Soccer betting tips and predictions

Germany – Spain 7 July 2010

*matches in all competitions

Germany last 5 matches:  

Spain last 5 matches:

Germany FIFA ranking: 6

Spain  FIFA ranking: 2

Second semi-final of the 2010 World Cup and a very exciting match between the spectacular German team and the Euro trophy holders Spain.

Although close in odds at the bookies, Germany has a slight advantage over their rivals, this may be due to it’s previous opponents England and Argentina which where no match for their offensive.

Germany is motivated to avenge the result in the Euro final 2 years ago and not only reach the final but win it playing agains the Netherlands who went past Uruguay in the first semi-final.

Miroslav Klose and Tomas Muller make up a great attacking couple and with Bastian Schweinsteiger at the middle competing for the player of the tournament award. Breaking down Spain’s defense will most likely prove more challenging that Argentina or England and the match will be played mostly in the middle.

Spain relies on David Villa’s form as top striker Fernando Torres was a big disappointed so far in the World Cup. they seem to have had some luck as their opponents don’t live up to what Germany has encountered.

Their last match against Paraguay was a close one decided in the 83′ minute by David Villa and with lot’s of suspense at the end. It seems that they rely more on the force and experience of midfielders more than anything.

My tip:  Germany to win (over 2.5 goals )

Argentina – Germany 3 July 2010

*matches in all competitions

Argentina last 5 matches:  

Germany last 5 matches: 

Argentina FIFA ranking: 7

Germany FIFA ranking: 6

With favorites and big rivals Brazil out of the tournament, Argentina is definitely keen on capitalizing but a match against Germany is one of the hardest test they could encounter.

From the 2 sides, Argentina looked like the team with most composure, having won all matches played so far in the 2010 World Cup their claim is clearly the ultimate trophy.

One of the weaknesses showed by the South American team was their defense as the players in this compartment are not mobile and have been surprised time and time again by the opposition’s attackers.

Germany got a very well deserved morale boost from their last knock-out match when they trashed England. This will be the hardest opponent encountered so far in the tournament and a real challenge  if their claims to the trophy are to be taken seriously.

Germany has a very young team but this doesn’t mean they are unexperienced, they showed real team work and a very good tactical display in the previous matches except their only loss against Serbia.

My tip:  Argentina to win ( hard to predict, bookies place Argentina with the better odds my guess would be more than 2.5 goals )

Netherlands – Brazil 2 July 2010

*matches in all competitions

Netherlands last 5 matches:  

Brazil last 5 matches: 

Netherlands FIFA ranking: 4

Brazil FIFA ranking: 1

2010 World Cup 8th Finals are starting on Friday with a very interesting match between Netherlands and Brazil, 2 of the teams that have showed real strength so far in the tournament.

Netherlands have been running clockwise since the final tournament started with 4 victories in 4 matches played surpassing Denmark, Japan and Cameroon in the group stages and just edging Slovakia in the first knock out 2-1.

They for a very balanced team as they managed to score 7 goals and conceded 3 in all 4 matches, only Denmark failing to score against them.

Brazil showed real offensive play with Chile in the knockouts, crushing the opposition 3-0 to advance in stile and keep the fans happy after the disappointing match against Portugal in the group stage.

Elano will miss the Friday match after injury, the only important player from both sides. This game is likely to be an open one as both teams focus more on attack than defense making the outcome very difficult to predict.

My tip:  Brazil to win (over 2.4 goals )