazil scored 21 goals(!),conceded just 3.

Chile looked good in the group games.Despite two 1-0 wins,they play very attacking.Bielsa forces some little weird formation,with 3 players in a defense line.Del Bosque made a stupid decision,left his wingers on the bench and actually adjusted Spain's game to Chile's,which was scandalous in my opinion.Dunga won't be making such favors.Also,Bielsa will be without his 2 key defenders.

Chile is good enough to keep Brazilians fully focused.Can't see any sign of a surprise.Also,Chile's disciplinary record suggests a big possibility it won't ended peacefully.

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World Cup 2010 bonuses
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WC 2010 - 25.06.

Post will be updated through the day.

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Portugal - Brazil, Correct score Brazil to win 1-0 @ 7.00 (888sports)  0-0 LOST 

With all due respect to Portugal,it will be a matter of Brazil only.They don't need a win,probably some fringe players will get a chance.And Dunga is not Maradona,he doesn't care about 9 points,sending a message to public and such things.If Brazil doesn't win WC he'll be crusified (as Maradona if fails).So,a draw would be fine for him.On the other hand,although Brazil looks tactically perfect,playing for a draw carries some risk.And that risk is second top favorite for winning WC!

Portugal will try to compete,CR will perform some of his tricks,but they're safe as Ivory Coast won't do too much (surely won't win by 9).They'll be playing on the same way as they did against them.

I expect a tough game and Brazil to nick one in the 2nd half.

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UPDATE I:

Chile - Spain, Spain -1ah @ 1.93 (Pinnacle)  1-2 DRAW

Chile won both games 1-0 against two defensive sides.Today they need not to lose by more than 1 (my assumption is Switzerland won't win by 2 or more).Problem is they can't adjust their attacking style of play to opponent.It works when they're favorites,but against Brazil in their qualifications it brought 7 conceded goals in 2 games.3 players in defense line make them vulnerable on the flanks (tonight,vulnerable to Silva,Mata,Navas,Villa...).And I'm not sure playing pressing against Spain will bring them anything good.

After two games,I have impression that Spain has much more potential than they've been showing so far.First game was a bad luck imo,in second only their arrogance and selfishness each to other stopped them not to score few more.Now they feel a fire under the feet and it's the final time to become serious.

Personally don't like Del Bosque and big expectations brought some pressure,but I think they're simply too strong to end WC in a group.

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World Cup 2010 bonuses
888sports - NO LOSE BET
Open your account, here. Place your first bet (maximum 20 pounds). If you lose, in the next 72 hours you’ll get your money back! Offer applies to new customers only, between June 1, 2010 & July 12, 2010.

WC 2010 - 22.06.

Post will be updated through the day.

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Many interesting bets for the outcome of World Cup. I chose two, for now.

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Name of the finalists:

Brazil - Germany @ 17.00 (bet365)

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Group betting:

1st USA, 2nd England @ 4.33

1st Spain, 2nd Switzerland @ 4.00

1st Argentina, 2nd S.Korea @ 1.61

A treble @ 28.00 (bet365)

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UPDATE I:

Greece - Argentina, NO BET

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I think we all can agree that "Argentina B" (which means Millito and Aguero alongside Messi,probably Di Maria and Maxi on the flanks) is still much stronger than Greek full and highly motivated squad.
The thing that fears me most is the idea Argies will play more for fun than for the result.Attractive and nice to watch,but not so responsible in defense tasks (especially mentioned five).
Other thing is Otto Rehhagel.German who won EURO with his hard-to-watch defensive football.Counter attacks and set pieces are the only way to score.So,in combination with my first reason I could imagine very complicate scenario here.
I don't say Argentina won't smash them,but simply don't like those odds.Will skip this one.

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UPDATE II:

Mexico - Uruguay, Uruguay to win @ 5.00 (Bet3000)  0-1 WIN

The point of a draw is both sides will pass the group.Ok,what Mexico thinks about it?Maybe they can win,they defeated France and are full of confidence.But,they should accept a draw and face Argentina instead Korea probably?!Nah,doesn't sound like Mexico.Even if they lose,probability to be eliminated is very low as France won't trash anybody today.
Other thing,if one side score (it's hardly to imagine a game without any chance,at least because the fear of UEFA president),they should just allow other to score?He-he Mexico and Uruguay?Hell,no.
We already have seen 2-2 draw once,but this sides?No,I don't think so.
Winner will have a red carpet to a quarter-final(and I hope Serbia he-he),loser gets top favorite.
I'm gonna take Uruguay.

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UPDATE III:

South Africa - France, South Africa +0.25ah @ 2.08 (188bet)  2-1 WIN

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This is a kind of speculative bet.
Home side will try to not the end competition without a win (in theory,they have even a chance to be 2nd).That,also should be a slap to FIFA board that gave them to host WC.Blatter has been talking rubbish for years and now his favorites will be last in the group.Funny,at least.
Happenings in the French camp are surely a shame for their nation.I don't feel bad about it,they didn't even deserve to be there.Starting 11 will be interesting.Evra allegedly has refused(!!!) to play.His example probably will follow some other players.
And last thing,referee is Oscar Ruiz (Colombia).

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UPDATE IV:

Nigeria - S.Korea, S.Korea -0.25ah @ 2.10 (188bet)  2-2 1/2 LOST

No big philosophy here. Korea is better squad, looks tactically better and organized. Nigeria didn’t show anything special, so far. Except, lack of discipline. Tonight, need a win (for Korea, a point should be fine). Attacking attitude will make them vulnerable to Korea's fast counters, through the wings. Park will score.

d

World Cup 2010 bonuses
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Open your account, here. Place your first bet (maximum 20 pounds). If you lose, in the next 72 hours you’ll get your money back! Offer applies to new customers only, between June 1, 2010 & July 12, 2010.

Tuesday's World Cup round-up

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has said that Brazil are his favourites to win the World Cup while downplaying his side's hopes of winning a third title.
Impressive wins against Nigeria and South Korea mean Argentina need only one point from their final group game against Greece on Tuesday to reach the last 16 but Maradona is refusing to get carried away.
"I don't want to be favourites, not before coming to South Africa and not now," he said. "We're here to keep our fans happy, to play the way we want to play, and I think things so far are going well.
"Brazil can play badly but still win games, that's why they are still the great favourites."

North Korea television was quick to gloss over their side's humiliating 7-0 defeat by Portugal on Monday that eliminated them from the World Cup.
Billed as a revenge match against the side that knocked them out of the 1966 World Cup at the quarter-final stage, it was the first game to be aired live in a communist country that exerts strict control over media coverage. 
However, hopes of avenging the 5-3 defeat from 44 years ago, in North Korea's only other trip to the World Cup, were extinguished by six second-half Portuguese goals. 
"The Portuguese won the game and now have four points. We are ending our live broadcast now," a Korean Central Broadcasting commentator said, quickly cutting to footage of factory workers and engineers praising North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. 

West Ham midfielder Valon Behrami is hoping his Switzerland team-mates can keep his World Cup dream alive following his sending off in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat by Chile.
The 25-year-old will miss Friday's final Group H game against Honduras as the Swiss attempt to make the most of their opening 1-0 win over Spain to book their place in the last 16.
The group is extremely tight but if Switzerland beat Honduras by more than one clear goal it will guarantee their progress.

www.bbc.co.uk

WC 2010 - 21.06.

Portugal - Korea DPR, Portugal -1ah @ 1.72 (Pinnacle)  7-0 WIN

 

Bookies overreacted here after Koreans put a fanatical fight against Brazilians. But true is, beside that they don’t have too much to offer. Portugal needs a win to reach the 2^nd spot and they need to score few because goal difference will probably be decisive.

 

Chile - Switzerland, corner handicap Chile -1ah @ 1.85 (bet365) 5-3 WIN

 

Chile defeated Honduras in previous game with a minimal margin, but they missed several very good chances. They carry attacking style of play and today will be stronger for their best player (and best scorer) Suazo.

Swiss shocked Spain with very good defensive display. Hitzfeld is great coach, they’re well organized, tactically perfect and shouldn’t be underestimated by anyone. Will miss best player Frei and I think they’ll be playing on the same way as vs. Spain.

I fancy South Americans and think Chile will dominate here. I’ll take corner handicap.

 

Spain - Honduras, Spain -2ah @ 2.02 (bet365)  2-0 DRAW

 

Interesting thing is, despite the shock, Spain wasn’t so bad. They still remain as one of the favorites, but now they could easily miss the first spot. Which brings Brazil in the next round. They’ll try to score as much as possible for the self confidence, but also for a goal difference that could be very important.

Don’t have too much to say about Honduras. Considering quality, they’re probably number 4 in the group. Will try to put a decent fight, but they’re facing a raging Spain.

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World Cup 2010 bonuses

888sports - NO LOSE BET

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WC 2010 - 20.06.

Two for today.

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Slovakia - Paraguay, Paraguay @ 2.15 (Expekt)  0-2 WIN

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Brazil - Ivory Coast, Brazil -0.75 @ 2.08 (188bet)  3-1 WIN

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Thursday's World Cup round-up

Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas faced an awkward post-match inquisition from his girlfriend Sara Carbonera, a sideline reporter for the Telecinco channel, following the defeat by Switzerland. During a post-match interview, the journalist asked Casillas: "How did you manage to muck it up?"
And a shocked Casillas replied: "I don't know what to say. I don't know if this defeat will have consequences. The dressing room is fed up."

Switzerland's Gelson Fernandes was as surprised as everyone else after scoring the winning goal in his team's historic World Cup triumph over Spain.
The St Etienne midfielder's strike seven minutes into the second half of Wednesday's Group H match proved enough for Ottmar Hitzfeld's side to beat the European champions - and left Fernandes stunned. 
"I don't think I realise what is happening right now," said the 23-year-old. "I'm a bit surprised. It's a very special moment for our country and I'm very happy. We were definitely very good against Spain and we played very well as a team." 

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has again called on referees to protect flair players such as Lionel Messi in the World Cup, urging officials to be even stricter with offending opponents.
Maradona said Messi is twice as good as any other player at the World Cup
"If we are going to see a match when the star players are not going to be mistreated then I think the referees need to be a lot stricter, and if Korea's players do something to Messi or Carlos Tevez then they need to get out the yellow cards, and if it happens a second time, then that's it," said Maradona.

Greece striker Theofanis Gekas is the latest player to call for World Cup organisers to ban vuvuzelas. Gekas was irritated by the noise in their opening game against South Korea, which his side lost 2-0.
"I do think the trumpets should be stopped. They are affecting the players as we cannot communicate properly," he stated. 

Ivory Coast striker Salomon Kalou has called on his team take inspiration from North Korea's resilient defensive display against Brazil where they lost 2-1.
Ivory Coast play Brazil on Sunday and the 24-year-old said: "I saw the first half of their match and North Korea defended really well and annoyed Brazil, they serve as a good example. We have the players who can make a difference, our strength will always be in attack but we must focus on defence."

www.bbc.co.uk

Finally starts!!! Antepost

I already wrote explanations for these bets:

England 1st, USA 2nd @ 2.50

Serbia to win the group @ 4.00

Serbia to reach semi-final @9.00

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Now, here're some new bets and some gambles. No explanations.

Spain 1st, Chile 2nd @ 2.10

Uruguay to qualify @ 2.10

Uruguay and South Africa to qualify @ 15.00

Robinho top goalscorer @ 29.00

Luis Suarez top goalscorer @ 51.00

Kaka golden ball @ 15.00

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Choose what you like and good luck.

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EDIT: Another one, have just placed.

Best team goalscorer

Milijas 15.00

Suarez 3.50

Rooney 2.37

treble @ 124.68

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WC predictions - last part

My vote for WC winners goes for Brazil.

Argentina has Maradona as a coach. Best player in the history and my real idol from the childhood, but coach. No, no way. Considering names (including those that El Pibe wrote off) the best squad in the tournament. But, personally can’t imagine Veron and El Loco with the trophy. Enough.

Spain. Second strongest squad in my opinion. I don’t rate Del Bosque too high, but definitely better solution than Luis Aragones. As the best group they look best, tactically perfect. Bad things, Torres was injured couple of times through the season and he’s not in the best shape. Also, they’re well known as WC “underachievers”, this time a trophy is expected. Something simply doesn’t fit. More instinct than facts, but I’m pretty sure they won’t win WC.

Netherlands, great team with huge attacking potential. If I have to find bad sides, I’d say not so good defense (I mean, not good as other top sides) and Robben who probably won’t be fully fit. I would consider them as favorites, but tragically they’ll face Brazil in quarter-final and will finish the competition.

Italy, too old. France, they maybe won’t even pass the group (personally,would be glad to see it). Anyway, can’t see them further then second round. Other teams have no chance.

Brazil. Dunga looks much better than at the beginning. He wrote off some lazy bags (Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Adriano…) and got a good dressing room atmosphere and the team that looks united on the pitch. The spine of the team: Julio Cesar, Lucio, Kaka and Luis Fabiano. Looks great for me. Also, expect from Robinho to shine (6.50 for him to be Brazil top scorer, hm…). And maybe it’s not so important, but Africa (climate conditions) should suit more to South American teams, than European.

Any comment would be appreciated.

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Normally, bets will follow. Stay tuned.

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USA 2-3 Brazil

Brazil denied the United States a shock victory by coming back from two goals down to win the Confederations Cup.
A Clint Dempsey flick and a Landon Donovan strike on the counter put the US into a surprise 2-0 half-time lead. 
Luis Fabiano pulled one back for Brazil before Kaka was denied an equaliser when his header was wrongly judged not to have crossed the line. 
Luis Fabiano's headed second levelled matters before, five minutes from time, Lucio nodded in a corner to win it. 
After upsetting the odds so spectacularly with their 2-0 semi-final victory over Spain, the US almost tore up the script again, against opponents who had beaten them 3-0 in the group stage of the competition. 
Predictably, favourites Brazil had the lion's share of possession, but the incisive football was played by the American underdogs throughout the first half.

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USA coach Bob Bradley:

"That defeat really hurt. 
"I'm extremely proud of my players, but it still feels pretty lousy to let this one get away. 
"I hope though that people around the world see we have good team and great players and it is a big step forward." 

Brazil coach Dunga:
"Even after we went 2-0 down the team was still sure of itself. We told them at half-time to play down the wings, keep patient. 
"We did that, we have been together for 29 days and we were determined to win it. 
"It is very difficult to overcome a 2-0 deficit, it is not easy, but if you have committed players who never give up then you have a chance and we came back in the second half. We showed a high level of professionalism." 

USA: Howard, Spector, DeMerit, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Dempsey, Clark (Casey 88), Feilhaber (Bornstein 75), Donovan, Davies, Altidore (Kljestan 75).
Subs Not Used: Guzan, Califf, Wynne, Pearce, Beasley, Adu, Torres, Bradley, Robles. 
Booked: Bocanegra. 
Goals: Dempsey 10, Donovan 27. 

Brazil: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Luisao, Andre Santos (Dani Alves 66), Ramires (Elano 67), Felipe Melo, Silva, Kaka, Luis Fabiano, Robinho.
Subs Not Used: Victor, Juan, Kleber, Miranda, Josue, Julio Baptista, Kleberson, Alexandre Pato, Nilmar, Gomes. 
Booked: Felipe Melo, Andre Santos, Lucio. 
Goals: Luis Fabiano 46, 74, Lucio 84. 

Att: 62,000 
Ref: Martin Hansson (Sweden).
www.bbc.co.uk

USA - Brazil Confederations Cup 2009 - Final

USA came on this competition as clear outsiders. Two first games (Italy 1-3 and Brazil 0-3) just confirmed the dark predictions. But in the third game against Egypt (who had defeated Azzurri and lost narrowly to Brazil), Americans played a perfect game. Bob Bradley changed defensive 5-4-1 formation into 4-4-2. It resulted with three goals, by Davies, Michael Bradley and Dempsey, for a convincing 3-0 win. Brazil beat Italy by the same scoreline and USA became the first team in Confederations Cup history who qualify from the group stage with three points and a negative goal difference. Then they shocked Spain making the greatest win in their history. Although defending the entire game, USA used two big mistakes in opposite’s defence and brake Spain’s 15 games winning streak. Now, they’re just one step far from the trophy, but need one more miracle. Bob Bradley has to make one change, midfielder Michael Bradley is suspended after became the third American to be sent off during this tournament.

The defending champions are contesting their fourth Confederations Cup final. After a debatable start on the bench of national team, Carlos Dunga has instilled a level of discipline and tactic that, so far, give the tremendous effect. World Cup 2010 qualification is almost secured and in this Confederations Cup campaign they have looked extremely comfortable. They’re unbeaten in 15 games (eleven wins and four draws), seven wins in a row and kept 11 clean sheets during those 15 games. After the first chaotic game, against the Pharaons (4-3 win), Dunga consolidated the squad and they noticed three victories. Two convincing 3-0 wins (USA and Italy) and had some problems only in the semi-final (1-0 at the end). South Africa were defending the whole game and Brazil, although dominating, didn’t have the clue. Till two minutes before the end when Danny Alves scored from a free-kick and booked the ticket for the final. Dunga has no injury concerns, but several players looked tired in the semi-final after six games in 20 days. Mentioned Alves will probably substitute Maicon.

Bob Bradley will back 5-4-1 formation (attacking would be a suicidal mission) and will face Brazil with tough defence. Dunga’s lads are exhausted and they’ll have hard job to score. I don’t expect an open game and think the winner will be solved in the second half. My bet is a draw at the halftime. Bet365 offers 2.63, Bwin 2.40.

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Confederations Cup - Third place

Spain - South Africa

Game for the third place. After shocking defeat against USA, Spain will try to save their pride. Vincente Del Bosque has a difficult task to shake the lads. Probably will put some players with lower minutes rate on this competition, into first eleven, but there is no doubt they’ll go for a win.

The hosts come into this game after defeat from Brazil 0-1. Team played over the expectations, defending all the game, successfully stopping attacks from one of the best squads on the world. Bafana Bafana needed just two more minutes to resist, but Danny Alves scored from free-kick, putting the things on the right place and sent Brazil to final. However, players got the confidence, will be more motivated than opponent and the most important without a pressure.

Bookmakers favor Spain, but strange things have already happened in third place games in past Confederations Cups, Australia defeated Brazil (2001.), Turkey beat Colombia (2003.). I can’t see any reason for calculation from both sides and go for goals, rather than winner. Pinnacle offers 2.05. Over.

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Few words about final, later.

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USA defeated Spain? Before that eliminated Italy and Egypt. I'm not a lover of conspiracy theories, but this reminds me on the Blater's theory how football is actually invited in China (story announced before WC in South Korea)! Yes, sure. After game popularisation in Asia, it seems North America is next. Big market, big potential, dollars have a nice smell... And what is the better advertising than the big achieve of national team? I won't be even surprised if USA beat Brazil in final! Or, maybe South Africa?! I feel sick about that. Won't even watch last two games.

If You have Your own opinion about this issue, use the chat box.

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Beside mentioned competition, poor offer for today. You have to be an artist to find a good bet. I've been thinking about Hafnarfjardar in Iceland league, but 1.65 (at Expekt) definitely doesn't worth of bet. Semi-final games at U21 Championship are tomorrow. I wait the team news, but currently fancy Italy. 

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Egypt 0-3 USA

The USA produced a barnstorming display to thump Egypt and surprisingly reach the Confederations Cup semi-finals.
With Brazil 3-0 winners against Italy in the other Group B game, the USA, who had lost their opening two games, went through at Egypt and Italy's expense. 
Egypt goalkeeper Essam Al Hadari's spilled Jozy Altidore's cross and Charlie Davies pounced for the opener. 
After the break the USA upped the tempo and after Michael Bradley sidefooted in Clint Dempsey headed home the third. 
Dempsey's goal ensured the USA qualified under the most unlikely circumstances and will now play European champions Spain in the first semi-final in Bloemfontein on Wednesday with South Africa up against Brazil in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Egypt were missing striker Mohamed Zidan with a hamstring injury and his replacement Ahmed Abdel-Ghani was guilty of missing several first half chances in the early exchanges. 
But the USA also had several attacks before finally going ahead, with Egypt up to that point thankful to Al Hadari for keeping them in the game.

Egypt: El Hadari, Fathi (Said Ahmed 57), Said, Gomaa, Farag, El Mohamady, Shawky, Abd Rabou, Abdel-Ghani (Abu Greisha 62), Aboutreika, Eid (Hassan 50). 
Subs Not Used: El Sayed, Fathallah, Khairy, Zidan, Homos, Tawfik, Moawad, Raouf, Sobhy. 
Booked: El Mohamady. 

USA: Guzan, Spector, Onyewu, DeMerit, Bornstein, Dempsey, Bradley, Clark, Donovan, Davies (Casey 82), Altidore (Feilhaber 69). 
Subs Not Used: Howard, Bocanegra, Pearce, Beasley, Wynne, Califf, Kljestan, Adu, Torres, Robles. 
Booked: Spector, Bradley. 
Goals: Davies 22, Bradley 63, Dempsey 71. 

Att: 23,000 
Ref: Michael Hester (New Zealand).
www.bbc.co.uk

Egypt - USA

This is the last game in the group. The propositions say Egyptians are definitely through if they better Italy's result. Should the Azzurri win, the Egyptians can overtake them if they beat the USA by a bigger margin. Before the start of competition, Egypt was rated as a third selection in the group, but after two games played they deserve a title of biggest surprise. In the first game, they were equal against World Champions-Brazil, loosing the game in the last moments (from controversial penalty kick). Players’ confidence raised rapidly and that was more than obvious in the second game, where Pharaons made a historic victory over Italy. They played tactically perfect and score from the only good opportunity. But, while the lads were beating Italy, five of the players were the victims of burglary, with thieves breaking into their hotel rooms in Johannesburg. That has done little to dampen the Pharaohs' spirits, with the squad confident they can record a convincing win against the USA. Bad news is Egypt could be without striker Mohamed Zidan after he picked up a hamstring injury in the win against Italy. The Pharaohs are short of experienced strikers, with Amr Zaki injured before the tournament began and Mido out of favour with coach Hassan Shehata.

Oposite from Egypt, before the start of Confederations Cup USA was declared as the group outsider. And in the first two games they proved that status. The only good thing was the first half in the opening game against Italy. They scored, even with a player less and were equal on the pitch. But, till the game end conceded three times. Second game didn’t bring anything good. Another three hits, from Brazil (with mixed starting eleven) this time, and another red card. The USA squad records an obvious improvement in last couple of years, but it seems they’re still far from the best world teams. Even at competition such as Confederations Cup. The players are certainly disappointed with two convincing defeats and the question is will they be able to recover mentally for the Pharaons. However, USA is not without the chance for progress. They have to win by at least three goals and Italy to lose. Ricardo Clark is back after a ban but Sacha Klejstan is suspended. Watford's Jay DeMerit may again deputise for Carlos Bocanegra if the former Fulham defender fails to recover from a hamstring problem.

After two excellent games, Egyptians proved their confidence wasn’t uncovered. Win over Italy and Brazil game put them in the position of big favorites against USA and missings in attacking lines won’t change it too much. Americans are discouraged after two defeats and six goals conceded. In the last game will play “for the fans” and I can’t see any different epilogue, than Egypt’s victory.Pinnacle offers 1.81. Home win and little gamble on x-1, again.

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Monday-new beginning

Brazilians ended very good betting week. More than encouraging start with summer leagues. Norwegians play a regular round today. I found two games. In first league, Sandefjord (after Kisa disgrace) will host Aalesund. They're typical home team, already defeated at home Brann, Viking and made a draw vs Rosenborg. Visitors are an average team, have not so good record on the road, loosing three games from last four. I go for a home win with the nice odds.

In Norway 2, I was thinking to take Bryne as a home win. They have more quality than the table shows (last 16th place), it's the matter of time when they'll start climbing. And new boss has been promoted. In such situation, squad usually plays over their real capabilities. Then I found injury list, Bryne will miss six important players, mostly defenders. They already conceded seven goals in last three games (scoring four). So, attacking attitude with the woundable defence can be very safe over. 

In Iceland five rounds left, think it's wiser to wait to team shapes become more consistent, than to place some forced bets (Fjolnir didn't bring anything good). So, two picks for today.

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Sandefjord - Aalesund, Home win (2.06 at Pinnacle)

Bryne - Moss, Over (1.60 at Expekt)

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Brazil result

Santos 3 - 1 Corinthians

1 - 0 C.d.L.P. Henrique  16. min.
2 - 0 C.d.L.P. Henrique  29. min.
2 - 1 D.A.C.J. Renato  50 min.
         L.M.M.d.R. Lulinha  66. min. red card-Corinthians
3 - 1 F.C.M. Micao  89.min.