Its been a disappointing final for me. I would have much preferred Germany in the final but I suppose Spain on paper is a much better finalist. Overall, this has been a poor quality world cup.
The Netherlands edged past Uruguay (3-2) without hitting top form. For long periods of the game its looked like it was going to end in stalemate. A few moments of brilliance surprisingly produced 5 goals. As always Robben looks most likely to score but they do have a lot of potential match winners. They are the only team that have won all their games this world cup, including their qualifiers.
On paper, Spain are a much superior team. After watching most of their games, I haven't seen one where I thought they were great. They just keep hold of the ball and rely on a mistake or a moment of brilliance from Villa. The Spain/ Germany game looked certain to be 0-0 until Puyol popped up with a header. Their last 3 games have ended up 1-0. They have shown that they are beatable, just ask Switzerland. For all Spain's possession in games they donit create may scoring chances.
With regard to betting on this one, I have no strong opinion. The Netherlands do look at bit overpriced considering they knocked out the tournament favourites but Spain are every bit as good as Brazil. When the Netherlands faced Brazil you could get 4.5 on the Netherlands so maybe not overpriced if you go by that.
If you do fancy Spain, William Hill have gone top price at 2.2 whereas VC Bet have gone top price on the most likely scoreline, 1-0 Spain at 6.5. Personally, I'll just enjoy the game and just bet on the gift from Paddypower.
Uruguay (7) Draw (3.7) Netherlands (1.67)
Uruguay are very fortunate to be here. With the clock ticking away and the penalties looming, the Ghana side have a shot cleared off the line by Suarez. Ghana miss the penalty and go on to lose in the penalty shoot out. Suarez will miss this game due to suspension. Forlan, one of the performing strikers of the tournament will have to raise his game even more. Defender Lugana came off injured and they looked a lot shakier at the back without him.
The Netherlands were looking out at half time. Brazil a goal up and in control, then a massive goal keeping error allowed them back into the game. After that, Brazil just fell apart. You could sense that the Netherlands were going to win. Credit to the Netherlands though for sticking in there. After Brazil's early goal and all the pressure, a lesser team would have collapsed.
The Netherlands are rightly strong favourites for this game. You have to have a strong team to beat Brazil. Even without all the problems with the Uruguay squad I still would be backing the Netherlands. I don't think they'll collapse like they did in Euro 2008 after a great start. Its 1.67 at VC Bet and its a bet I'd take all day long.
7 July 2010
Germany (2.9) Draw (3.3) Spain (2.7)
Germany really taught Argentina a lesson. Not many teams can beat Argentina 4-0. It makes the score against England not look as bad now. 4-1 is better than 4-0. The German side were so well organised and clinical. I had my doubts over the quality of Germany. I thought they may have looked good compared to the poor sides they have played but after watching the game Saturday I think I have seen the eventual winners. Mueller will be suspended for this game but I am sure Germany will get on fine without him.
Spain squeezed past Paraguay. It was looking like extra time until Villa scored the goal. Spain could have easily gone out if Paraguay would have scored their penalty. To be fair, Spain could have wrapped up this game earlier too but they missed their penalty. Every time I have seen Spain this tournament its been pretty passes but no end result. They'd be out now if it wasn't for the brilliance of Villa.
Straight after Spain had won, I checked the odds on the German win. Bet365 opened at 3.0. I thought that was a great price but its long gone now. 2.9 is the best at William Hill. On performance, I cannot see how Spain are favourites for...
