World cup so far (Total Profit on posted plays + €1783). Futures posted plays Brazil + 450 and +600, Argentina + 650 and +1600 e/w). Africian team to reach semi's +1000.
Uruguay v Ghana: No strong feelings here. I believe Uruguay are the better side and in fairness have done little wrong. They are rock solid at the back and with Suarez and Forlan they have quality strickers that can win a game for you on there own. Ghana are the last Africian team in the tournament and literally have the support of an entire continent.
Games like this with so much at stake tend to be tight tense affairs, with teams more concerned about making mistakes then actually being positive and agressive and actually trying to win the match. You saw both teams go into their shells when protecting 1-0 leads in the last 16. The books have clued into this fact and only the big hitters are going to get invovled with -225 for the under 2.5 goals.
If we are going on the form line then Uruguay are just justifiably the favourites for this game. Anyone looking to ride with them, I wouldn't try put you off. I think the occasion and pressure gets to both teams and I see a match very similiar to Japan and Paraguay and this looks like it could be a cagey draw. Very hard game to cap but my play will be Ghana +1 @ -150.
Netherlands v Brazil: I'm not sure why the books have Brazil as such warm favourites. I mean what have the Dutch done wrong this tournament?. Ok history suggests that here is where the Dutch usually implode and Brazil go on. I think this line is wrong. Holland are in my opinion every bit as good as Brazil, certainly in midfield and the forwards. The big concern I have with the Dutch is in defense and this will stop me taking the Dutch to qualify. They have been signs that better teams then Cameroon/Slovakia etc can get at them.
I lived in Holland for awhile and I will be cheering for them bigtime. History suggest this game will have goals. In 1994 the game finished 3-2 to Brazil. In 1998 it was 1-1. When you look at the creativity and attacking options of both teams, I see both teams scoring in 90 minutes and that will be my play for this game here. Think that is the best value play for this match. Both teams to score in 90 minutes @ Even Money
Germany v Argentina: This should be the best game of the round. Everyone knows I was on England bigtime last round. I got that badly wrong but I still believe Germany are not as good as they have looked thus far. I like Argentina to win this game within the 90 minutes, but they too have weaknesses, especially at the back. These two teams are really fun to watch and they only seem to know one way of playing. Attack Attack Attack. Germany for so long have been so bad to watch, refreshing to see a young team not afraid to express itself. Seems Germany and Portugal have had transplants!
I have a hunch this could be a classic, the game of the world cup so far. I will be playing on the over 2.5 goals @ evens and over 3.5 goals @ +225
Paraguay v Spain: I think this will be a mirror image of Portugal v Spain. Paraguay are the Portugal of South America. Pretty toothless in attack but a well drilled, well organised team that is tough to break down. I backed Portugal to qualify last round and that was not a bad call. Portugal had 3 good chances first half and if they score, I can't see Spain equalizing. Spain are the better team, let's be frank about that but I am going to oppose them here. Paraguay are +650 and I can't get away from that kind of value on such a dogged determined team. Ok there is the big concern that Paraguay are happy to be there and Spain could win 4-0 but I am going to take a chance on Paraguay. Spain despite getting this far look the most vunerable to me off the big teams left.
I will be playing the under 2.5 goals @ -175 and Paraguay to win @+650..
Good Luck everyone with your plays as always