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

15.06.

Post will be updated through the day.

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New Zealand - Slovakia, NO BET

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I'm not sure about this one. New Zealand will park the bus in front the goal and will try to frustrate Slovakians. Best they have is few players from English Championship, main threats will be set pieces.

Slovakia is a kind of mystery for me, but fell they're far below Italy and Paraguay. If they don't score in the first 20 minutes, could have a plenty of problems. Also, game will be played on 1500m above the sea level and will be hard to breath and keep the pace.

I don't like to bet on under, but 2.20 on under 2 looks really tempting. Also, wouldn't exclude a possibility of a draw, 0-0 for example. Will decide later and post it.

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Portugal - Ivory Coast, Portugal @ 2.30 (Expekt) 0-0 LOST 

 

Portugal is very good side. Look at their first eleven. Results from qualifications usually are not a good indicator. I predict a good tournament for them and think they can even eliminate Spain in a possible 1/16 match.

Ivory Coast is, in my opinion, most exaggerated selection in SA. Drogba will probably start the game, although he’s far from be fit, since this is a game for 2^nd place in the group. They have Sven Goran Eriksson on the bench and I almost have no doubt they won’t pass the group.

I would like to see better odds (based on IC exaggeration), but 2.30 is totally acceptable.

 

Brazil - DPR Korea, Korea +1ah first half @ 1.925 (bet365) 0-0 ht WON

 

I already wrote my opinion about Brazil. My main favorites for a trophy. Enough.

The truth about Korea is actually nobody knows anything about their potential (which surely isn’t very big). I’ve read in some press, their best player (no way to remember his name) left the country before 5-6 years, came to Serbia and was playing for Bezanija (club who dropped in the second division)! Only sure thing about them is they all would die for the country (maybe a bet on red card could be a nice choice).

It’s first and the easiest game for Brazil and I can’t see a single reason to push to their limits and waste energy. Goals against Korea will hardly be decisive (in case of same points for Br.,Por. and Iv.Coast,goals against Korea would be erased). On the other side, I can see a fanatical fight from Koreans and think they can resist first half.

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That's it for today. Good luck people, see you tomorrow.

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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 - 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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Gamble for today

Atalanta - Palermo, 2-X ht/ft @ 17.00 bet365

Palermo need a win for Champions League,I expect them to lead at the half-time.But will be 4th only if Samp don't win.So,gamble is based on scenario Samp will win and Palermo will be devastated in the 2nd half and concede goal(s) for a draw.
Hardly to happen,but isn't impossible and wouldn't be the first time.

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Internationals strike again

One interesting friendly game is on schedule tonight.

In Italy, Atalanta will host Hull City. It’s memorial game dedicated to their two legendary chairmen. Atalanta won 12 of 15 such games so far. So, they do care. Hull will be without nine regular players because the international games.

So far, suggest a home win as a gamble. Will make some research and maybe post later a closer view.

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Genoa 3-2 Roma

Gian Piero Gasperini's men came out on top in a thrilling battle at Marassi, but the match had its share of controversy as well as goal-mouth action.
As expected, new loan signing Nicolas Burdisso slotted straight into the heart of the Giallorossi defence with the inexperienced Marco Andreolli. Stefano Guberti also made his Serie A debut for the Lupi, while Hernan Crespo, Alberto Zapater, Marco Amelia and Emiliano Moretti all made their league bows for the Rossoblu.
The Grifoni started brightly, with most of their attacks being directed down their left flank and earning a couple of early corners. Roma remained a threat on the counter attack, however, and Francesco Totti brought a good stop from Marco Amelia.
Hernan Crespo had an excellent chance in the 13th minute, receiving the ball in the penalty area and effortlessly turning Burdisso, but fired his shot wide of Artur's left hand post.
While the majority of the pressure came from the hosts, the game remained very open as Roma counter-attacked, primarily through the lively Jeremy Menez. These quick moves left the Lupi open at the back, however, and Ivan Juric was eager to move the ball to the front three to try and exploit the gaps.
Crespo had a penalty appeal turned down on the half hour mark, as the Argentine striker felt he was tugged down by Marco Andreolli just before Mesto also tumbled in the box, but the referee ignored their protests.
Genoa continued to press forward, and a shot from Papastathopoulos flashed just wide from 25 yards, but the penalty appeals appeared to spark their visitors into life. Jeremy Menez almost found himself through on goal, but a last ditch tackle by Marco Rossi denied the Frenchman.
The winger then made another excellent block to save the Grifoni's skin, this time from Guberti, and Burdisso headed just wide from a corner moments later. Despite a period of sustained Giallorossi pressure before the break, the sides went in goalless.
Gian Piero Gasperini took the initiative after the break, bringing on Rodrigo Palacio for Modesto as well as Domenico Criscito for Mesto.
The move paid immediate dividends, as Genoa held a high line to exert heavy pressure on the Giallorossi. Four minutes into the second half, an extended period of Grifoni possession led to Sculli heading the ball down for the onrushing Criscito to hammer the ball into Artur's left hand corner to put the hosts in front.
It didn't take long for Roma to respond, however. Marco Motta's cross was met by Andreolli's head, but although Amelia palmed away the initial effort, Taddei was on hand to head home the equaliser.
The game was becoming very open, although a number of niggly fouls somewhat broke up the pattern of play. While the Rossoblu were passing the ball nicely around the pitch, frustration was beginning to show as Roma's defence held firm.
Criscito then made an excellent tackle on Lupi captain Totti to prevent the visitors taking the lead, but it was only a temporary respite. Genoa failed to clear their lines after Pizarro's cut-back and Stefano Guberti's shot was deflected into the net by Totti on 64 minutes.
Just five minutes later and the sides were level again! Andreolli was booked for a high tackle on Juric 20 yards from goal, and the youngster was made to pay for the foul as Zapater unleashed a fierce free kick that bent into the top right hand corner.
The atmosphere was now as electric as the match was, and Genoa rode their luck to scramble the ball away from their goalmouth after Amelia saved well from De Rossi.
Giuseppe Biava was fortunate to remain on the pitch with 15 minutes remaining as he pulled down Menez, but although the defender was the last man in Genoa's half the referee only deemed it a yellow card offence. It was to prove a costly decision for the visitors.
With just under 10 minutes to go, Cassetti felled Palacio on the right hand side of the box, and Biava hammered home the rebound after Sculli's shot was saved. Immediately afterwards, the game was almost wrapped up when Artur palmed Figueroa's shot over the crossbar.
Roma poured bodies forward in search of another equaliser, but the hosts remained the more dangerous side and comfortably saw out injury time to record an important win over Luciano Spalletti's men.
www.goal.com

Genoa - Roma

Last season hosts finished at the fifth place, even had a chance for Champions League, at the end had the same number of points as Fiorentina, but worse mutual score. This was achieved after a strong season which saw the team defeating the giants like Juventus, Roma and Milan, and winning both derbies against Sampdoria, with Diego Milito finishing among the top scorers of Serie A. Mentioned Milito and excellent Thiago Motta have been sold to Internazionale. Chairman Enrico Preziosi was more than generous during the transfer market and club signed the replacements. Striker Sergio Floccari came from Atalanta for 12 mill. euros. Also, two Argentinian strikers Crespo (from Inter) and Rodrigo Palacios (ex Boca) joined the club. Ambitions are the same and attacking line hasn’t lost the quality, but the biggest problem again will be defence. Genoa conceded too many goals last season. One reason is 3-4-3 formation, but also defence was the weakest line. Only new defender is Serbian U-21 international Nenad Tomovic (ex Crvena Zvezda). At their home Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa don’t respect anyone and will try to start the season with three points which would boost the players’ confidence.

After another disappointing season where Roma finished one place below tonight’s hosts, “Giallorossi” come into new one with almost the same players. Club didn’t reach Champions League which caused a limited resources for new signings. Only worth of mentioning are Nicolas Burdisso who came on loan from Internazionale and winger Stefano Guberti (ex Ascoli). They even sold excellent Alberto Aquilani to Liverpool to balance the books. Fans expected one new striker, but so far no big news about that. The main target this season will be the spot for Champions League, but the capabilities of this team are under the question mark. They force attacking style of play, all their friendlies and European encounters (against Gent and Kosice) were high scoring games. Prince of Roma, Francesco Totti plays in great shape, despite the years, while young French Jérémy Menez finally started to repay 10 mill. that have been spent on him last year. There’re also two more excellent attackers, Mirko Vucinic and Júlio Baptista. But, as Genoa, Roma lack in defence line which will be even weaker tonight for Philippe Mexès and first goalkeeper Doni. Also, Luciano Spalletti can not count on Vucinic and Perotta. Defeat in the first round is unacceptable and visitors will go for all three points.

This will be surely the derby game in Italy. Both teams have the highest ambitions, great attacking force and wouldn’t be satisfied with just one point tonight. But also, both have problems in defence and despite I fancy Roma and think they won’t loose at least, see many goals and go for over. 2.08 at 188bet.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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You have to love our game!

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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Belarus U21 1-2 Italy U21

Italy came from behind to beat Belarus 2-1 in Helsingborg to ensure they finished top of Group A at the European U21 Championships.
Robert Acquafresca, who has been on loan at Cagliari for the past two seasons but who is owned by Internazionale, scored both goals for the Italians to cancel out Sergei Kislyak's opener.
The victory means that Italy avoid England in the semi-finals and will instead play Group B runners-up Germany.
Pierluigi Casiraghi's team were full value for the win but were given a real fright in the 44th minute when completely against the run of play Kislyak cleverly guided in a fine low cross from the impressive Igor Shitov.
However, Italy managed to hit back for the penalty spot before half-time when Mikhail Afanasiev was deemed to have handled in the box.
Acqufresca calmly dispatched the penalty to ensure the sides would be level at the break.
The second-half was exciting fare. With Sweden comfortably beating Serbia in the other group match Italy knew they had to win to top the group.
Similarly, Belarus knew it would be them, and not the Italians, who would play in the semi-finals if they could find a goal as they would have toppled Italy on the head-to-head rule.
Italy always looked the more likely to score though and Juventus prospect Sebastian Giovinco started to exert more influence on proceedings as the match went on.
He was denied twice in the same movement by first Belarus' goalkeeper Pavel Chesnovski and then by a great flying challenge from Shitov when it looked like the pint-sized Italian was going to nod home after Chesnovski initial save saw the ball pop up.
However, 14 minutes from the end Italy did get the key winning goal and it was a superb pass from Giovinco which cut open the Belarus defence.
That allowed lively substitute Antonio Candreva to roll the ball across to Acquafresca and the powerful striker was then allowed to quite literally walk the ball in for his third goal of the tournament.
One blow for the Italians though was a second yellow card for midfielder Claudio Marchisio who will now miss the semi-final but they will have star striker Mario Balotelli back for that match against the Germans.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

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.
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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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serie B

Livorno 3 - 0 Brescia

1 - 0 F. Tavano  50. min.
2 - 0 A. Diamanti  60. min.
3 - 0 M. Bergvold 74. min.

Italy 0-0 Serbia

Five-time European Under-21 champions Italy had to settle for a point from their Group A curtain-raiser against Serbia in Helsingborg.

Close contest
Italy's first-half ascendancy gave way to a much-improved Serbian showing after the break as a crowd of 7,158 was treated to an always engaging tussle between two ambitious sides. Gojko Kačar's scissor-kick against the upright was the closest either team came to a breakthrough.

Three up front
The game had begun openly and the first corner, won by Italy captain Marco Motta, produced a free header wasted by Paolo De Ceglie. However, the first notable chance fell to Serbia as Nemanja Matić matched his persistence down the left with a penetrative cross that Zoran Tošić met inside the Italy area, sending his first-time strike narrowly off target. The Azzurrini's response was a curling effort from outside the box from the diminutive Sebastian Giovinco – forming a front three alongside Robert Acquafresca and Mario Balotelli – which Željko Brkić tipped over. More sighs or relief followed from the sizeable Serbian contingent inside Helsinborgs IF's Olympia as Acquafresca headed wide.

Ebb and flow
Serbia coach Slobodan Krcmarević chose a tactical template similar to Casiraghi insofar as three men shared the attacking duties. Tošić and Miralem Sulejmani – both wide players by trade – were supported by the versatile Kačar, a willing runner and raider. After half an hour Sulejmani scooped through a ball which Tošić was just beaten to by Italy keeper Andrea Consigli. His opposite number, Brkić, was similarly stretched by a firm Balotelli free-kick.

Revenge mission
The pre-match talk had been of an Italian revenge mission after Serbia's opening-day victory over the Azzurrini in the 2007 finals. Increasingly, as half-time approached, that goal looked within reach. Giovinco's cross-cum-shot had Brkić back-pedalling. Salvatore Bocchetti spurned a shooting opportunity; Balotelli did not, rifling the ball against Brkić's body. Yet the interval clean sheet appeared to vindicate Krcmarević's decision to give Jagoš Vuković his competitive debut at centre-back.

Clean through
With Tošić sparking, Serbia began the second half as if trying to restore balance to a shot count heavily favouring the Italians. Soon another notch for Casiraghi's men, though, as Acquafresca nodded a Giovinco set-piece into Brkić's arms. There seemed little between the teams, although a gap did emerge in the Serbia defence when Giovinco sprang the offside trap from Luca Cigarini's pass. Perhaps unaware of time and space, the Juventus talent lifted the ball tamely at Brkić.

Off the woodwork
At the other end the clever passing exchanges between Serbia's attacking triumvirate – often prompted by the elegant left-footed midfielder Matić – were gaining in fluidity and frequency. Towards the 75-minute mark, Nenad Tomović forced a desperate save from Consigli after Nemanja Pejčinović had touched on a Tošić corner. Still more pressure ensued: Kačar's acrobatic strike rattling Italy's right post, before a Tošić free-kick whistled past the other. The resulting deadlock left both countries two points behind the day's winners, hosts Sweden, who beat Belarus 5-1.
www.uefa.com

Sweden u21

With a heavy hart, I have to say Italy is a favorite against Serbia. Leaded by Pierluigi Casiraghi, team is well balanced in all lines. The most of players are the first team members in their clubs. Attack is masterful, Balotelli, Acquafresca and Giovinco. Uh...

Serbia played excellent in last three tournaments. Two finals and once semi-final. The expectations of the audience are high. But, something doesn't work. It seems coach Krcmarevis is lacking in authority, too much individual efforts, I couldn't see any sign of team spirit. We're weakest in attacking line. First choice Djordjevic is injured and replaced by Crvena Zvezda's player Perovic. I think both are far from Euro level.

Odds on Italy are more than ok, William Hill and most of the others offer 2.20. I can't go against us, so won't bet.

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serie b

Rimini 0 - 1 Ancona

0 - 1 S. Mastronunzio  79.min.

Saturday-serie b

I don't have too much to say. Yesterday was a forced break from betting, today just one game.

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Rimini - Ancona

Re-match, play-out game. Rimini is in advantage, first game ended 1-1 and another draw would keep them in serie b. Hosts didn't use their potential and instead middle table position, after a defeat in the last round against Cittadella, they drop into play-out zone. New boss Carboni has been trying to recover players' self-esteem, but squad still didn't react too positive. But again, home ground and a result from the first game give them a space for calculation.

Turbulent season for Ancona, characterized with lack of money, bad club's atmosphere and players' threats with boycott. At the and, they won in the last round (AlbinoLeffe on the road, 4-3) and got another chance. Rumours said it was a set-up, however Ancona will try to make another surprising victory for salvation. Will be without five players. Striker Miramontes will start alone in attacking line.

I expect nearly similar game as Brescia-Empoli. Visitors have to chase the result, but it seems they can score only accidentally. Expekt offers 2.00. Rimini is better team and I go for a home win.

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Thursday after the storm

My internet connection collapsed the previous night. Sorry for late posts today.

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Russia was more convincing than anybody expected. The hosts didn't have a chance. Norway had a single effort (that Stekelenburg saved) for entire game. Again I had a good analyze, but bad conclusion. Argentinian stars, as I expected, couldn't breath in Quito and Ecuador realized my gamble. Interesting day at the end and some profit.

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Will follow one friend with Italian play-off game Brescia-Empoli. In case of draw, Brescia will progress, 'cause better table standings at the end of league. 188sports offers 2.30, Pinnacle 2.28. Treat it like a gamble. Home win.

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For basketball fans, great game tonight in Spain. Final:Tau Ceramica - Regal FC Barcelona. I haven't even considered to bet on it.

Tomorrow will be some interesting games. Stay tuned.

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