Friday's result

Ireland scored after 7 games. A loss for the start of September.

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Slovenia - Northern Ireland  0-1  LOSS

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Statistic:

August

Profit: -7 units  Yield: -100%

Season

Profit: +18.36 units  Yield: +15.11%

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Slovenia - Northern Ireland

Slovenia is a decent side. They proved themselves in previous qualifications and in South Africa. Some talented players (Novakovic, Dedic, Koren…), but personally I’m well surprised with their tactical discipline during the game. Their raiting has raised from 79^th Fifa place to 19^th. In last five home games, they won 4 (N.Zealand, Qatar, Russia and San Marino) and drew one (Czech Republic). Only absentee is defender Marko Suler.

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Ireland made few very good campaigns, but always stayed short eventually. They were playing friendlies lately, lost all 5 and didn’t score in last 7! However, they made 2 decent results and two draws against Czech 0-0 and Poland 1-1. In group with Italy, Serbia, Estonia, Slovenia and Faroe Islands, I rate them as 4^th and really can’t see N.Ireland progressing. No significant missings.

 

Slovenia plays really well in Maribor and considering the group rivals (Italy and Serbia) and the fact next game is in Belgrade, this one they have to win. 2-0 correct score.

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Bet: Slovenia -1ah  
Odd: 2.07  Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10
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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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12.06. - double

England - USA

For England this is the most important game in the group. Key of their possible success is 1st place. No injuries, no reason for keeping the players for other games.
Americans have declared this game as the most important in their soccer history. No, it is not. It will be that one against Slovenia. They’re decent side and have huge political support (football globalization story), but I doubt they’ll provide some shocks in SA.

Argentina - Nigeria

Argies, in my opinion, have the biggest potential in SA. If there is Passarella, or any other decent coach, instead Maradona, they would be main contenders to win the competition. My biggest concern regarding Argentina is some tactical stupidity by El Pibe that could bury them easily. For the first game he plans very attacking 3-4-3 formation. Hm…
Nigeria is average Africa’s team, no big stars (Anichebe and Martins are the biggest) and maybe key player (Obi Mikel) is injured. I think they can score once.
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England to win (1.53)
Arg-Nig over (1.85)

Double @ 2.83 (bet365)

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Slovenia 1-0 Russia

Slovenia beat Russia 1-0 in the second leg of their play-off at the Petrol Arena to dump Guus Hiddink's side out of the 2010 World Cup and seal their progression to South Africa.
Matjaz Kek's side, who are ranked 49th in the world, sealed their place in the finals after Zlatko Dedic (pictured) netted the game's solitary goal in the 44th minute.
The compact ground provided a vociferous atmosphere and helped Slovenia subdue their opponents early on before Russia lost their composure in the second half with two men sent off.
Hiddink's side looked devoid of ideas in attack as Slovenia defended stoutly in front of their fervent supporters and substitute Alexander Kerzhakov's needless red card in the second half epitomised Russia's frustration.
To compound the issue, Yuri Zhirkov received a second yellow card for a bizarre push on a Slovenia substitute warming up on the touchline as Russia's World Cup dreams were shattered.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Slovenia – Russia

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Before the first round of play-off, Slovenia was the biggest outsider. In Moscow played defensively, they were absolutely outplayed, but score a goal for acceptable 1-2 defeat and even had a chance for a draw. They were complaining about artificial grass and low temperature, but it was obvious they were so close to suffer a disaster. In Maribor (12 000 people will attend, no big home support), same eleven will play. All players sound optimistic, pointing the fact one goal could lead them to South Africa.

 

Russians lost the race in group against Germany and had to appear in play-off. In first game were dominating, scored twice and have some opportunities for more convincing victory, but conceded an unlucky goal. Despite the not so good result, Russia showed they possess much more quality. In Maribor the stake will be a ticket to World Cup, won’t be any relaxation in attitude. No problems with missing players.

 

I think there is no better man for a game such like this than Guus Hiddink. In situation where Slovenia has to attack, players like Arshavin and Zhirkov (on the flanks), Billyaletdinov and Roman Pavlyuchenko will have much more space. I expect even easier job for Russians than in Moscow. Pinnacle offer 2.31. Away win.

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Northern Ireland - Poland

N.Ireland has seven points (the same as Czech, Poland and Slovenia), but from five games, one more than the rest. Slovakia is first with nine. N. Ireland's points are from a draw at home against Czech 0-0 and two wins against surely the worst team in Europe, San Marino. So, I think number of points is not representative. Their expectations (and odds) are based mainly on the previous WCQ campaign, when N.Ireland played excellent in group with Spain, Sweden and Denmark (didn't pass at the end). Big worries for national coach Nigel Worthington. Two very important players are suspended, Steve Davis and George McCartney. Plus, Lafferty, Paterson and McCourt are injured. It means five keys. Even if Worthington can count on the best players, it would be hard to resist. But, they have to attack tonight (how?).

Poland have two wins (Czech 2:1 at home and San Marino 2-0 on the road), a draw (Slovenia 1-1 at home) and a defeat (Slovakia 1-2 away). Beside that, they won a few friendlies. Poland has very specific way of play, everybody runs everywhere and shoot from every positions(something like Lithuania in basketball). At the first sight you have impression it is a complete mess on the pitch and it's a question of time when two their players will hit each other. But, that "mess" usually results with fast counter-attacks when sometimes four or five players from nowhere  pop up in front of opponent's goal. I remember Leo Beenhakker from the time when they played in group with Serbia. Creepy old man who always finds the way to f**k up all strategies that somebody can plan. Anyway, they have missings, too. Two keys, striker Pawel Brozek and midfielder Rafal Murawsk stayed at home 'cause the injuries. But, very important midfielder Blaszczykowski has recovered.

Hosts have to attack. Visitors will stay on own half at the start and wait for a chance for (mentioned) counter attack. I see Poland as the absolute favorites and think to bet on handicap win, too. Odds look sweet, 2.10 at 888, 2.05 at Expekt. Away win.