July 2014
8th July, 12pm
*** SPECIAL OFFER FOR TODAY ***
Grab 9/1 on either team to win in 90 minutes:
*** VALID TILL 9PM TONIGHT ONLY ***
We’re into the latter stages of what has been an absolutely fantastic World Cup. One of the very best in living memory, it’s had pretty much everything. Upsets, underdogs, breakthrough players, close matches, penalties, red cards, and goals, goals and more goals, some of which truly have showcased the pinnacle of football that the tournament should be. A magnificent tournament, savoured around the footballing world.
So it is something of a shame that we are into the latter stages, with just 4 games left to play. Tonight we see the first semi-final between Germany and Brazil, followed tomorrow by the second between Holland and Argentina.
Last month we had a pre-tournament bet on the Brazilians at 4/1, and we’re still looking ok here. However, without Neymar and captain Thiago Silva, tonight against Germany will probably be their toughest test to date. Come through that and you’ve got to fancy them to lift the trophy on home soil this Sunday. If they do win tonight, we’ll have a look at the odds and update the diary if we think some sort of trade is in order.
Back to the matter at hand though, and we’ve lined up a nice double for the next couple of days. Before we state what it is, lets have a look at the prices for the two games:
Brazil 2.74
Draw 3.25
Germany 3.00
Argentina 2.48
Draw 3.25
Holland 3.4
So a fairly close match tonight, and slightly less so expected tomorrow. However, I’m not so sure, particularly on tomorrow nights game.
Starting tonight, Brazil has been my pick for the tournament since before a ball was kicked, and I’m not changing my mind. I still think the South American teams have that slight advantage over the European sides, and this will see them through the tougher stages. Germany have been typical Germany, strong and efficient, if a little uninspiring. I think Brazil will have just a little too much for them tonight.
Tomorrow though, I’m going against the odds. Argentina have failed to inspire at all, barring a couple of cameo’s from a certain Mr Messi. Tomorrow they are without their second most influential player, as Di Maria is out injured. A one-and-a-half-man-team before, they truly are a one-man team tomorrow, and Holland will know this. Keep him quiet, and I fancy Holland to have plenty enough up top to trouble Argentina. Robben has had an excellent (if at times controversial) tournament, and I can see him tormenting the Argentina back line, creating chances for himself, Van Persie and the rest. They will score, maybe a couple, and I think that’ll be enough.
Therefore all told, todays bet is “Name the finalists” – and I’m going for Brazil and Holland. It’s a remarkably high price for this, and if you like you’ll be able to lay it off a little tomorrow should Brazil progress tonight. For me though, it’s a straight up bet.
Enjoy the remaining matches!
Todays bet:
World Cup semi finals, name the teams that progress to contest the final.
Brazil and Holland. £10 @ 4.5