For England, ze World Cup 2010 is over. An inept display which will surely have Fabio Capello answering some serious questions up at the FA headquarters has thrown a small shadow over what has turned out, after the first two rounds of games, to be a quite excellent tournament.
Today sees the last 2 games in the last 16 knockout rounds, and by about 21:00 UK time tomorrow we will know all 8 quarter finalists. So who is going to join Germany, Argentina, Ghana and Uruguay from todays games?
First up today is Netherlands vs Slovakia.
The Netherlands have marched through their group in solid, if unspectacular style, winning all three Group games, scoring 5 goals and conceding just 1 in the process, and they look like they are getting stronger as the tournament progresses. Slovakia on the other hand qualified with 4 points, 3 of those in the stunning victory against Italy. Slovakia employ a 4-2-3-1 formation (the same as Germany) and in Robert Vittek have a player who is able to cause considerable problems up front. On paper this has a Netherlands victory written all over it, but such is the way with knockout ties that neither team can be discounted – it will be about who wants it more on the day, and Slovakia could cause an upset.
Slovakia to win – 15/2 with Bet365
Half time draw/Full time Holland – 7/2 with Ladbrokes
Vittek to score any time – 4/1 with Bet365
Van Persie to score any time – evens with Paddy Power and Bet365
Slovakia 2-1 Holland – 28/1 with 888sports
The other game today is the potentially mouthwatering clash between Brazil and Chile. These two teams will be familiar with each other’s players and style of play after meeting twice in the last two years during South American qualification. Brazil came up trumps on both of those occasions winning 4-2 and 3-0. Chile’s main attacking threat has come from tricky wingers Beausejour and Alexis Sanchez who have both impressed so far. Dunga will be well aware of this, therefore we may not see marauding full-backs Maicon and Baston roaming so far up the field in this encounter.
Brazil cruised through to the last 16 winning their group without ever really reaching top gear. With Kaka back from suspension and Robinho returning to the side after sitting out the dull 0-0 against Portugal, the Brazilians will be looking to step up a gear and make their mark on this year’s competition.
Chile Manager Marcelo Bielsa will not be instructing his team to sit back and be patient but to come out and attack as they have done in all 3 games so far. This leaves them extremely vulnerable to counter attacks, which was shown in their defeat to Spain on Friday. If Chile play the same way as expected, then the superior ability and class of the Brazilians should see them through.
Brazil 3-2 Chile – 33/1 with Ladbrokes and Bet365
Luis Fabiano to score first – 7/2 with William Hill and Paddy Power
Brazil to win the World Cup 2010 – 7/2 with Ladbrokes, Paddy Power and Bet365
Both teams to score – 11/10 with William Hill
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