Group Picks
Group A (Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon)
I think
there is no doubt that Brazil will win this group, question is who will finish
second. I personally like Croatia to advance. They have strong individual
talent, many great offensive players and I think in the end that will make the
difference. At plus money I will definitely back Croatia to advance as they don’t
have to rely on one player to win a game. Rakitic, Mandzukic, Modric, Perisic
etc. are all able to be the difference maker.
Pick: 1st Brazil/2nd Croatia @ 2.40 (1/10)
Group B
(Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia)
I live in
the Netherlands so I would like for them to advance, but I honestly think they
won’t make it. The defense is the main problem; I don’t see one single player
that is above average. Half of their defense plays for Feyenoord and looked
shaky against even mediocre teams from the Eredivisie. I respect the Chilean
team a lot, they completely dominated us (Germany) in a friendly and I think
they have the cleverness needed to beat a team like the Netherlands. In the end
I see Chile and Netherlands fighting for second place and as sad as it is, I
believe Chile will outsmart Oranje. Furthermore, I don’t see Australia winning
a point against any of these teams. Holland and Chile know this is a must win
game and they are definitely capable of beating Australia by several goals.
Only opportunity for them to get something might be the last game against
Spain, in case Spain is already qualified and resting their starters.
Nevertheless I find the Australia to win 0 points bet very tempting.
Spain+Chile to advance @ 2.80 (1/10)
Australia to finish with 0 points
@ 2.37 (1/10)
Group D
(Italy, England, Uruguay, Costa Rica)
Short and sweet, I don’t think England will advance. Italy is the definition of
a tournament team, no matter how bad they play you know in the end they will
make it far anyways. Uruguay is a strong side and the fact that this tournament
is hosted in South America should be a little advantage for them. It’s so “mainstream”
to bet against England these days, but again odds above 2.00 to me are worth
being “mainstream”.
Pick: England to advance? No @ 2.25 (1/10)
Group E
(France, Switzerland, Honduras, Ecuador)
I am sure
France will win the group and odds of 1.90 are good enough I suppose. Not
sure whether Switzerland or Ecuador will advance, so I stay away here. I wouldn’t
be surprised if Switzerland won against France, tied against Honduras, and lost
to Ecuador to finish third.
Pick: France to win the group @ 1.90 (3/10)