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.

.

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. 

.

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

Good luck,

Dule

.

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

.

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

.

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:

.

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

.

Number of bets:10

Average odd: 25.438

Number of wins: 2

Number of draws: 0

Number of loses: 8

.

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 - 07.07.

Germany - Spain, Germany to win on penalties @ 10.00 (Various)  0-1 LOST

.

I've been thinking a lot about this one and couldn't find any bet in some normal range 1.70-2.50. Germany is maybe is slight favorite, but wouldn't put any money on dnb, or clear win in 90 minutes. They're very young and wouldn't exclude a possibility to crash under the big pressure at one moment.

Spain is a kind of mystery, for me. I have impression they've played much under their full potential. And in all games were playing against extremely defensive formations. Tonight, they'll have more space. On the other hand, some Del Bosque's decisions were really shocking. Keeping Torres in starting eleven, playing with 5 central midfielders, David Silva on the bench... I don't like him, seriously doubt in his coaching abilities and wouldn't be too much surprised if Spain ends the competition even without using their full potential.

Don't have some specific reason for this bet, it's based on instinct. We rarely see some tournament where Germans don't bury someone on the penalties. He he Gamble, of course.

.

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 - 03.07.

Argentina - Germany, Germany to qualify @ 2.25 (888sports) 4-0  WON

.....................................Germany -1 ah @ 6.10 (bet365)  WON

.

Considering names,Argies should win this easily.Main problem for them is El Pibe and his tactic incompetence.On the other hand,Germany maybe lacks with the big names but looks really great on the pitch.Main difference is Argentina wants to play,Germany to compete.I give some advantage to Germans and to be honest like these odds too much to resist.

.

Paraguay - Spain, Spain -1ah @ 1.80 (Paddy Power)  1-0 DRAW

.

Only thing that worries me here is Spain's struggling to score against hard defending sides.Sometimes they look a little bit slow and passing too much...On the other hand,importance of this game calls on seriousness and I think they'll make a strong start of the game and score very early.On the other hand,Paraguay is hard working side but definitely lacks in creativity and can not see them scoring tonight.Maybe better bet is Spain to win to nil,but personally don't like that kind of a bet and choose asian handicap.

.

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.

Saturday's World Cup round-up

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said Brazil's quarter-final defeat by the Netherlands was not a surprise to him.
"I don't think it's a lesson knowing the reality of football," said the Spaniard following the favourites' World Cup exit. "We know that every match can be complicated. We start off on an equal footing and the nature of sport is that anything can happen."

Argentina forward Lionel Messi has admitted he was surprised by England's performances at the World Cup in South Africa.
"I expected England to do well, so I am surprised they had a very poor tournament," he said. "They seemed to freeze. If [Wayne] Rooney, [Steven] Gerrard and [Frank] Lampard are not at their best, the team is bound to suffer. Defensively, England were poor." 

Germany coach Joachim Loew has admitted that he is in awe of Diego Maradona because he feels the Argentine coach won the World Cup on his own, back in 1986.
"He galvanised the whole football world with his skills," said Loew as his side prepare to face Argentina in Saturday's quarter-final match.
"He was simply magic. The culmination of his career was 1986. He virtually decided that World Cup on his own. He left a mark on football like no other player has ever done."

www.bbc.co.uk

Friday's World Cup round-up

Oliver Bierhoff says Germany will find it harder to beat Argentina in the World Cup quarter-final than they did to overcome England in the last 16.
Before the tournament began, England were rated more likely than Argentina to lift the coveted trophy.
But Germany general manager Bierhoff said: "It is not going to be easy on Saturday because Argentina are a stronger side than England.
"There were some obvious English weaknesses that had all been there in the group stages.
"Argentina are much more powerful and stronger. They have very few weaknesses - although there must be some."

Huh Jung-moo has resigned as coach of South Korea following their 2-1 defeat by Uruguay in the last 16 at the World Cup.
Under Huh Jung-moo the team advanced out of the group stage for the first time on foreign soil but the coach was eager to "recharge". 
"There are many great and capable ... leaders in our football community. I think they should be given a chance to coach the national team," said Huh Jung-moo. 
"What I felt during the World Cup tournament is that the global football powerhouses, especially the South American teams, performed well and were too much for us." 

Former Argentina coaches Marcelo Bielsa and Jose Pekerman head Japan's wish-list to take over from Takeshi Okada, according to the Japanese press.
Okada is set to retire to a life of writing poetry and farming after the Blue Samurai were knocked out of the World Cup in the last 16.
"I want to get away from soccer," Okada told Japanese television following their penalty shootout loss to Paraguay.
"Even if I was offered a new contract. It won't happen so let's not talk about it."

Meanwhile, Japan defender Yuichi Komano is set to get a medal, even though his missed penalty against Paraguay led to the country's World Cup exit in the last 16.
The governor of Komano's native Wakayama prefecture, Yoshinobu Nisaka, told Japanese media he wanted to give Komano a medal for his efforts in South Africa. 
"We would like to present Komano with a medal for giving people such dreams and emotions," said Nisaka. 

New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert was guarded about his future when he arrived home on Friday after steering his team to an unbeaten World Cup campaign.
Although New Zealand failed to progress beyond the first round of the tournament, the team surpassed expectations.
Herbert is reported to have received approaches from clubs in Europe, Asia and the Middle East but would only say there were "a few things" in the air.
He said he was immediately returning to his job as coach of New Zealand's only professional team, the Wellington Phoenix, and expected to have talks about his future career with Football New Zealand.

www.bbc.co.uk

Wednesday's World Cup round-up

Uruguay's success has been enjoyed by the the people of the gritty mining city of Kimberley, where the quarter-finalists set up base camp high on South Africa's central plains at the launch of their campaign. So much so that the Uruguayan Football Association plans to develop the links forged by setting up coaching schemes in the area and inviting the best youngsters to Uruguay.
"I want to hug them. They have made us proud," said senior citizen Pulane Boikanyo, who was waiting for the Uruguayans to arrive for training ahead of Friday's quarter-final showdown with Ghana. The Dream Stays Alive - City Team Book Their Place in the Quarter, was the front-page headline in the local newspaper after Uruguay's 2-1 victory over South Korea in the previous round.

Manchester City's Argentina star Carlos Tevez is confident that his nation will beat Germany to secure a place in the last four - and believes previous opponents Mexico were a bigger threat.
"I was more afraid of Mexico than Germany because the Mexicans play better football - they took the ball from us in the first minutes of the first half and at the start of the second. We would have suffered more if we hadn't struck at the right moments," he told Argentine newspaper Clarin. 

Netherlands striker Robin van Persie has defended his angry reaction to being substituted against Slovakia. Van Persie remonstrated with coach Bert van Marwijk when he was replaced by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar 10 minutes before the end of the 2-1 win and then took no part in the Dutch celebrations of Wesley Sneijder's late goal.
Van Persie said: "What I said to Van Marwijk was not over the top. I just want to be important to the team and score. I wanted to stay on as we would have had more space with Slovakia chasing an equaliser and I felt that I could profit from that."

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has insisted that his players will not be affected by the pressure of attempting to become the first African side to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
Speaking ahead of their match against Uruguay, he stated: "We are not thinking about the pressure. We have already proved that we are a team that knows how to compete. We will try to relax and are very happy with the whole situation. We have no obligation but still we want to use this opportunity to do our best and to make history." 

Japanese prime minister Naoto Kan has issued a statement thanking his national team for their efforts following their World Cup exit in a penalty shoot-out against Paraguay.
"The players and the bench were united and showed the world the potential of Japanese soccer. I sincerely congratulate their efforts," he commented.

www.bbc.co.uk

Monday's World Cup round-up

Netherlands midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst feels his side can go on to win the World Cup.
"I do believe we will become world champions," said 35-year-old Van Bronckhorst ahead of his side's last-16 tie with Slovakia in Durban on Monday.
The Dutch topped Group E and were one of only two teams to qualify from the group stages with three wins.

Prince Harry says he watched England's 4-1 defeat by Germany through his fingers.
The 25-year-old royal - who viewed the game in New York, where he took part in a polo match - was understandably disappointed with the result. 
"The defeat was sore, I think the boys played their hearts out," said Harry, who saw England draw 0-0 with Algeria earlier in the tournament in South Africa.

www.bbc.co.uk

WC 2010 - 27.06.

Just picks.No explanations.Hangover and terrible headache.

.

Germany - England, England -0.25ah @ 2.14 (Victor Chandler)  4-1 LOST

.

Argentina - Mexico, Argentina -1ah @ 2.25 (Gamebookers)  3-1 WON

.

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.

Friday's World Cup round-up

England will wear their all-red kit when they take on Germany in the last 16 of the World Cup on Sunday.
As the designated away team, it was always likely England would be forced to wear their changed strip in Bloemfontein, as they did against Slovenia.
But Fabio Capello's side have again elected to wear red shorts, as opposed to the white ones they originally intended to adorn their away strip.

An England fan who berated the players after wandering into the team's dressing room after the 0-0 draw with Algeria will appear in court today.
Pavlos Joseph, 32, from Crystal Palace, south-east London, will appear at a special World Cup court in Cape Town where he is due to go on trial charged with trespassing. 
At a previous hearing, he was banned from attending future World Cup matches, his passport was withheld, and he was released on 500 rand bail. 
Joseph said he was looking for a toilet after the Algeria match when a security guard sent him in the direction of the players' tunnel. 

Japanese football fans celebrated wildly after their side stunned Denmark 3-1 to reach the second round of the World Cup - with police called to fish revellers out of rivers.
Newspaper headlines boasted of "history in the making" after the Blue Samurai reached the last 16 for the second time, while television viewing figures nudged past 41 percent, despite the game finishing just before 0530 local time.

Ivory Coast boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has tipped the African side to become a force in world football, even if they are eliminated from the World Cup on Friday.
To secure an unlikely place in the last 16, Ivory Coast would need to beat North Korea in their final Group G game and hope Brazil beat Portugal, while Eriksson's men also need to make up nine goals in the process. 
"The players are getting better and better and as a team we are getting better and better," said Eriksson. 
"Whatever happens, Ivory Coast has a great future as a football team. I am really impressed with all the players we have."

www.bbc.co.uk

WC 2010 - 23.06

Post will be updated through the day.

.

Australia - Serbia, NO BET

I have some ugly feeling,we'll make a circus show tonight (once again).To finish the job and win easily,simply isn't in our nature.I'm afraid they'll be killing our nerves,make a draw and progress as second.1-1 for example, from a goal down.Just hope Antic won't get some stupid idea about resting players with yellow cards (six,all except Subotic are key players),before we even qualify (some of his thoughts lead in that direction).
One of my betting principles is not to bet on my teams.Broke that twice and both times lost.No bet for me,this time.

.

UPDATE I:

Slovenia - England, Total cards, over 5ah @ 2.00 (bet365) 4 cards LOST 

Something definitely is wrong with this England team.At the first moment,I thought it's a part of Don Fabio (Italian) tactic,where after sloppy two (or even three) games in the group, team reach the final.But,hard discipline is one thing and cameras in the players' rooms something else.Terry's press conference pointed a bad atmosphere.Capello after last game said that players were fearing of a failure.Against Algeria?!Come on people,be serious.What if they face Germany in the next round (very possible)?They would feel confident?
Slovenia is much stronger selection than Algeria.Their important characteristic is they like to shoot from the distance,where is English confidence against questionable,since the recent goalkeeping problem.
Let me clear,England is a serious favorite here but 1.45 doesn't represent a true risk.And personally won't be too much surprised to see them eliminated.I expect a nervous game and choose a bet on cards.

P.S.:Could anyone explain me,what is exactly Beckham's role on the bench,along Capello and players?

.

UPDATE II:

USA - Algeria, USA -0.75ah @ 2.17 (Betsson SB)  1-0  1/2WIN 

Yanks are a decent squad.Maybe little lack in technique,but they're great runners.In previous two games,started to play after went a goal down (two down,against Slovenia).I guess they've learned a lesson.They need a win to progress and avoiding Germans should be a good reason to put some extra effort and score more than one.
I think bookies overreacted here,once again.Algeria played a draw,but they weren't great just England was awful.They'll put a decent fight and won't be afraid (because the draw,of course).If they concede first,they'll go in front as they have some theoretical chance for progress.

.

UPDATE III:

Ghana - Germany, Germany -1.5ah @ 2.45 (The Greek)  1-0 LOST 

Germans have made a very good impression on me and can see them even in final.Only problem is they're very young and could crash under the pression at one moment.(I guess with Ballack,they'd look like a bloody nightmare.)And maybe a problem could be a coach Low.As I wrote once,don't like him from the start.He has great defenders,but against Serbia put heavy-weight Badstuber on the position of left-back to watch on our fastest player Krasic.Normally,he overlooked that thin,little detail on the press conference (we scored after Krasic's run and crossing,actually),but didn't miss a chance to moan for a bad luck,(what bad luck,you creep?!Sorry.) at the same time messing Serbs with Bosnians and Croats.

Ghana is decent African team.Bad sides are they lack in technique and discipline (Muntari was dumped from the camp,then rejoined).Good sides.First one is not a problem,they're athletes-physhically superior.But,they're runners.To explain with a different words.Against Germany,our (Serbian) main task was not to get involved in the run across the pitch!They're Germans,nobody can beat them in running.Our players,even with a player more,were trying to keep the pace down.Ghana can't transform their play so much.Rajevac said the most important thing is not to concede!Really?!

Germany maybe will be nervous and that's the only Ghana's advantage.If Germany score,Ghana will go all-in and will be doomed,while Germany wouldn't like to keep a minimal lead.2-0,3-0 correct score.

.

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.

.

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

.

Name of the finalists:

Brazil - Germany @ 17.00 (bet365)

.

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)

.

UPDATE I:

Greece - Argentina, NO BET

.

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.

.

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.

.

UPDATE III:

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

.

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).

.

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
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 - 18.06.

Post will be updated through the day.

.

Germany - Serbia, over 2.5 @ 2.10 (Expekt) 0-1 LOST

 

We played an awful game against Ghana and deservedly lost thankfully to bad display and shocking tactic by Antic. Today we’ll put our best effort, but true is we usually can’t cope with Germans. To make the situation even worse, we have to win. And attacking Germans could be very unpleasant. Antic will probably set cautious 4-5-1 to wait for counter attacks or set pieces. That will work until we concede. I never bet against my team and will choose goals instead.

 

Slovenia - USA, NO BET

 

Both sides made positive results after terrible mistakes by goalkeepers. USA is in little bit better position (play Algeria in last round), they have, in my opinion, better team and they wouldn’t be disappointed with a draw today. 2.10 is to low for USA and I will pass this.

.

UPDATE:

Serbia won!!! Fantastic! We're crazy people, definitely! Red card for Germans and huge amount of luck were necessary! Game was a bloody horror movie! 

.

England - Algeria, England -2ah @ 2.70 (Betsson SB) 0-0 LOST

England will be like a wounded lion. Their self confidence is damaged and will try to send the message, win with 3-4 goals margin. Green has made the same mistake (!) on the training session and will be replaced by James. I expect Crouch alongside Rooney.

Algeria is too poor to do anything, I think. Will try to frustrate Englishmen, but I can not see how they can resist. 

.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
Expekt - First deposit bonus up to €35 / £25 for all new customers
Make your first deposit at expekt.com and we will immediately double your money up to max €35 / £25. Take these 3 easy steps to start profiting from sports betting: 1.Register an account with expekt.com here. 2.Deposit a minimum of €10 into your expekt.com account. 3.Send an email to 35eurbonus@expekt.com with your customer number and deposit amount included. The bonus amount up to €35/£25 will be added to your account within 48 h

14.06.

Like I had a nightmare... We lost from Ghana and Germany looks impressive.

At least, I had a winning bet.

.

I have a first pick for today and will have one or even two more. Post will be updated.

.

Holland - Denmark, Holland -1 ah @ 2.03 (Pinnacle)  2-0 WON

.

Holland has a little bit shaky defense with Mathijsen in charge, but their attacking power is huge.1st place in the group is reserved for them,but tragically for Dutch they'll face Brazil in quarter and finish the competition.

Denmark is a kind of mistery for me.They finished 1st in qualification group,left Portugal behind.No Bendtner (some danish media announced today he'll play),but even with him...Kjaer,key defender,has been injured but will be in the team (not fit though).Same with goalie Sorrensen.

.

UPDATE:

Japan - Cameroon, Cameroon to win @ 2.23 (188 bet)  1-0 LOST 

Japan, correct me if I’m wrong, has just one decent player – Honda and some veteran internationals. They were in a sensationally bad shape in friendlies, in qualifications stayed behind Australia. Struggling to score, defense is a joke.

Cameroon, not so better defense, as all Africans lack in discipline and tactic and thankfully to Eto’o not so good dressing room atmosphere. But also, as all Africans they feel like at home in SA, decent team and some tall players that should be a big threat after set-pieces.

No big philosophy, Cameroon to win.

.

UPDATE II:

Regarding Serbia.
We looked like a bunch of drug addicts with amateur, stoned coach in charge.It wasn't luck,Ghana deserved their victory.
Doomed now.I see two possible scenarios in rest two games,but none of them will see us in the second round.Half teams still haven't played their first games,we're already packing home. Still feel like I'm gonna puke.

.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
Expekt - First deposit bonus up to €35 / £25 for all new customers
Make your first deposit at expekt.com and we will immediately double your money up to max €35 / £25. Take these 3 easy steps to start profiting from sports betting: 1.Register an account with expekt.com here. 2.Deposit a minimum of €10 into your expekt.com account. 3.Send an email to 35eurbonus@expekt.com with your customer number and deposit amount included. The bonus amount up to €35/£25 will be added to your account within 48 h

Saturday's World Cup round-up

Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus says his country have almost no chance of winning the World Cup in South Africa.
Matthaus, who won won an incredible 150 caps in a long international career, is unimpressed with the standard of coach Joachim Loew's squad.
"The problem with Germany is that they have no stars, no-one with any individual brilliance, now that Ballack is out," said Matthaus. "And their preparations have hardly been optimal."

Australia forward Harry Kewell concedes that facing Germany on the first weekend will be an uphill battle for the Socceroos.
"Let's face it, we've probably hit the hardest team in the World Cup to come up against, especially first off the bat," said Kewell. 

Winning the World Cup would still not be enough for United States forward DaMarcus Beasley to make a real name for himself in his home state of Indiana.
Michael Jackson and the Jackson family are the Hoosier state's most famous sons and former Rangers player Beasley admitted that realistically not even lifting the World Cup trophy would see him make a similar name for himself.
"Even if we won the World Cup I still wouldn't be that big a thing," said Beasley.
"But maybe I would be in the top 10. I might even get a statue."

England captain Steven Gerrard has surprisingly picked out sprint star Usain Bolt as a big inspiration.
Olympic 100 and 200m champion Bolt is a huge football fan and has asked Gerrard for a signed shirt for his growing collection. 
"Usain Bolt is an athlete I really look up to," Gerrard said. "As a sprinter he's the man isn't he? He's there to be shot at but keeps on winning. It takes some doing to be at the top of your game like he is. 
"It's a pity he's a Man United fan though. I was going to ask him to one of our training sessions when he's in England but I might not bother now." 

Paraguay have laughed off reports that Oscar Cardozo could be out of the World Cup and declared the striker could yet make next week's opening match against Italy.
Cardozo, who scored 36 goals for Benfica last season, has been struggling with an ankle injury and has been training separately from the rest of the Paraguay squad.
"I must clarify that Oscar Cardozo is not out of the World Cup, as has been implied in some media," said Paraguay team doctor Manuel Aguilar.
"What's more, neither has he been ruled out of the first game."

www.bbc.co.uk

WC predictions and bets - Serbia

Serbia always have a good team. The problem is, before every competition (I mean Euro or WC), public and domain press declare us as favorites from the shadow and put semi-final as a target. Which is usually unrealistic, of course. Huge disappointing was following.

 

This time was the same. But we lost against probably the worst team in SA,  New Zealand and played, for our standards, poor game vs. Poland. Pressure is decreasing and it looks like “Raddy” Antic’s mind game, more than real crisis. And even players support that. Ivanovic criticizes team’s effort (which is unusual from him to criticizes anything but himself), Vidic talks about international retirement (bad timing at least)… No, I can’t believe in all that showing. Last friendly is Cameroon at home. Another bad result could (seriously) damage a self confidence. Impressive win would irritate journalist to write rubbish again. So, my pick here is Serbia to win with a goal difference (@ 3.60 bet365).

 

We have very good team once again. Who have better defense line than us? Kolarov-Vidic-Subotic-Ivanovic. One of the best, anyway. Midfield with Stankovic in the center and Krasic/Jovanovic on the wings looks very dangerous. Different variations in attack with 202cm Zigic (new Birmingham acquisition) in every of them. Yes, I’m sure we can make a trouble to any side in SA. The weakest link is goalie. If Stojkovic performs just decent, we could be the biggest surprise down there. Otherwise, he could bury us easily. Differently from other occasions, we finally look like a team. No spoiled stars, they really play for each other.

 

Group. Ballack was a heart and the soul of German team (same with Essien and Ghana). New skipper is Lahm?! He could be a captain, but he’s not a leader. Schweinsteiger? C’mon. Also, I don’t think Klose feels fine for being overlooked. Managers. Antic, although I don’t like him too much, is a big name. He was coach of Real Madrid, made a great success in city’s rival Atletico, was in charge in Barca and I think it’s fair to say he’s one of the better managers at WC (top 10 I’d say). His German opposition is… To be honest, I don’t rate even Klinsmann to high and his pupil? Ghana’s manager is, let me remind you, Serbian Rajevac. Australia won’t hurt anybody. My gamble here is Serbia to be first in the group - 3.75 at Ladbrokes (was 4.50 somewhere grrr…).

 

And who knows. If we finish 1^st, we’d face USA and El Pibe’s Argentina. Semi-final won’t be impossible then. Serbia to reach semi-final is 9.00 at Ladbrokes.

 

For the end. We’re well known with our big failures. If you don’t like us, consider to take Serbia to finish 4^th in the group @ 4.3 Sportingbet.

.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
Expekt - First deposit bonus up to €35 / £25 for all new customers
Make your first deposit at expekt.com and we will immediately double your money up to max €35 / £25. Take these 3 easy steps to start profiting from sports betting: 1.Register an account with expekt.com here. 2.Deposit a minimum of €10 into your expekt.com account. 3.Send an email to 35eurbonus@expekt.com with your customer number and deposit amount included. The bonus amount up to €35/£25 will be added to your account within 48 h

Champions League 7.4.

Man Utd - Bayern

Yes it was two flukes in Munich, but it happens when the team is under a heavy pressure. Bayern's win was clear and deserved for me. Both Utd's right-backs had a nightmare night. First Neville, handed the ball and Germans scored (I actually counted on his experience, but he reacted like an amateur). Evra's reaction before second goal was sensational, in my opinion. He repeated the same vs. Chelsea. Tonight will face recovered Robben. So, why we should expect tougher defense line tonight?

.

On the other hand, no chance I'll ever bet against United at Old Trafford at any price. German's defense is not much better (if it is even better). Sir Alex stated they'll play for 1-0 win. Sure they will. He also stated Rooney and Rio are absolutely fit, before Bolton. I think Utd's biggest chance is opening 15 minutes when Bayern will be under highest pressure. One scored goal then could give a big advantage to the hosts.

.

Can not bet on result after second half in Germany. And one man is not the team (as Vidic said), but Rooney is not an ordinary man and Berbatov really annoys me. Despite not so good odds, over 2.5 in this game is best bet for me. And won't suggest anyone to follow me, but have some feeling we could see extra time tonight. Gamble on Man Utd to win after penalty shoot out at 26.00!

.

Bordeaux - Lyon

Actually I was about to back Lyon with DNB counting on their experience (same word again) playing at this level of competition. But, two facts discouraged me in that intention. First, two goals difference for Lyon wasn't fully deserved. Second, visitors will miss three very important players Lisandro Lopez, Jean II Makoun and Sidney Govou (Bafetimbi Gomis is fit). Since I'm really not an expert for French football (or its fan) and despite I can see another high scoring game, I'm giving up from this one. No bet!

.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
Expekt - First deposit bonus up to €35 / £25 for all new customers
Make your first deposit at expekt.com and we will immediately double your money up to max €35 / £25. Take these 3 easy steps to start profiting from sports betting: 1.Register an account with expekt.com here. 2.Deposit a minimum of €10 into your expekt.com account. 3.Send an email to 35eurbonus@expekt.com with your customer number and deposit amount included. The bonus amount up to €35/£25 will be added to your account within 48 h

Fulham 2-1 Wolfsburg

Fulham will take a narrow lead to Germany for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final following a hard-fought victory over Wolfsburg.
After a drab first half, Bobby Zamora curled in from 20 yards just before the hour to give the home side the lead. 
Four minutes later, Zamora turned provider for Damien Duff to smash in a superb second from 12 yards. 
Alexander Madlung's late headed goal changed the complexion of the tie ahead of next Thursday's return leg. 
It was a late blow that Fulham could have avoided after seemingly being in control courtesy of their two-goal salvo in the space of four second half minutes. 
However, Wolfsburg were rewarded for their persistence in the final 10 minutes and will now be confident that they can progress to the semi-finals. 
The reigning German champions, may not be having as successful season as last campaign but they remain a potent foe, who came into this match having lost only one of their last 10 matches. 
Their strength is built on the formidable attacking duo of Edin Dzeko and Grafite, who overcame injury and illness respectively to start this match, which may partly explain why they were largely anonymous throughout. 
The best opportunities the pair had were presented to them by the home side - in particularly an off-colour Brede Hangeland - but these they spurned. 
The most notable of these was a headed chance from Dzeko, which took the striker by surprise after Hangeland had completely missed his clearing header.
Fulham have a potent attacking threat of their own in the shape of Bobby Zamora and the big striker once again showed why he is so often mentioned as a potential England striker. 
It was he who broke the deadlock in the match in the 59th minute, collecting an infield pass from Zoltan Gera before manoeuvring himself into a shooting position on the edge of the box and curling a superb shot past keeper Diego Benaglio. 
Four minutes later he turned provider as the home side doubled their advantage, holding up a pass from Danny Murphy in the box with his back to goal before teeing up Duff to emphatically slam home from 12 yards. 
It was a burst of attacking precision that had until then being completely lacking from the home side, who had the best chances of the first half but saw them spurned by Zamora, from a tight angle, and Clint Dempsey, who fired wide just before the break. 
That Fulham did not see out the game with their two-goal lead in tact is largely due to their own failings. 
They gifted the visitors too much possession in dangerous areas and despite the Germans spurning two chances through tame shooting from Grafite and substitute Obefami Martins their quality eventually shone through.
In the 88th minute, Zvjezdan Misimovic's quickly taken corner was returned to him and his cross was headed home by Madlung to give Wolfsburg more than just hope to take with them back to Germany.

www.bbc.co.uk

U21 Championship

England U21 3-3 Sweden U21 5-4 on penalties

England Under-21s set up a European Championship final against Germany with a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over Sweden despite losing a 3-0 half-time lead.

Martin Cranie's strike, a Nedum Onuoha shot and a Mattias Bjarsmyr own goal put England in control at the break. 
A revitalised Sweden forced extra-time after Ola Toivonen's free-kick and two Marcus Berg goals levelled the score. 
Frazier Campbell saw red, but England held on to set up a final with Germany, who beat Italy 1-0 in their semi-final. 
England had fallen at the semi-final stage of this 31-year-old tournament five times, including a 13-12 penalty defeat to the Netherlands two years ago. 
But they were able to put that long-running hoodoo to bed after Guillermo Molin's miss from the penalty spot sealed their win.

.

Italy U21 0-1 Germany U21

The Italians dominated the second semi-final in Helsingborg but Beck scored the all-important goal three minutes after half-time when he ran in from the right wing and unleashed a shot which swerved beyond the keeper's grasp. 
Manuel Neuer had been the main reason Italy were not ahead at half-time after making a number of crucial saves. 
The German goalkeeper beat out a shot from Sebastian Giovinco which was going high into the net before knocking a header on to his defender on the line who then cleared. 
Marco Motta hit the crossbar before well-placed defender Mesut Ozil cleared off the line from the near post as Italy dominated with forward Mario Balotelli influential, but the interval arrived goalless. 
The game was then turned on its head in the 48th minute when Beck shocked the Italians with his fantastic strike. 
Balotelli almost equalised minutes later when his powerful free-kick flashed wide and the same player had another effort pushed out by Neuer. 
Marco Andreolli put a header inches wide and Neuer produced an improvised save when he kicked Balotelli's powerful shot away with his right foot.
www.bbc.co.uk www.teamtalk.com

U21 Championship

England U21 - Sweden U21

English youngsters came to Sweden with intention to win the championship. They defeated Finland 2-1 and Spain 2-0. In last game played (expected) draw that was enough for the first place. Considering names, England is a favorite today. Pearce has a headache caused by Agbonlahor and Walcott which appearance is in doubt. Odds are rapidly decreasing (?) and from 2.20 came to 1.85.

Before the start, Sweden was outsider. They don't have well-known names in the team, the most of them play in domain competition. But, played excellent against Belarus and especially Serbia. Attacking style of play brought the results and some anonymous players (Marcus Berg) already took attention of some big European clubs. As English have advantage in established players, Swedish have a home ground. They're hosts which also means a little help from "men in black" (penalty-kick vs Serbia). 

I think England is closer to final, but both sides have some problems with defence lines and I choose goals. Bwin offers 2.20. Over.

.

Italy U21 - Germany U21

Italy youth are (as always) one of the main candidates for trophy. They have again talented squad, with Pierluigi Casiraghi in charge. Defence line is traditionally tough, while in attack play three, already big names, Balotelli, Acquafresca and Giovinco. They have some problems in midfield with the ball transition and that resulted in less goal opportunities. The only dilemma for Casiraghi is to return Balotelli in squad (served one game suspension), or to start the match with very good Abate, again.

Germany displayed very good performances in the first two games, winning four points, with clean sheet both times. Against England, they took a point for the second place in the group. They're typical German squad, strong, team is well balanced, ready for war all 90 minutes. European press announcing this game as a battle of two defences and expect small number of goals.

I give little advantage to Italy, think they can play tactically on higher level and have killer trio in attack. I rate the chance as 60:40. For me, enough for a bet. Pinnacle offers 2.57. Italy to win. Correct score 1-0.

.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
"William Hill Exlusive £100 freebet, All Countries!!!" 1. Click here to open your account, Sign up("Join now") using promo code F100, 2. When you place your first bet, we will give you a free bet of the same value up to a max of £50, 3. As you place more bets you can earn up to another £50 in free bets. (Moneybookers available for this offer, You can choose Euro as a currency.)

Belarus U21 - Italy U21

Calculation is simple. Belarus need a win against Italy and to hope there is a winner in the Sweden - Serbia fixture. Otherwise, Belarus should win with at least three goals difference. But, considering past two games, such epilogue isn’t very probable. Belarus came to Championship after they eliminated Turkey and made some good performances in friendlies, later (Germany away, 1-1). So, audience expected more. They started a game against Sweden very well, but defence line made some terrible mistakes and game ended with five goals on their balance. Against Serbia, it was a new team. With fighting attitude they kept the net and got one point that gives them a chance for semi-finals. It doesn’t sound real, but players were saying it was just because their coach was on the bench (wasn’t against Sweden). They have nothing to loose, have a chance to progress and I’m sure they’ll attack Italians (or try to attack, at least). And will have a coach on the bench.

Before the Championship started, Italy was declared as one of the main candidates for trophy. They didn’t prove such predictions only in the second half against Serbia. Azzurri had a drop in the performance, Serbs made two very good goal opportunities, but goalless draw at the end. In the second game, they were inferior about 23 minutes at the start. Then Mario Balotelli scored for a lead. Little later, the same player make big stupidity in his own manner and got a red card (will be substituted by Ignacio Abate). Italy won the game and now need a one point to qualify for semi-finals. But, must win for the first place. So, a win will lead them on Germany, a point on England and a defeat would mean a ticket to home. Maybe, it is nothing, but from the last 17 games Italy has just one defeat, against Germany. Motive for avoiding, or revenge? However, Casiraghi announced the best eleven will play (excluding mentioned Balotelli), they’re much better team and have no reason to play with the fate.

Italians are masters of calculations, but the example of their older mates (Confederations Cup) can only teach them what happened in case of exaggeration. Italy is much better, I don’t doubt in their serious approach and they should win this easily. But, the odds are miserable and Belarus must attack. So, I choose goals instead. Betfair offers 2.12, Pinnacle 2.02. Over.
.
Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
"William Hill Exlusive £100 freebet, All Countries!!!" 1. Click here to open your account, Sign up("Join now") using promo code F100, 2. When you place your first bet, we will give you a free bet of the same value up to a max of £50, 3. As you place more bets you can earn up to another £50 in free bets. (Moneybookers available for this offer, You can choose Euro as a currency.)