EP36's FIFA-Fo-Fum World Cup Wonderland

[EaglesPhan36]

Play #13: Greece-Nigeria 2nd Half OVER 1 [-129]
Greeks have a golden opportunity to claim three points here with the man advantage for an entire half. Also remember that sometimes in red card situations, the club down a man actually takes advantage of the squad with the advantage because they tend to relax a bit. If the Greeks can't get it done, then so be it, but there is no way they should be playing for a single point with this development. Nigeria will likely hang on for dear life in the 2nd half, but stranger things have happened. I think the total of 1 goal is a push at worst if those crazy Greek bastards can continue to get shots on goal.

[EaglesPhan36]

Record: 5W-2L-2P [+3.32]

No harm done on the 2nd half over, got the one as expected but didn't get fortunate enough to see a second. Was worth the risk to me. By the way, to update the corner kicks prop ...

Argentina-South Korea 8
Greece-Nigeria 14

I don't know if its specifically dumb luck, but the Greeks have had 11 corners in each match so far.

[EaglesPhan36]

Record: 5W-3L-2P [+2.31]

I don't know if I enjoyed losing money more than I did with France losing.

[EaglesPhan36]

Play #14: Serbia +1 [-110]
The Germans will be largely backed by most bettors against Serbia based on their demolition of Australia, but let's not forget that the Australians were thrashed by the USA in their last friendly [3-1] prior to arriving in South Africa. It's not to say that Germany is not a talented squad, but the money line remains suspiciously low for them based on that first match. What does it mean? Books at least still hold respect for Serbia who were thought of as having perhaps the best chance to advance out of the group with Germany. Serbia must put behind them the stupidity of their 1-0 loss to Ghana on a penalty kick. It happened. It's over. You cannot take it back. Serbia will be out to protect their goal first and foremost from an early German onslaught. Look for them to be careful early to ensure that they do not fall victim to a blitzkrieg like the Aussies. Serbia is likely to continue its 4-4-2 formation and they will need to get back to their stingy play in the midfield to contain the Germans. It is imperative for the Serbs to start strong in this one. I think their plan will be to try to get the half tied or if something breaks for them, a lead. Dejan Stankovic is a key to the Serbs as he is in charge of setting the attack. If they're going to find the back of the net, look for him to play a key role. One point may not do the Serbs a world of good, especially if Ghana beats Australia, but they absolutely have to take something away from this match. Germany for their part obviously would love the three points here which would cinch them to advance, but a single point would still allow them to hold their own destiny against Ghana, so depending on how this match shapes up - the Germans may wind up being more careful than some would think about making sure they get a result.

[psulions]

I like Serbia tomorrow as well. Really on the USA-Slovenia under. Slovenia will be playing for a draw for sure.

[EaglesPhan36]

Good luck. One thing is for sure: Germany, USA, England will all be huge public plays tomorrow on the money line. I don't think England will disappoint, but I think either Germany or USA will fall short of the three points perhaps.

[vinnysantos]

Following u all the way EP

[EaglesPhan36]

Waited long enough now, it's +1 [-110]. At least I got the best price possible regardless. Hoping a push at worst. See you boys in the morning, usually get up about 10 minutes till half time of these early games - will be eagerly hoping to see a 0-0 scoreline.

[phillip]

Good Luck EP.

The more I think about this one, the more I'm liking it.

[bolekblues]

Couldn't agree more with the writeup of serbia germany game. I think this will be entirely different game the a game ag australia, a don't forget serbia was picked as one of the darhorses in the tournament. I personally think they can easily take a draw here. As for USA, I don't really see how they are not getting it done against sloppy slovenia. Of course this is based on first games, but us stood tall ag england while slovenia struggled to get any offense and won by (how many of those have we had thus far?!) a fluke goal. GL with your plays

[EaglesPhan36]

Well hopefully this is in goood shape. Up a goal and Germany is down a man. Serbs just need to play hard and smart in the 2nd half.

[SRBI]

Serbia backers!

[beefcake]

Serbia!!!

[Genghiz]

Congrats for backing Serbia. You can already consider a winner.

[EaglesPhan36]

You know it's your match when they miss a penalty kick.

[WIZARDOFBEANTOWN]

hell ya

[EaglesPhan36]

Record: 6W-3L-2P [+3.31]

Think Joe Public just got buried on that one. Thinking about this US-Slovenia match. Man Slovenia is tempting too +0.5 because there are gonna be a lot of people chasing their German loss with the US ... although they'd be better served waiting for England. Gonna narrow it down here and make a play soon.

[WIZARDOFBEANTOWN]

hey phan i just read that slovinia only let up 4 goal in 10 gms thru the wc qualifiers liking the draw and slovinia .25 but , im torn cause us seems to be up for this gl

[Smogs]

Very sharp win ep, congrats

[rfr3sh]

Im thinking USA Slovenia will be a very boring 1-0 type game

[EaglesPhan36]

I think I am gonna just sit this one out and watch and see what happens. Nothing really stands out for the Slovenia-USA match. Maybe a half time play based on what happens in the 1st half. I want to see how healthy Tim Howard is. Good luck with your selections fellas.

[EaglesPhan36]

PLAY #16: England-Algeria Total Corner Kicks OVER 9.5
Remember these are dumb luck indeed for the most part. My main reason for going for this is the law of averages. Most every match day with three matches taking place there has been at least one match to hit 10 or more corners. Neither did this morning, so we'll see if that holds up. Hopefully England attacks hard and puts pressure on Algeria that could eventually lead to some corners. We'll see.

[tfarrell12]

Haha, a bet with the reasoning of the law of averages. I like it.. Good look!

[EaglesPhan36]

Really hate it when refs miss pretty obvious balls off defenders that should result in corners. Can see this one is probably doomed, but then again who the F knows where corners come from. Bet there are a lot of nervy England backers.

[emeka]

Very much corners lately in the match and we won keep workin

[EaglesPhan36]

Record: 7W-3L-2P [+4.31]

Law of averages wins out today. I can't believe England is going to draw here. This group is Slovenia's to lose.

[EaglesPhan36]

Play #16: Australia PK/+0.5 [+115]
Much like the majority of the world expected Germany to roll Serbia on Friday, there will be many who expect the Aussies to roll over and play dead for Ghana. I'm still a bit confused as to the perceived notion that Ghana is some mighty team that will come in here and duplicate what the tactically sound Germans did to Australia. Ghana for one was fortunate to get a win against Serbia because of the penalty kick, otherwise they are standing with a single point today. Instead, they are tied with the Serbs and Germans in first in this grouping heading into this match. Ghana surely will want the full three points here ahead of their finale against Germany, but I think would not be too disappointed with a point against the Aussies if that's what it comes to. A loss to the Aussies would put Ghana in a bad spot. That valuable point would likely give them a chance to advance with another draw in the finale regardless of what Serbia & Australia do that day. For the Aussies, it's simple - they need a win. They will have to do so without their best scoring option in Tim Cahill who picked up a red card against the Germans. With Cahill out, the Socceroos should have no choice but to turn to injury prone Galatasaray midfielder/striker Harry Kewell to fill in. He may not be fit enough to start, but Pim Verbeek will use Kewell as a sub no doubt because he needs a scoring option. The bottom line for the Aussies is they must defend, defend, defend or it doesn't matter who is up front trying to get goals. Let's remember too that after the intial blitz of two first half goals from Germany, the Aussies settled in a bit only to have Cahill sent off in the 56th minute. Germany added those additional goals up a man. It's imperative that Australia start strong and give themselves belief. Not to suggest they are all that similar, but the Aussies task is somewhat similar to the Greeks. They were left for dead after losing 2-0 with the whole world believing Nigeria would crush them. A red card changed that and showed anything can happen in South Africa. I think pride guides the Aussies to keep this match within their grasp. I don't know if they can win, but I do think they can draw with Ghana.

[JOHON8]

The only chance I think Australia has is if Ghana fails to finish their chances. Australia has fundamentally the worst defense in the WC IMO. They hardly noticed any of the German runs into the box (before the red card). New Zealand and North Korea organized their defenses which got them some chance in their games. They really need to improve in that department and then use set plays to get the goals. GL though anything against the public is actually a descent play in this WC even on Australia.

[EaglesPhan36]

I'm trusting in Pim Verbeek to make the necessary changes. The backline looked bad against Germany, so I don't know how he won't make changes there to some extent. And if he doesn't add in striking options well then he's going to get sacked as the manager. The guy has been around long enough I hope to suck it up and do the right thing. We'll see. Ghana is sure to be a big public play, second only to The Netherlands on Saturday.

[Smogs]

GL today, keep up those sharp plays

[hedgejob]

EP Verbeek is leaving his post after the WC, it's confirmed. Kewell hasn't had a competative game for long time.

BTW I like O4.5 yellow cards at 2.50 in Ned/Jap game. Ref is from Serb/Gha game which had 6 yellows and a red.

[SRBI]

Play #16: Australia PK/+0.5 [+115]
Much like the majority of the world expected Germany to roll Serbia on Friday, there will be many who expect the Aussies to roll over and play dead for Ghana. I'm still a bit confused as to the perceived notion that Ghana is some mighty team that will come in here and duplicate what the tactically sound Germans did to Australia. Ghana for one was fortunate to get a win against Serbia because of the penalty kick, otherwise they are standing with a single point today. Instead, they are tied with the Serbs and Germans in first in this grouping heading into this match. Ghana surely will want the full three points here ahead of their finale against Germany, but I think would not be too disappointed with a point against the Aussies if that's what it comes to. A loss to the Aussies would put Ghana in a bad spot. That valuable point would likely give them a chance to advance with another draw in the finale regardless of what Serbia & Australia do that day. For the Aussies, it's simple - they need a win. They will have to do so without their best scoring option in Tim Cahill who picked up a red card against the Germans. With Cahill out, the Socceroos should have no choice but to turn to injury prone Galatasaray midfielder/striker Harry Kewell to fill in. He may not be fit enough to start, but Pim Verbeek will use Kewell as a sub no doubt because he needs a scoring option. The bottom line for the Aussies is they must defend, defend, defend or it doesn't matter who is up front trying to get goals. Let's remember too that after the intial blitz of two first half goals from Germany, the Aussies settled in a bit only to have Cahill sent off in the 56th minute. Germany added those additional goals up a man. It's imperative that Australia start strong and give themselves belief. Not to suggest they are all that similar, but the Aussies task is somewhat similar to the Greeks. They were left for dead after losing 2-0 with the whole world believing Nigeria would crush them. A red card changed that and showed anything can happen in South Africa. I think pride guides the Aussies to keep this match within their grasp. I don't know if they can win, but I do think they can draw with Ghana.

[EaglesPhan36]

Even though I'm sure they're f-ed, I'll ride out the red card with the original wager. Disappointing, but shit happens.

[JOHON8]

Even though I'm sure they're f-ed, I'll ride out the red card with the original wager. Disappointing, but shit happens.

Australia definitely got their team back together in this game, if they somehow win it with 10 men which they can with their performance it would be an epic win.

[EaglesPhan36]

Record: 8W-3L-2P [+4.885]

Ballsy F-ing effort from the Socceroos, damn near took the lead. Get the half stakes won on the +0.5.