EP36's FIFA-Fo-Fum World Cup Wonderland

[G3ck0l0c0]

Nice write up EP !
I agree, USA should get this one. It'll be hard and difficult but as the Algerians will search to get the win as well, I think they should be able counter-attack and at least get one in. I'll see a 2-0 win. Draw at half or -0.5 USA.
Also, England is also searching to oil their attack. I don't see them fail this time, they have nothing to lose and will push really hard on offense, while keeping the middle field has a block, playing the offsides. Again, a 2-0 for England, one in first half and a second after. -0.5 England at half.
Tailing you on this one EP !

[psulions]

Great write up. The key for USA tomorrow is the first 20 minutes of the match. An early goal like in the previous two matches will doom them.

[ScarFace_1990]

i like algerian chances here, the game isn't so easy as it looks..... algeria has some good players that can make the game unpredictable.

[EaglesPhan36]

Certainly, the USA needs to get off to a much better start. I think if they can grab the first goal, they're in good shape because that will force Algeria to open up from what surely will be a defensive-minded approach. Key for them is patience though. They can't spaz out if the 1st half is scoreless. They just need to keep putting the pressure on the Algerian defense.

[spal2811]

gl eagles!

[EaglesPhan36]

Look for Team USA to get the job done, but don't be surprised if it takes them most of the match to do so.

LANDON DONOVAN!!!!!!!

[EaglesPhan36]

Record: 14W-5L-2P [+9.795]

[EaglesPhan36]

Play #24: Ghana Total Goals Scored OVER 0.5 [-108]
Yes, the logic of the average fan would look into the Ghanans two penalty kick goals and say, are you serious? They're going to score on Germany without some help? I think so. The African countries have done a fantastic job here in the final leg of the group stages in putting on a show. Nigeria scoring twice. South Africa scoring twice and although they did not score, Algeria putting a scare or two onto the US goal late. Ghana has more than enough attack to make things interesting for the Germans. The Germans must win this match to ensure their survival into the group stages, so they will be pressing from the opening kickoff. Ghana for their part can advance with as little as a draw, but I don't think it's in their nature to sit back and play defense and let's be honest, they're likely not going to get a 0-0 match against the likes of Germany. Germany will be without Klose who is suspended because of accumulated cards at the World Cup. The interesting plus in this one is to watch Ghana's Kevin Prince-Boateng. He is the man responsible for the injury to Germany's Michael Ballack that left him out of the World Cup. You can bet the Germans will mark the Portsmouth midfielder and he'll get fouled and if he's smart, he'll act like every foul broke a bone. Perhaps that could lead to another Ghana PK? One thing the Ghanans should try to avoid, attacking solely down the wings - switch it up and use your speed down the middle!

[EaglesPhan36]

Record: 14W-6L-2P [+8.715]

Shoulda figured after the USA miracle that I would have talked myself off a winning prop in this match and into one that missed. Karma I suppose. Oh well, onto tomorrow.

[EaglesPhan36]

Play #25: Italy-Slovakia UNDER 2.5 [-142]
Italy can progress to the knockout stages with a win or even a draw depending on what Paraguay do with New Zealand. Slovakia could make a surprise trip to the Round of 16 with a win and a Paraguay win or draw against New Zealand. Slovakia have generated very little offense in two matches with just three shots on target and a single goal coming against the Kiwis. The Italians have struggled to score with just two goals in two matches while yielding two goals in those matches, both on set pieces. Italy has not scored more than one goal in eight straight matches, including the first two rounds in South Africa. Knowing that a simple 1-0 result will see them through or perhaps even a snooze fest 0-0 if Paraguay win over New Zealand, don't expect the Italians to take extra chances. They have been searching for their offense for quite a bit, but their midfield has lacked creativity. With starting goal keeper Gianluigi Buffoon still out due to injury, I think the Italians will simply look for that one goal to get ahead and then defend, defend, defend. They will also know that Paraguay will not be content with a draw to advance, knowing that a win will help them avoid The Netherlands in the knockout stages. This one may feature a lot of feeling out as both squads know a 1-0 result in their favor would do the trick.

[EaglesPhan36]

Record: 14W-7L-2P [+7.295]

Well at least I made some side money on a first half prop bet. Defending chumps about to get the boot.

[EaglesPhan36]

Play #26: Netherlands-Cameroon OVER 2 [-190]
Yes, high chalk and I am waiting until the lineups come out to book this for certain. Still, The Netherlands do need at least a draw today to clinch the top spot in the group. One would think they would definitely be looking to keep their ebb & flow against an inferior Cameroon squad today, perhaps with a few subs, but still many of the normal starting 11. Cameroon has nothing to lose, so I expect them to play loose and free, kind of their style anyhow. Cameroon's defense has not been good all year, but especially had issues against Denmark in the last match. A Denmark squad that does not have the finishing talent that the Oranje do. Attacking-wise, Cameroon used Samuel Eto'o in his customary role rather than the one that drew criticism against Japan. That could help Cameroon's attack again today. The Oranje will want to continue their solid play and perhaps get some of their attack untracked as I think many expected them to have more goals at this point in the tournament. I have a hard time seeing just a single goal in this match regardless of the lineups, so I think that despite the relatively high price a push looks to be the worst outcome here.

Will make the final choice when lineups come out. Hopefully in the next 30-60 minutes.

[EaglesPhan36]

Going for it. Netherlands have one change on the back line with Van Der Wiel out, nursing a yellow card already. Bouharouz in for him. All other starters are in to begin.

[EaglesPhan36]

Record: 15W-7L-2P [+8.295]

Klaas is in session! Loverly finish to the day. Can already tell you that I believe tomorrow will be one of the most heavily bet on days at the World Cup this week. All the matches carry some sort of fun with them, even Ivory Coast & North Korea.

[ji03]

Nice hit on the over in the Netherlands/Cameroon game.

[vinnysantos]

Any tips for 2nites games EP?

[EaglesPhan36]

Play #27: Brazil-Portugal OVER 2 [-117]
You're going to find a lot of people thinking that the draw is what is going to happen here and that neither team is going to push hard. Bullshit, I say. Neither team wants to finish second and face the prospects of going up against Spain if the Spaniards take care of business this afternoon. Brazil will be without Kaka [red card] and Elano [calf injury], but they are still lining up with many of their regulars including Fabiano. Portugal won't use Deco again due to "injury" but they seemed more crisp without him against North Korea. Tiago will feature again after his brilliant two goal performance last time out. Ronaldo is in and a host of regulars for Portugal as well minus one or two guys nursing yellow cards. Bottom line here is a draw would see both through, but for Brazil especially I do not think "laying back" and taking the point is in their nature. They are solid form through two matches and much like the Dutch yesterday, will not want to jeopardize anything by being conservative. Portugal for their part have nothing to lose really by going for the win either. Even with a loss to the Brazilians, they will advance assuming Ivory Coast doesn't pull out a miracle to make up the goal differential which stands at a whopping 9 goals heading into this morning's action. This is another one where I can't see one goal being the end point or a more boring scoreless draw. I think we see at least two goals.

[DeluxeLiner]

Really digging the play EP. Why the -117 though, it's going for closer to -105 some places.

[EaglesPhan36]

That's what it was where I made the play. It was as high as -130 last night, so not real worried about the juice aspect. Hopefully we see some beautiful finishing this morning.

[kaliboyz]

Good luck EP!!

[EaglesPhan36]

Crap. Should have gone with the Ivory Coast over too. May look at the half time line there.

[EaglesPhan36]

Record: 15W-8L-2P [+7.125]

Well that stunk. Oh well. See if this afternoon is better. 1-1 seems to be my mode for most of the week.

[EaglesPhan36]

Play #28: Switzerland -175
Yes, I'm laying the chalk here. There are certainly scenarios where a draw would be good enough for the Swiss to progress depending on the Spain-Chile outcome, but the #1 objective here has to be beating Honduras. The draw scenario really only works if Chile beats Spain and I think the Swiss will go into their match thinking that Spain is going to win. A Spanish win means the Swiss can still qualify with goal differential. They start trailing Chile by 2 in that category, but one would think if Spain wins, they could conceivably win by multiple goals. That could lead the Swiss to need as little as a one goal win to advance if Spain does win by two goals or more. The Swiss' best chance would probably be to win by multiple goals themselves. To this point, Honduras has had it difficult against the superior attacks of Spain and Chile. The Swiss may not possess as potent an attack, but they certainly have the class to challenge a wobbly Honduran defense. Alexander Frei really needs to step up here and lead the Swiss charge. Honduras' defense has "only" allowed 3 goals to this point, but anyone who has watched their first two matches know they are fortunate to not have given up twice that. The Swiss will have to balance their normal defensive nature with the right blend of attack here. I wouldn't be surprised if they opened things up a little to start to see if they can catch Honduras for an early goal and then keep tabs on the Spain-Chile match when they get to the half to truly know what their chances are to advance.

[Karayilan9]

Great work man, BOL on the Swiss

[CatPulp]

Go Swiss, GO!

[EaglesPhan36]

The Spain-Chile match has shaped up perfect for the Swiss if they can score. One goal might get them through. Gonna check the half time lines.

[EaglesPhan36]

Right or wrong, gonna stick with the original wager on Switzerland here. Draw is +160 and could hedge with that to get half the original stakes back, but with the Spain-Chile match where it is and Spain likely to bang home another goal or more ... the Swiss just need one. I think Roger Federer is on the phone right now, making the call. 1-0 Swiss, move on to the KO stages.

[EaglesPhan36]

Play #29: [In-Match Bet] Spain-Chile OVER 3.5 [+103]
Chile down a man. Spain looking to finish this off without question. I think they find the goals they missed out on against Honduras in the 2nd half. I'll give it a whirl.

[EaglesPhan36]

Brutal. Once Chile scored that play was screwed. Spain wasn't going to risk a draw. Switzerland sheesh, both them and Honduras couldn't finish if you put the ball on the goal line. There goes a nice chunk of money.

Record: 15W-10L-2P [+4.875]

[Goat Milk]

EP that was one of the most open games I've ever seen down the stretch. Both teams just countering all day after the 65th minute and no one could score. Pathetic. If you didn't look at the score in that game you would think about 3-4 goals were scored just after the 70th minute.

Well I'd rather have Chile qualify sorry for your Swiss

[EaglesPhan36]

It's alright. Gonna hit 'em hard tomorrow. Hopefully.

[psulions]

Time to bounce back tomorrow. GL

[EaglesPhan36]

One of those days when you just make the wrong choices all day. I do a whole blog about Spain winning, but I choose Switzerland instead.

[kaliboyz]

not a good day!

[EaglesPhan36]

Play #30: USA To Advance [-121]

Another addition to the blogosphere at SBR. Following my instincts here. Taking the "to advance" line because I am not going to be the least bit surprised with the way things have gone for Team USA in this World Cup + having the only African team involved if this goes extra time.

It wasn't easy and it often wasn't pretty, but Team USA made it into the knockout round where the Landon Donovan and the Americans will take on Ghana.

The Americans will be riding high as they battle Ghana in the Round of 16 as the knockout stages begin at this year's World Cup.

You could not have scripted a more appropriate ending to Team USA's controversy-filled run through Group C. Landon Donovan's injury-time goal against Algeria will go down as one of the biggest in USA soccer history, and will have buoyed the spirits of a team that looked as if it might miss out on advancement.



Instead, they won Group C and now face Group D's second place finishers, Ghana.

Dspite losing 1-0 to Germany in the group finale on Wednesday, Ghana advanced to the knockout stages by virtue of goal differential over Australia. If there is a squad that pretty much backed its way in, Ghana would be it.

Ghana scored a grand total of two goals in three matches in group play, with both coming off penalty kicks.

Meanwhile, Team USA showed a threatening offense from the second half of the Slovenia match on through the end of the Algeria match. This squad seems primed and pumped to push into the quarterfinals.

From a strategy standpoint, don't expect Team USA to change up what has worked thus far. The Americans have played with discipline and look to finish with precision. Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore and Donovan have all helped pressure the opposition to this point. It's been Donovan's finishing touch that has made the biggest difference.
To advance further, Team USA will need someone else in addition to Donovan to deliver some scoring magic. I still expect Altidore to be that man. He's been so close to scoring, but hasn't quite got the touch yet.

For The Black Stars of Ghana, look out for Asamoah Gyan. He scored both of their penalty kick goals and will be relied on to be a finisher against the USA. Ghana also sports plenty of speed and skill with Kevin Prince-Boateng to help rush Tim Howard and the USA defense.

Goalie Richard Kingson will need to be huge for Ghana. The Wigan Athletic keeper made a big mistake against Australia that led to a goal. The USA has a definite advantage at this position. Team USA is at +165 to win with soccer betting odds on Ghana at +205 . On the PK line, which means you get your money back in the event of a draw, Team USA is -125 with Ghana at +105.

The total is listed at two. The price favors neither the under or over at the time of this writing. You can also wager on the USA to advance at -125 and Ghana at +105. You may ask why wouldn't I just take Team USA at +165 or Ghana at +205? Make sure you understand your sportsbook's rules.

Most if not all consider a soccer wager on a specific match complete after 90 minutes plus injury time. So if the game goes into Extra Time to decide who advances, your match wager would lose. That is where the "to advance" wager comes into play as you would be betting on your team for the entirety of the match.Many may point to Ghana dismissing the USA back in the 2006 World Cup in the group stages, but these teams are different. Ghana has more youth and Team USA now the more veteran squad with confidence.

Team USA will once again need to be patient as they were against Algeria when things don't go exactly right. They have shown a good knack for this and I think their finishing skills make the difference.