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

USA starting lineup according to FIFA website:

Howard

Bocanegra, Cherundolo, Demerit, Bornstein

Donovan, Bradley, Clark, Dempsey

Altidore, Findley

 

Vanzack's worst fears of Onyewu in the lineup isn't happening!  I'm a little surprised to see Clark in there instead of Edu, but overall it's not a huge deal.

C'mon USA!

 

I cannot fucking believe Findley is in the lineup

Other then that, looks good.

LETS GOOOOO USAAAA!!!!

hey van,
great write ups each an everyday

What are overtime rules here? I have no idea what the rules are.

USA loses.

Wait. Why did the announcer say "in trouble again"?

What are the damn rules?

I hate being confused.

What's a "Golden Goal"?

Oh...my mistake. This isn't even an "in game".

BOL Van

why don't you post your picks as early as you used too

good luck either way Van, been tailing you for forever

Thanks all.

Just getting back home and too many comments to go through - nothing personal - just want to get tomorrows games up and Im going to try and do Mondays tonight too.....

Tough loss for the USA.  The one question I want answered is what the fuck were they doing in the first half by trying to push 5 guys straight up the middle with no wide play at all?  I couldnt understand it - and the second we started attacking from inside out to the wings we had success in teh second half - but the first half there were 5 white shirts within a 15 yard circle of each other planted in the middle of the field with nowhere to go.

Im disappointed, but realistic....

Time to move on.  This removes my worst fears of a USA / Argentina final. 

Sunday June 27

51.  England / Germany - Over 2 +100 (2 units) - I really dont see much to chose from between these two teams - I think this is almost a dead even game.  Germany looked at their worst so far against Ghana, and their best against Australia.  The reason is speed - the Ghana speed and ball control gave them fits at the back - and Germany was lucky to escape without conceding - and against Australia they looked their best because they can handle a physical slow side.  England is something in between Ghana and Australia - but I do think their skill up front will give them plenty of chances on Germany - who except for Phillip Lahm looked very disorganized on defense in their last 2 games.  Im hoping to see Lennon or Wright Phillips in the England starting 11 to inject some speed.

England have scored twice in 3 games against Slovenia, USA, and Algeria.  Twice.  Terrible finishing is their problem, not getting chances because they can create up front with the best of them.  I have said it since the beginning of the tournament - Englands defense is bad - and will get exposed.  Im not sure Germany is exactly the right team to do that - but I do think Germany will also get open space and if they can keep the ball away from Podolski - they might actually score once or twice.

The early goal will decide this ones fate - but I am banking on these high octane offenses to get in to gear.  Final score prediction England 2 Germany 2.

52.  Argentina / Mexico - No bet - Ive got nothing on this game.  I think Argentina will win, and probably win easily, but Im not in the mood to lay -400 on them advancing.  I think the total is about right, I would lean to over, but dont like it enough to bet it.  Its no secret that Argentina has the strikeforce up front to lay a big number on anyone, and I think Mexico is in for a long day.  But the line keeps me off of this one.  Final score prediction Argentina 2 Mexico 0.

GL all.

I feel like a lot of the pressure is lifted off England. I mean, sure there is pressure to do well, but after seeing the first round, the expectations wont be as high. I can just see them coming out and beating Germany, then everyone will be on their nuts.

you have argentina at -400? i see them at -230

"but Im not in the mood to lay -400 on them advancing."

key word in bold

Van  I cant get that at 2 for the over under instead I have 2.5 at plus 155...What do you think  bout over 1.5 at minus 200?

If you can bet it at -1.5 AND -2.5, you have it at -2.

Split your bet.

Thanks buddy go get em today

Thanks all for the nice words.  Sorry I have been delinquent about responding - just havent had the time between studying, rewatching games, and watching them the first time, and the USA takes up a lot of my time - but now I should be settled in for the remaining games.

I appreciate the discussion - and will try to respond to every post from here on out.

GL all.

Updated records...

Game Picks

Current Record 24-13
Up 49.34 units, Down 24.67 units
TOTAL - Up +24.67 units

Futures... 

Current Record  8-10
Up 20.8 Units, Down 17.4 units
Total Up +3.4 units

PENDING FUTURES:
17.  Argentina to win tournament +725 (6 units risked)
18.  Argentina / Neth final +3300 (.5 unit)

Van, is it too late to put money on Argentina +500 tournament winner? After the Mexico game, what do you think will be Tina's odds to win it all? Should I put money now or after the Mexico game?