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

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Germany loves to beat up on S. American countries. Germany was shown vulnerable to speed (as we saw with Spain). Like Uruguay to hit the board here, and Klose to get at least one, and Scweinsteiger also.

lets do it...thanks for all the winners van!!! you made soccer very enjoyable!

Over 3.5 +176 at 5dimes

I could see 4 goals especially with Klose and Mueller trying to get the golden boot and Klose's record of all-time goals scored in World Cup Tourny's 

Spain winning 1-0 did not suprise me, just upset me, so here  is my final predictions.

Everybody back.  Germany 3  -  Uruguay  1

Spain can control possesion and score off of set pieces and attacks.

Spain 2  -  Holland   0  (most likely Spain 1   Holland  0)

Game Picks

Current Record 30-15
Up 62.71 units, Down 34.08 units
TOTAL - Up +28.63 units

Futures... 

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

Game Picks

Current Record 30-15
Up 62.71 units, Down 34.08 units
TOTAL - Up +28.63 units

Futures... 

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

Saturday July 10 - 3rd Place Game

63.  Uruguay / Germany - Over 2.5 -124 (4 units), Uruguay to win 3rd place +225 (2  units) - Some basic historical stats for the 3rd place game - goals scored in this game since 1978:

Sunday July 11 - Championship Match

64.  Spain / Netherlands - Netherlands +.5 +110 (2 units), Netherlands to raise cup +157 (2 units) - I rewatched the Spain / Germany match twice - and there was something that amazed me.  When Germany got possession of the ball, you could start a stopwatch - and unless they were knocking it around on defense in the back third - there was at least one Spanish player harassing the ball within 3 seconds, and rarely did they get above 3 passes or 20 seconds before they were dispossessed.  To further show this - some stats:

When the game was tied (first 73.5 minutes of play)

**Spain connected on 653 passes vs 367 for Germany
**Spain controlled 70% of the field by possession
**Spain had time of possession advantage 68/32
**Total shots 12 - 2

No wonder I had given up on my Germany bet and was hoping for PK's halfway through the first half.  This is the key to the final.  Can Spain do this against the Netherlands?  Im prepared to make a case that the Netherlands are better prepared to handle this onslaught than the Germans or anyone else Spain has played so far in the tournament.

Like the Spanish, the Dutch also favor having lots of possession - but unlike their previous opponents - the Spanish will be facing a side that has individual playmakers.  Sneijder, Robben, Kuyt, and even Van Persie - can all create.  The Germans won as a team - and traded off who and when there would be flashes of individual brilliance - but I think the Dutch have enough individuals who can make menacing moves to break down the Spanish defense - and can keep the ball away from Spain. 

I also like the Dutch for their efficiency - they have scored when they have had chances - unlike the Spanish who have struggled in front of net to convert.  Spains defense has only given up 2 goals in the tournament - and have been excellent - there is no way around that.  I felt like Germany could have scored on them if only they could have executed in their midfield - but they were badly outplayed there - and as stated earlier couldnt hold the ball long enough to ever put anything together.  I have been a big fan of Eljero Elia for the Dutch - and I hope to see him in the game 0- he is a perfect matchup to play against Spain - a darting one on one guy who has Messi like ball control skills.  This is how the Dutch can beat Spain - when the get possession and Spain close down on the ball - they have to be able to have players who can make a move and pass to an open man - this is precisely what the Germans couldnt do and why they failed.  When you have 3 guys defending the ball - there are open men on the field - you have to break the containment and find them - and in this case I just think the Dutch have enough individual talent to do this.

My bet is split between the 90 minutes (at + money) and to raise the cup.  Final score prediction Netherlands 1 Spain 1 after 90, and the Dutch to seal the deal in extra time and win 3-1.

No matter what happens, its been a great month - thanks to all who made that possible - and start booking your flights for Rio in 2014!

BOL Van. Reading your thread throughout the WC has made me a good amount of money and a better gambler in general and I thank you for the time and effort you've put forth

I, like others have stated already, would love to see you stick around the forum after the cup is over 

The greatest capper on covers (Thats would be me) posted that Spain would qualify against Germany 25k to win 25k and that I had 16k to win 30.4k pre Germany. Holland AINT winning.

Vanzack has capped this game COMPLETELY wrong as will be proven Sunday. He wants to fade the European champions (a team full of not only European cup medalist,s but these players have numerous domestic titles and Champions league winners). A Spanish team, that has proven it is the best team in the world.

He instead wants to play on a worse team, who have always CHOKED when they have played world cup finals. A team besides Wes and very few others, that have ever actually won anything! I am sure Robben has a title at Chelsea, maybe Gio has a few domestic medals and Kuyt might have won a Champions league with Liverpool..

My point here is, when it comes to accolades these Dutch players are NOWHERE near the Spanish. Spain are the better team, the mentally tougher team and the better coached team..

This is why I am better then you Van sack. I already know Spain are going to win. This is horrible capping from you here. You MIGHT hit on the draw, but Spain is way too mentally tough for Holland. They are lifting the trophy. If you follow van the sack here you WILL lose money. Those are the simple facts..

Unload on Spain to win the trophy. Thank me later.

Right see you's all in 3-4 months (hitting the road this day week). I am going to end up in Floripa drinking Caipirinha's for most of it. Getting to Brazil 4 years early..Just wanted to come here and help people save/win money. Holland is not winning. Don't fade me because you don't like me or you think Van is some sort of hero. He has capped this game ARSEWAYS!

What happened to "Im leaving covers for a few months...."

You just cant stay out of my thread.  Just the fact that you entered my thread (probably 100 times today) looking for my writeup is all you need to know.  You got a lot of people beggin you to stay when you posted that you were leaving right? 

BTW - great analysis on the game.  "Spain is BETTER than the Netherlands" - super.  Very insightful.

Try not to post again here.  You just cant.  You dont want to, but you have to.