Van, my deep thanks and respect to you. I am very grateful that you shared your insights, it certainly helped me. I hold you in high regard, and the result today will not change that. I was thinking Spain, but I cannot go against you. Thank you.
Thanks.
Support your local animal shelter. I am on twitter.
Quote Originally Posted by yestoeverything:
Van, my deep thanks and respect to you. I am very grateful that you shared your insights, it certainly helped me. I hold you in high regard, and the result today will not change that. I was thinking Spain, but I cannot go against you. Thank you.
Van I concur on Uruguay, at that value it was the play. I thought Forlan's last try was IN
So close - and I was really rooting for him because I feel he has been the player of the tournament - but if you keep taking 50/50's at +225, you will be a very profitable gambler....
Support your local animal shelter. I am on twitter.
Quote Originally Posted by Jackimo:
Van I concur on Uruguay, at that value it was the play. I thought Forlan's last try was IN
So close - and I was really rooting for him because I feel he has been the player of the tournament - but if you keep taking 50/50's at +225, you will be a very profitable gambler....
I am kind of intrigued because the ref for this game has not yet awarded a penalty, or a red card or maybe not even a yellow. Does the fact that Mr. Webb is the ref present an angle on a prop bet that involves officiating?
Webbs first game at this WC was card crazy - I think 11 cards off the top of my head - but his second game was close to none. I really dont know what to make of that - I do know that if the Dutch play at all like they did against Brazil they should annoy the Spanish in to some cards....
Support your local animal shelter. I am on twitter.
Quote Originally Posted by yestoeverything:
I am kind of intrigued because the ref for this game has not yet awarded a penalty, or a red card or maybe not even a yellow. Does the fact that Mr. Webb is the ref present an angle on a prop bet that involves officiating?
Webbs first game at this WC was card crazy - I think 11 cards off the top of my head - but his second game was close to none. I really dont know what to make of that - I do know that if the Dutch play at all like they did against Brazil they should annoy the Spanish in to some cards....
Rode the great Van for the final time: Netherlands it is! Thank you Van. Until 2014 (Not much of a football fan here but you've made this WC more enjoyable :)
Hope we win - but either way it was a great ride...
Support your local animal shelter. I am on twitter.
Quote Originally Posted by JQUIZ:
Rode the great Van for the final time: Netherlands it is! Thank you Van. Until 2014 (Not much of a football fan here but you've made this WC more enjoyable :)
Hope we win - but either way it was a great ride...
Im off to go watch the game.... GL all today - repost the writeup so if someone is looking for it they dont have to search for it....
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!
Support your local animal shelter. I am on twitter.
Im off to go watch the game.... GL all today - repost the writeup so if someone is looking for it they dont have to search for it....
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!
Van...it's been a hell of a World Cup for me....BUT would have been MUCH better if I had just stuck with ur picks.....all in all I LOVED it........thanks man for the insight into how a CLASSY handicapper like you operates!!
=
Van...it's been a hell of a World Cup for me....BUT would have been MUCH better if I had just stuck with ur picks.....all in all I LOVED it........thanks man for the insight into how a CLASSY handicapper like you operates!!
Im off to go watch the game.... GL all today - repost the writeup so if someone is looking for it they dont have to search for it....
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!
Van:
Yes it has been a GREAT month! Started shaky with world cup but lately been doing well with plays and following that octopus on germany (although I liked them without octo!) was nice. Also had over yesterday and like you wish I bet house on OVER and not just 1 unit! Anyway, very tough game today and a case could be made for either side, I mean come on it is the superbowl of soccer and both teams did not get here by accident. I give the edge to Spain (apart from the octo and my cats prediction) based on ball possession and their overall style. Holland is a great team, don't get me wrong but Spain has a great defense and prove to frustate and will wait and wait for a chance a jump all over it when it comes. I see a 2-1 Final with Spain lifting the cup!
Quote Originally Posted by vanzack:
Im off to go watch the game.... GL all today - repost the writeup so if someone is looking for it they dont have to search for it....
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!
Van:
Yes it has been a GREAT month! Started shaky with world cup but lately been doing well with plays and following that octopus on germany (although I liked them without octo!) was nice. Also had over yesterday and like you wish I bet house on OVER and not just 1 unit! Anyway, very tough game today and a case could be made for either side, I mean come on it is the superbowl of soccer and both teams did not get here by accident. I give the edge to Spain (apart from the octo and my cats prediction) based on ball possession and their overall style. Holland is a great team, don't get me wrong but Spain has a great defense and prove to frustate and will wait and wait for a chance a jump all over it when it comes. I see a 2-1 Final with Spain lifting the cup!
Van -- Good Luck today -- I am with you and have been following the whole way. A great month and a great example of how this board should work. Ignore the haters and keep bringing insight and most of all well needed class to this place.
Van -- Good Luck today -- I am with you and have been following the whole way. A great month and a great example of how this board should work. Ignore the haters and keep bringing insight and most of all well needed class to this place.
So close - and I was really rooting for him because I feel he has been the player of the tournament - but if you keep taking 50/50's at +225, you will be a very profitable gambler....
Agree on Forlan, played the best of anyone in this tourney. Just a great player.
Quote Originally Posted by vanzack:
So close - and I was really rooting for him because I feel he has been the player of the tournament - but if you keep taking 50/50's at +225, you will be a very profitable gambler....
Agree on Forlan, played the best of anyone in this tourney. Just a great player.
Hello everyone, Van the Man, I wanted to thank you for all the insights and info. I myself appreciate all the work you put into the tournement. It's been a great month and I hate to see it end. As you can see by my post #'s I do not write (Because of all the bull) but I read thru the forums that appeal to me. Between all the bull crap one has to decipher which is which but with you there was no second guessing. I just wanted to send out a BIG THANK YOU!!! You are Awsome, Enjoy the final and I look forward to seeing you on here in 4 years.
Hello everyone, Van the Man, I wanted to thank you for all the insights and info. I myself appreciate all the work you put into the tournement. It's been a great month and I hate to see it end. As you can see by my post #'s I do not write (Because of all the bull) but I read thru the forums that appeal to me. Between all the bull crap one has to decipher which is which but with you there was no second guessing. I just wanted to send out a BIG THANK YOU!!! You are Awsome, Enjoy the final and I look forward to seeing you on here in 4 years.
Im a big fan of your WC writeups and picks,but I cant agree on Netherlands. Holland has only 3 creative players - Sneijder, Robben and Kuyt. That's all. They had hard times against Slovakia and Japan. Dutch defense is really weak, they conceded twice against Uruguay and they havent faced such an offensive power on this World Cup. Stelekenburg is not the keeper you can trust. Spain will frustrate Nehterland with their ball possesion. Spain has more playmakers - Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi, Villa, Pedro, De Jong and Van Bommel are players who wont conquer the midfield. Good luck with your. One of us will get the money.
Im a big fan of your WC writeups and picks,but I cant agree on Netherlands. Holland has only 3 creative players - Sneijder, Robben and Kuyt. That's all. They had hard times against Slovakia and Japan. Dutch defense is really weak, they conceded twice against Uruguay and they havent faced such an offensive power on this World Cup. Stelekenburg is not the keeper you can trust. Spain will frustrate Nehterland with their ball possesion. Spain has more playmakers - Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi, Villa, Pedro, De Jong and Van Bommel are players who wont conquer the midfield. Good luck with your. One of us will get the money.
Hi Van, just want to wish a Covers Brother best of luck today and I am rooting for you and the Dutch to win. I like The Netherlands play and I will be wearing orange today though my nationality is German and Polish. How about those Germans!
Hell, I might even go to Hooters to watch so I can match with those hot little shorts the women wear.
Good luck!
Hi Van, just want to wish a Covers Brother best of luck today and I am rooting for you and the Dutch to win. I like The Netherlands play and I will be wearing orange today though my nationality is German and Polish. How about those Germans!
Hell, I might even go to Hooters to watch so I can match with those hot little shorts the women wear.
I only wish I would have taken your plays a bit heavier.
Sorry you had to deal with a bit of drama here on covers. But I truly hope we see you come Club Football time in August. 
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