World Cup 2014 Thread....

Quote Originally Posted by LuckyLuke:

Van,  great find and good call on that foul.  It is obvious that the hero of opening game was the ref.  There is also something new that i found today.  Croatian federation is in disbelief that the ref DID NOT SPEAK ENGLISH.  He was directing/giving commands to the players in Japanese.  This is a complete joke.  
Croatian coach said it the best "if this continues all teams might as well go home now and the trophy can be given to Brazil without playing"

btw how come you didn't go to Brazil.  Figured you will be there since you skipped Euro as well.

Quote Originally Posted by vanzack:

Group G:

 

The USA are my team.  In fact, they are the only team I am a “fan” of in any sport.  I follow them closely – support them – and am hopeful for the day we are competitive on an international level.  This team is just not there yet.  In fact, this team is a major step backwards from our previous decade or so of teams.  The talent level is just not there – besides the goalkeepers – we have basically nobody who plays in Europe at a competitive level who can be considered anything more than a role player.  Cameron, Diskerud, Jones?  Please.  And even our stars – Bradley, Dempsey – were merely average overseas.

 

The WC draw was on Dec 6.  That was when we found out we have Germany, Portugal, and Ghana in the US group.  Most head coaches are hired for 1 WC cycle at a time – it is very rare to have a contract for the next world cup cycle before the one you are in is over.  On Dec 14, Jurgen Klinsman signed a new deal to take him through 2018 and the next WC.  Why is this important?  I firmly believe that there was a conscious decision made in that week that said that 2014 is all but impossible to get out of that group and lets build to 2018.  That’s why Landon Donovan was dropped.  That’s why the US kept players like Julian Green and Aron Johansson.

 

The US does not present a goal scoring threat – and wont be able to stop anyone from getting chances either.  The Ghana match will be close – but the Portugal and Germany matches should be no contest and the US goes home with either zero or one point.  Portugal and Germany duke it out for the group, and both advance.  Ghana still too inconsistent on defense.

 

Group G

Germany         7

Portugal           7

Ghana             3

USA                0

 

Bets in Group G:

Germany / Portugal to advance -120 (1 unit)

USA to finish last +120 (1 units)

USA under 2.5 points +110 (2 units)

Quote Originally Posted by taurus:



You made good cash for me in 2010, Van, and - I think - 2006 ?? So I'm delighted to find that u are still at it for 2014.  Good Luck. You deserve it, especially after that opening game.
I have two questions, please.  At first, I thought US rockbottom and  < 2.5 points were almost identical. Now I see if both lose to Port and Ger and tie v each other there could be a different result.
I couldn't find the < 2.5 points option at % Dimes. Did I miss it somewhere.?
Question 2: I tailed your Cameroon +1/2, PK with Heritage sports. But I don't know what it means, and couldn't find their rules to explain it. Can you help?
Thanks and thanks for sharing your knowledge about soccer and your knowledge about how to bet.

Quote Originally Posted by daytradernation:



In regards to question 2: Cameroon is +1/2 goal and you have them as a pick em in REGULATION time only. So, if its 0-0 at the end of the 90 and extra time, you will win (+1/2 goal) and push on the pick em.

Obviously, if Cameroon is ahead, they win the game and you win both plays.....

Quote Originally Posted by vanzack:

I love the announcers.  From what I saw on that replay he was clearly offside.

Quote Originally Posted by vanzack:

That is a pretty ominous first 10 minutes for Cameroon.

They better straighten out their defensive marking or they are going to get blitzed.  Mexico doing a great job so far of pressing Cameroon high up the field - and winning the ball quickly.

Quote Originally Posted by vanzack:

Pretty simple. 

Cameroons man marking on defense is atrocious and they are getting killed on the flanks.  That must change.

Also - Mexico strategy is very good.  This high press the minute Cameroon gets the ball has been very successful.  Cam must adjust.  They have to be faster to break, and they have to present options to the man on the ball.  You can beat this with three or four good passes and then you are on the break.  Mexico is not giving Cam any space at all.