Tuesday's World Cup round-up

Thousands of supporters thronged Ghana's main airport to welcome home the national team following their agonising World Cup quarter-final defeat by Uruguay .
Kotoka international airport was packed with fans - many drumming and dancing - who started gathering six hours before the team's expected arrival.
National flags were waved at the players as they stepped out of the plane amid a deafening sound of vuvuzelas. Fans carried placards reading 'We love you our heroes, you made Ghana and Africa proud'.
"You've really held high the flag of Ghana and the entire African continent," Nii Nortey Duah, deputy minister of sports, told the players at the airport.
Captain Stephen Appiah said to the crowd: "We did our best but luck was not on our side but we'll go to Brazil in 2014 to be major title contenders."

Diego Maradona and his Argentina World Cup squad declined an invitation by the country's president Cristina Kirchner to be received at the presidential palace because they deemed themselves unworthy.
Kirchner also said that she had tried to speak to Maradona following Saturday's 4-0 quarter-final defeat by Germany but the 49-year-old had been too upset to talk. 
"You know that this president shows her true colours to the people in the difficult moments and not just the good ones," the 57-year-old told a rally in the northern suburb of San Miguel. 
"And I invited our squad to come to the presidential palace. The players refused because they felt they did not deserve such an accolade but I believe they are wrong because they all deserved it and I will wait for them. Yes, long live Argentina. 
"On Saturday, Argentines were very sad. But have patience, Maradona, the squad and the country, even if the sadness, will last. I called him after his press conference on Saturday but he was not able to talk because he was crying. 
"I offer my support because nobody has ever given as much pleasure on the pitch than Diego Armando Maradona gave us." 
Her speech went down well with her audience who answered with joyous cries of: "Ole, ole, ole, ole, Diegoooo, Diegooooooo!". 

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque admits misfiring striker Fernando Torres may not start against Germany. "He continues to be an important player for us and one that the other squad members are used to," he said.
"All strikers go through good and bad runs but he brings his work rate and his personality to the team and he is still our forward.
"You should not necessarily take my words to mean that he is definitely going to be starting (the Germany match) but we have full confidence in him."
A survey in newspaper Bild has shown that 83% of Germans believe their side will win the World Cup.

www.bbc.co.uk

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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Thursday's World Cup round-up

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk called a team meeting after reports in the Dutch media claimed Arsenal striker Robin van Persie said midfielder Wesley Sneijder should have been substituted instead of him in their last 16 win over Slovakia.
"I will never accept anything that could upset the next match," Van Marwijk told Dutch national broadcaster NOS.
"I spoke to Robin and he is supposed to have said something about Wesley.
"I've spoken to Wesley and after that I called the team together... told them what I think and then drew a line under it."

Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson is desperate for a chance to prove himself in the Premier League.
Kingson was released by Wigan in May after two years at the DW Stadium, where he made four first-team appearances. 
"I have to prove myself in the Premier League. It is an unfulfilled mission for me," said the 32-year-old. 
"I was waiting for my chance and it did not come. Now I am at the World Cup. I am playing, I am comfortable and I am happy. Everyone can see what I can do. 
"I would still like to stay in England because I know I could play every week in the Premier League." 

The newly-renovated Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was lit up by green and yellow lights to show support for the nation's football team ahead of their quarter-final clash with the Netherlands on Friday.
Legendary Brazil striker Pele has continued his war of words with Argentina coach Diego Maradona. 
Having previously said Maradona only took the Argentina job because he needed the money, Pele has criticised Maradona's lifestyle. 
"Maradona is not a good coach, because he had a bizarre lifestyle which cannot go down well with his team," three-time World Cup winner Pele told German magazine 11Freunde.

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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

Tuesday's World Cup round-up

Argentina playmaker Lionel Messi has agreed a double or quits bet with coach Diego Maradona that he scores against in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Germany. Messi bet Maradona he would score against Mexico in the previous round, although he has since refused to reveal the size of the stake
Maradona has also made it clear that Messi has a free role. He said: "Nobody ever told me where to play. So, I shouldn't have to tell Messi where to play either. It's up to him to decide where to play. He's a grown-up. I did it back in my era - and now it's his turn."

Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan needed an ice pack after hurting his ankle in training on Monday but officials expect him to recover in time for Friday's quarter-final against Uruguay. Black Stars defender Hans Sarpei is also reportedly carrying a leg injury.
Meanwhile, Ghana midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has revealed Italian side Lazio are interested in signing him from Portsmouth. He stated: "Lazio want me. I know about their interest but I don't want to think about it. For now, I just want to do well in South Africa." 

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez, whose side have impressed so far and beat South Korea in the second round, believes he is reaping the benefit of the majority of his players plying their trade overseas.
He said: "Most of the squad joined the national squad when they were still playing in Uruguay at around 22 years of age. Four years later, almost all of them are playing at important clubs overseas and they are capitalising on that experience of playing high-level football abroad."

Guus Hiddink thinks Sepp Blatter should only continue as Fifa president if he is prepared to allow the introduction of goal-line technology and video replays in order to avoid future controversies.
The former Netherlands boss, now in charge of Turkey's national side, stated: "Sepp Blatter should announce tomorrow that video replays will be implemented, or he needs to resign." 

Fit-again Netherlands winger Arjen Robben does not believe he is back to his best yet, despite returning to the starting line-up with a man-of-the-match performance in the 2-1 victory against Slovakia.
Robben, who had been out with a calf injury, said: "It was a great feeling to start the game. I am not yet at my top level but I was pretty confident."

www.bbc.co.uk

Saturday's World Cup round-up

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has rivalled Eric Cantona in the oddest football soundbite stakes with a beauty about maintaining the balance between attack and defence.
Ahead of his side's last-16 match with South Korea, he said: "There's a saying among coaches that football is like a short blanket: it covers your head or it covers your feet, and if it covers your head, your toes are in the air."

France striker Thierry Henry has hinted he feels karma may have had a role in his country's disastrous World Cup campaign.
Henry helped secure France's place in the tournament when his handball went unpunished and led to the goal that beat the Republic of Ireland in a play-off. 
But after France finished bottom of their group in South Africa, with only one point from three games, Henry said: "They always say you get what you deserve." 

United States coach Bob Bradley believes his side can capitalise on finishing top of their group, ahead of England, by reaching the final.
Bradley's side take on Ghana in the round of 16, with the winner facing either Uruguay or South Korea in the quarter-finals.
"If we continue to build on the successes so far we can go to the end," Bradley said.
"We try hard not to get ahead of ourselves but at the same time everybody has this idea that if everybody gives their best effort, if everybody puts everything they have into it and if things go our way then we can travel far."

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WC 2010 - 23.06

Post will be updated through the day.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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WC 2010 - 19.06.

I've been wondering, has anyone made some profit in the past two days? I have not. England was last in a row. New ball, weird referees' criterion, climate conditions... Who knows. I'll continue, but not in the mood to write explanations. Just my selection for today.

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Holland - Japan, Holland -1ah @ 1.95 (The Greek)  1-0 DRAW

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Ghana - Australia, Ghana -0.5ah @ 2.28 (188bet) 1-1 LOSE

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Cameroon - Denmark, Denmark 0ah @ 1.92 (188bet)  1-2 WIN

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WC 2010 - 18.06.

Post will be updated through the day.

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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.

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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! 

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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. 

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14.06.

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

At least, I had a winning bet.

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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