Knockout Rounds thread - only 15 games to go......

Just a guess, but I think the Dutch are +150 against either Germany or Spain.

Like I said - Just a guess....

Van,

I am putting out my vote for you to keep posting plays year round in Soccer. I don't know a damn thing about the sport, but have learned immensly from this world cup, and your posts. I have really enjoyed watching these games, and making some serious cash in the process!

Thank you for your time and efforts, soccer world should have you as an ambassador for the sport.

Good luck down the stretch......

The Tina blow out did surprise me and Spain scoring only one goal (David Villa) no suprise. Predictions: The same winner but scores flip flopped.  Ghana was difficult for most teams that played them.  So the Germany win against Ghana was impressive because the got it done against a physical team.  Says something for the USA squad, Ghana was no easy opponent.

Holland   2     Uruguay  1

Germany  3   Spain 1

Its down to the price where I am literally at this moment probably going to bet it in the next 5 minutes...

When I did the writeup, the line was around -155, but at -132, I almost have to.

What is keeping me from making a big bet on it?  All of what you mentioned - I get a feeling that they may be taking it lightly - although I dont know how you take a game of this magnitude likely.  I have also learned that the worst time to bet against a team is a team that has played very well as a team - and has their back against the wall - and is counted out - that scares me.

But overall - if the Dutch play well and Uruguay play well - the Dutch will win in regulation easily.

Thanks - glad you enjoyed the Cup.

Go watch the Germany / Ghana game again (if you have it on tape).  I watched it for the 3rd time on Sunday - and cant believe that Germany won that game.  Ghana had chance after chance after chance - either Ghana were much better than I gave them credit for - or Germany just sucked that day  - or Ghana is the type of team (speed, physical) that can beat Germany.  I still have yet to figure it out - my eyes see it - but I have a hard time believing it.

I like the Dutch today - but all depends on your risk tolerance.

A little bit of both...Germany lost to Serbia being down 1-0 and a man down at the 37th minute. Ghana cup record before QF 2-1-1. GF 4 GA 3. ET played in elimination stages 60 minutes.

Also Klose was unavailable for the Ghana match.

1-1 at HT means a no stress second half....

Shoulda bet the 3-1

Game Picks

Current Record 29-14
Up 60.71 units, Down 33.08 units
TOTAL - Up +27.63 units

Futures... 

Current Record  8-12
Up 20.8 Units, Down 23.9 units
Total -3.1 units

Semifinals

61.  Uruguay / Netherlands - Over 2 -126 (2 units) - Its hard to see a result in this game with Uruguay winning.  I think the Dutch have almost every advantage, including injuries and suspensions.  Uruguay are without Suarez - which will certainly hurt them up front - but like I have said in my other Uruguay writeups he has squandered many more chances and possessions than he has converted - if his name was Fabiano or Klose - I think he would have 10 goals.  Lodeiro is definitely out with a foot injury, and Fucile is out on suspension.  Lugano is also possibly injured - or at best hobbled - which leads me to many more questions about Uruguays back line than their most high profile missing player - Suarez.  They are going to have to plug some holes on defense - and at a very bad time facing the high powered Dutch.

Holland comes in with suspensions and injuries too - Van Der Wiel and De Jong are out on suspension - and Matheijesen is coming off of his injury.  They are still together up front - but a little bit like Uruguay they might be disorganized at the back.

Diego Forlan is one of the few superstars in this tournament who has outplayed expectations - he is the engine that keeps Uruguay going - and he will be asked to do everything in this game.  I just see a lot of space on both sides of the field, and lots of opportunities on net - and as we have seen in the knockouts - one goal usually means many more - you just have to get it before it is too late in the game....  Predicted final score - Holland 3 Uruguay 1 

62.  Spain / Germany - Germany to advance +106 (1 unit) - This is really a tough one.  A classic case of one side that on paper is better, but the other side is playing far superior as of late.  Do you throw out form and go with substance, or do you take the hot side that seems unbeatable?  I learned my lesson - Im not betting against Germany right now.

But in retrospect, the Germans do seem beatable to me - the Ghana game could have easily been a disaster for them (and they might not have even advanced), and Serbia somehow had their number too.  But in their 3 wins, they scored 4 goals each game - and have looked the class of the tournament in doing so.  Mueller is out on suspension - which should hurt.  Their efficiency is what is getting my bet - the fact that when they have an opportunity they bury it or at least come close - and their passing and possession has been second to none.  They are playing as a team better than anyone, and my money is on that to continue.

Spain are an all star team, but it seems to me they are playing like a bunch of high priced guys thrown together with no cohesion.  Torres might be benched (which he should be), but make no mistake - if Spain can put together a game they should beat Germany - Im just betting that they wont be able to pull it off.

Im taking form over potential here - but only for a very small wager - Final predicted score Germany 2 Spain 1

GL all

well done Van,

easy over winner looks like you nailed the score as well

Many thanks,

Flav

good thing you didn't

very nice goal for Uruguay....

That goal makes me feel better....

can't wait til tomorrow