i have also Higuain Goal Topscorer at very tasty odds. Argentina very easy group, should score a lot. Messi is too short priced.
My thoughts....
Argentina have too many ways to split up their goals.
I am not betting on top scorer - but if I were - I would pick a side that has at least one game against a team that can be blown out, and a side that has predominantly one guy who does the scoring. Bosnia for example play Iran - so Dzeko might be worth a look. Or maybe Lukaku with Algeria and S Korea on the schedule.
GL
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Quote Originally Posted by SG99:
i have also Higuain Goal Topscorer at very tasty odds. Argentina very easy group, should score a lot. Messi is too short priced.
My thoughts....
Argentina have too many ways to split up their goals.
I am not betting on top scorer - but if I were - I would pick a side that has at least one game against a team that can be blown out, and a side that has predominantly one guy who does the scoring. Bosnia for example play Iran - so Dzeko might be worth a look. Or maybe Lukaku with Algeria and S Korea on the schedule.
Just to keep all picks together - these are all games so far including the new games for Sunday....
Thursday June 12
Brazil / Croatia – Under 2.5 goals -115 (1.5 units) – The opener has the hosts against a Croatia side without their starting striker Mandzukic (out with suspension from qualifiers).I love when motivations align – and this is a nice spot for both teams to come away happy.Brazil will be happy with a win, any win – and Croatia will be happy with a close loss.I fully expect Croatia to defend and counter – with Brazil having all of the possession and chances.I will take my chances that the goal comes late enough that it turns in to a possession-fest for Brazil – and both teams wind down a 1-0 Brazil win.Opening round games are usually tight and played in midfield – so unless Brazil convert a lot of chances – see this going under the 2.5.
I liked Croatia at +1.5 at around even money which was to be had a few weeks ago, but I think that ship has sailed now and am not interested in paying around -130 for the goal and a half.Predicted final score Brazil 1-0.
Friday June 13
Mexico / Cameroon – Cameroon PK and +.5 -101 (1 unit) – See this line and total as being just about right.Think the most likely result is a draw here, so would also advocate the draw at about +215 or so but will have my money on Cameroon.I think size in the air and speed in transition might just be the undoing of Mexico – and while the Cameroon drama of not wanting to get on the plane scares me – the drama and pressure of Mexico make me feel at ease.Mexico has been in horrendous form as of the last year or so – and I just don’t see how they flip the switch.Predicted final score Mexico 1 Cameroon 1.
Spain / Netherlands – Spain to win -112 (2 units) – I have been back and forth on this game for about a month now – not on who I like but on how much I like them.As I wrote in my preview, this is a game for the lovers of tactics out there – possession vs counter at its finest.I am sticking with my gut here and my belief that Diego Costa will make a big difference up front for Spain – and they will turn the 70% possession in to goals.The Dutch will be playing defense – but I don’t see where they have it to withstand the pressure for 90 minutes.For me – I land right in the middle of my wager size I had considered for this game – and probably close to my max for a first round game…Predicted final score Spain 2 Netherlands 0
Chile / Australia – Chile to win -215 (1 unit), Chile -1 -116 (1 unit) – I am a little concerned about laying so much chalk in a first round game, but this is as nice of a spot to do it as any.Chile will attack all game.It is 90 minutes of hell for the opponent.Australia has a new squad with a really bad run of form – and Chile will know that goal differential in this first game might be the difference in getting out of this group.They wont be happy with a 1 goal win.Mismatches all over the field, but laying the -218 to take back something on a 1 goal win….Predicted final score Chile 3 Australia 0.
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Just to keep all picks together - these are all games so far including the new games for Sunday....
Thursday June 12
Brazil / Croatia – Under 2.5 goals -115 (1.5 units) – The opener has the hosts against a Croatia side without their starting striker Mandzukic (out with suspension from qualifiers).I love when motivations align – and this is a nice spot for both teams to come away happy.Brazil will be happy with a win, any win – and Croatia will be happy with a close loss.I fully expect Croatia to defend and counter – with Brazil having all of the possession and chances.I will take my chances that the goal comes late enough that it turns in to a possession-fest for Brazil – and both teams wind down a 1-0 Brazil win.Opening round games are usually tight and played in midfield – so unless Brazil convert a lot of chances – see this going under the 2.5.
I liked Croatia at +1.5 at around even money which was to be had a few weeks ago, but I think that ship has sailed now and am not interested in paying around -130 for the goal and a half.Predicted final score Brazil 1-0.
Friday June 13
Mexico / Cameroon – Cameroon PK and +.5 -101 (1 unit) – See this line and total as being just about right.Think the most likely result is a draw here, so would also advocate the draw at about +215 or so but will have my money on Cameroon.I think size in the air and speed in transition might just be the undoing of Mexico – and while the Cameroon drama of not wanting to get on the plane scares me – the drama and pressure of Mexico make me feel at ease.Mexico has been in horrendous form as of the last year or so – and I just don’t see how they flip the switch.Predicted final score Mexico 1 Cameroon 1.
Spain / Netherlands – Spain to win -112 (2 units) – I have been back and forth on this game for about a month now – not on who I like but on how much I like them.As I wrote in my preview, this is a game for the lovers of tactics out there – possession vs counter at its finest.I am sticking with my gut here and my belief that Diego Costa will make a big difference up front for Spain – and they will turn the 70% possession in to goals.The Dutch will be playing defense – but I don’t see where they have it to withstand the pressure for 90 minutes.For me – I land right in the middle of my wager size I had considered for this game – and probably close to my max for a first round game…Predicted final score Spain 2 Netherlands 0
Chile / Australia – Chile to win -215 (1 unit), Chile -1 -116 (1 unit) – I am a little concerned about laying so much chalk in a first round game, but this is as nice of a spot to do it as any.Chile will attack all game.It is 90 minutes of hell for the opponent.Australia has a new squad with a really bad run of form – and Chile will know that goal differential in this first game might be the difference in getting out of this group.They wont be happy with a 1 goal win.Mismatches all over the field, but laying the -218 to take back something on a 1 goal win….Predicted final score Chile 3 Australia 0.
Greece / Columbia – Greece +.5 +105 (1.5 units) – Columbia has some key injuries that limit them – not only Falcao – but also Edwin Valencia who was the key to their midfield.So their best striker by far – and arguably their best midfielder are both out of the WC.Greece are a side that will bore the hell out of you, but play very compact very organized defensive soccer.They will give possession away – and look to beat you 1-0 on a set piece.They are a lot of veterans in the heart of the defense and midfield for the Greeks – and they have played together a long time – and in a first round game I see this as being very important.Columbia I feel is better suited counter-attacking with speed, but Greece wont let them do that – and I just don’t see how Columbia will break down a packed in defensive third.I think this game has a good chance of ending scoreless – I like the under and Greece.Predicted Final score Greece 0 Columbia 0 .
Costa Rica / Uruguay – Under 2 and 2.5 -105 (1 unit) – I think Uruguay wins this game.But I just don’t trust all of the unknowns going in to this game – the Suarez injury and the first game of the tournament for a team that barely has any two players playing together at the club level.Im not willing to lay -215ish even though I have Costa Rica as being very weak – I think they will come out not to lose in something like a 5-4-1 or even a 5-5-0 formation.It takes a lot of intricate passing work to break down any team that is just intent on defending – and because of the reasons previously stated – I will pick my spots later in the tournament with Uruguay – but will take my chances with a small bet on the under with one team that really wont be pushing to score and the other who might get frustrate with the inability to score.Predicted final score Uruguay 1 Costa Rica 0
Italy / England – Italy PK -114 (1 unit) – I like what England are doing with their national team.Other than the US players – I am most familiar with England because of the amount of the BPL we get here on TV – and this is a young exciting side with a good future.I just don’t like this spot for them.The Italians come in with an excellent defense – it is essentially the Juventus defense, GK, and Pirlo so I just see a big advantage in a first game for them in being organized.Balotelli for me is not a guy who is going to be consistently good – but has the ability to make a difference.England are going to be best when they counter with speed using Sterling, Sturridge and Rooney to link them up – but I am not sure where they are going to get those chances against a defense that will have the luxury of playing deeper whle sitting on a lot of possession.2 years ago these sides met in a game that went to penalties but was totally dominated by the Italians – I don’t see much being different here.A low scoring game…but the least likely result IMO is an England win – I feel fairly comfortable that if one team is to win it will be the Italians.Predicted final score Italy 0 England 0
Ivory Coast / Japan – Over 2 -125 (2 units) – I started buying this at -115 and it has gone up about 10 cents since…. But I still recommend it even at -125.I am hesitant to go over in a first round game, but everything points me in this direction tactically in this one.Both sides are very strong up front, and their weakness is defense.Japan is going to have to outscore teams to survive very long in this tournament – while Ivory coast can play a much more balanced attack they will find the space they need because Japan will dictate tempo.Predicted final score Japan 2 Ivory Coast 2
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Saturday June 14
Greece / Columbia – Greece +.5 +105 (1.5 units) – Columbia has some key injuries that limit them – not only Falcao – but also Edwin Valencia who was the key to their midfield.So their best striker by far – and arguably their best midfielder are both out of the WC.Greece are a side that will bore the hell out of you, but play very compact very organized defensive soccer.They will give possession away – and look to beat you 1-0 on a set piece.They are a lot of veterans in the heart of the defense and midfield for the Greeks – and they have played together a long time – and in a first round game I see this as being very important.Columbia I feel is better suited counter-attacking with speed, but Greece wont let them do that – and I just don’t see how Columbia will break down a packed in defensive third.I think this game has a good chance of ending scoreless – I like the under and Greece.Predicted Final score Greece 0 Columbia 0 .
Costa Rica / Uruguay – Under 2 and 2.5 -105 (1 unit) – I think Uruguay wins this game.But I just don’t trust all of the unknowns going in to this game – the Suarez injury and the first game of the tournament for a team that barely has any two players playing together at the club level.Im not willing to lay -215ish even though I have Costa Rica as being very weak – I think they will come out not to lose in something like a 5-4-1 or even a 5-5-0 formation.It takes a lot of intricate passing work to break down any team that is just intent on defending – and because of the reasons previously stated – I will pick my spots later in the tournament with Uruguay – but will take my chances with a small bet on the under with one team that really wont be pushing to score and the other who might get frustrate with the inability to score.Predicted final score Uruguay 1 Costa Rica 0
Italy / England – Italy PK -114 (1 unit) – I like what England are doing with their national team.Other than the US players – I am most familiar with England because of the amount of the BPL we get here on TV – and this is a young exciting side with a good future.I just don’t like this spot for them.The Italians come in with an excellent defense – it is essentially the Juventus defense, GK, and Pirlo so I just see a big advantage in a first game for them in being organized.Balotelli for me is not a guy who is going to be consistently good – but has the ability to make a difference.England are going to be best when they counter with speed using Sterling, Sturridge and Rooney to link them up – but I am not sure where they are going to get those chances against a defense that will have the luxury of playing deeper whle sitting on a lot of possession.2 years ago these sides met in a game that went to penalties but was totally dominated by the Italians – I don’t see much being different here.A low scoring game…but the least likely result IMO is an England win – I feel fairly comfortable that if one team is to win it will be the Italians.Predicted final score Italy 0 England 0
Ivory Coast / Japan – Over 2 -125 (2 units) – I started buying this at -115 and it has gone up about 10 cents since…. But I still recommend it even at -125.I am hesitant to go over in a first round game, but everything points me in this direction tactically in this one.Both sides are very strong up front, and their weakness is defense.Japan is going to have to outscore teams to survive very long in this tournament – while Ivory coast can play a much more balanced attack they will find the space they need because Japan will dictate tempo.Predicted final score Japan 2 Ivory Coast 2
As far as all of the nice posts... I read them all - and thanks.
And I hopefully have to only say this once - I have done well with international soccer. Does it mean I will do well this year? Nope.
So I do my best to steer clear of the drama, the accusations, the defending of accusations etc.
I am going to post my picks, and you can decide what is of value or not in what I post - we can discuss / debate it all. Hopefully that is what people will find valuable.
Well stated Van.
Quote Originally Posted by vanzack:
As far as all of the nice posts... I read them all - and thanks.
And I hopefully have to only say this once - I have done well with international soccer. Does it mean I will do well this year? Nope.
So I do my best to steer clear of the drama, the accusations, the defending of accusations etc.
I am going to post my picks, and you can decide what is of value or not in what I post - we can discuss / debate it all. Hopefully that is what people will find valuable.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the games Van.
Would like to share my analyse of the Netherlands (As a Dutchman)
Our national team is using 4 very unexperienced players from the Eredivisie in defence, with Clasie from the Eredivisie in front of it. The goalkeeper also lacks international experience.
We're set to play a 5-3-2 formation, with the wing-backs aiming to attack in posession. However, in my view Janmaat and especially Janmaat won't be capable of making these runs because they will have their hands full just on defending properly against Spain.
Spain is probably going to play without a real striker (Fabregas false 9). This will leave 3 center-backs of Holland without knowing which player to pick up. I can see Spain having well over 70% posession, playing the ball around at midfield for almost the whole game.
The unexperienced players in our side will eventually make a mistake, and with 1-0 on the scoreline Holland will take more risks. Wanted to say I fully agree with your prediction of 2-0 to Spain.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the games Van.
Would like to share my analyse of the Netherlands (As a Dutchman)
Our national team is using 4 very unexperienced players from the Eredivisie in defence, with Clasie from the Eredivisie in front of it. The goalkeeper also lacks international experience.
We're set to play a 5-3-2 formation, with the wing-backs aiming to attack in posession. However, in my view Janmaat and especially Janmaat won't be capable of making these runs because they will have their hands full just on defending properly against Spain.
Spain is probably going to play without a real striker (Fabregas false 9). This will leave 3 center-backs of Holland without knowing which player to pick up. I can see Spain having well over 70% posession, playing the ball around at midfield for almost the whole game.
The unexperienced players in our side will eventually make a mistake, and with 1-0 on the scoreline Holland will take more risks. Wanted to say I fully agree with your prediction of 2-0 to Spain.
Greece / Columbia – Greece +.5 +105 (1.5 units) – Columbia has some key injuries that limit them – not only Falcao – but also Edwin Valencia who was the key to their midfield.So their best striker by far – and arguably their best midfielder are both out of the WC.Greece are a side that will bore the hell out of you, but play very compact very organized defensive soccer.They will give possession away – and look to beat you 1-0 on a set piece.They are a lot of veterans in the heart of the defense and midfield for the Greeks – and they have played together a long time – and in a first round game I see this as being very important.Columbia I feel is better suited counter-attacking with speed, but Greece wont let them do that – and I just don’t see how Columbia will break down a packed in defensive third.I think this game has a good chance of ending scoreless – I like the under and Greece.Predicted Final score Greece 0 Columbia 0 .
Costa Rica / Uruguay – Under 2 and 2.5 -105 (1 unit) – I think Uruguay wins this game.But I just don’t trust all of the unknowns going in to this game – the Suarez injury and the first game of the tournament for a team that barely has any two players playing together at the club level.Im not willing to lay -215ish even though I have Costa Rica as being very weak – I think they will come out not to lose in something like a 5-4-1 or even a 5-5-0 formation.It takes a lot of intricate passing work to break down any team that is just intent on defending – and because of the reasons previously stated – I will pick my spots later in the tournament with Uruguay – but will take my chances with a small bet on the under with one team that really wont be pushing to score and the other who might get frustrate with the inability to score.Predicted final score Uruguay 1 Costa Rica 0
Italy / England – Italy PK -114 (1 unit) – I like what England are doing with their national team.Other than the US players – I am most familiar with England because of the amount of the BPL we get here on TV – and this is a young exciting side with a good future.I just don’t like this spot for them.The Italians come in with an excellent defense – it is essentially the Juventus defense, GK, and Pirlo so I just see a big advantage in a first game for them in being organized.Balotelli for me is not a guy who is going to be consistently good – but has the ability to make a difference.England are going to be best when they counter with speed using Sterling, Sturridge and Rooney to link them up – but I am not sure where they are going to get those chances against a defense that will have the luxury of playing deeper whle sitting on a lot of possession.2 years ago these sides met in a game that went to penalties but was totally dominated by the Italians – I don’t see much being different here.A low scoring game…but the least likely result IMO is an England win – I feel fairly comfortable that if one team is to win it will be the Italians.Predicted final score Italy 0 England 0
Ivory Coast / Japan – Over 2 -125 (2 units) – I started buying this at -115 and it has gone up about 10 cents since…. But I still recommend it even at -125.I am hesitant to go over in a first round game, but everything points me in this direction tactically in this one.Both sides are very strong up front, and their weakness is defense.Japan is going to have to outscore teams to survive very long in this tournament – while Ivory coast can play a much more balanced attack they will find the space they need because Japan will dictate tempo.Predicted final score Japan 2 Ivory Coast 2
I tailed you blindly! LETS GET ERRRRRRRRRRR DONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Quote Originally Posted by vanzack:
Saturday June 14
Greece / Columbia – Greece +.5 +105 (1.5 units) – Columbia has some key injuries that limit them – not only Falcao – but also Edwin Valencia who was the key to their midfield.So their best striker by far – and arguably their best midfielder are both out of the WC.Greece are a side that will bore the hell out of you, but play very compact very organized defensive soccer.They will give possession away – and look to beat you 1-0 on a set piece.They are a lot of veterans in the heart of the defense and midfield for the Greeks – and they have played together a long time – and in a first round game I see this as being very important.Columbia I feel is better suited counter-attacking with speed, but Greece wont let them do that – and I just don’t see how Columbia will break down a packed in defensive third.I think this game has a good chance of ending scoreless – I like the under and Greece.Predicted Final score Greece 0 Columbia 0 .
Costa Rica / Uruguay – Under 2 and 2.5 -105 (1 unit) – I think Uruguay wins this game.But I just don’t trust all of the unknowns going in to this game – the Suarez injury and the first game of the tournament for a team that barely has any two players playing together at the club level.Im not willing to lay -215ish even though I have Costa Rica as being very weak – I think they will come out not to lose in something like a 5-4-1 or even a 5-5-0 formation.It takes a lot of intricate passing work to break down any team that is just intent on defending – and because of the reasons previously stated – I will pick my spots later in the tournament with Uruguay – but will take my chances with a small bet on the under with one team that really wont be pushing to score and the other who might get frustrate with the inability to score.Predicted final score Uruguay 1 Costa Rica 0
Italy / England – Italy PK -114 (1 unit) – I like what England are doing with their national team.Other than the US players – I am most familiar with England because of the amount of the BPL we get here on TV – and this is a young exciting side with a good future.I just don’t like this spot for them.The Italians come in with an excellent defense – it is essentially the Juventus defense, GK, and Pirlo so I just see a big advantage in a first game for them in being organized.Balotelli for me is not a guy who is going to be consistently good – but has the ability to make a difference.England are going to be best when they counter with speed using Sterling, Sturridge and Rooney to link them up – but I am not sure where they are going to get those chances against a defense that will have the luxury of playing deeper whle sitting on a lot of possession.2 years ago these sides met in a game that went to penalties but was totally dominated by the Italians – I don’t see much being different here.A low scoring game…but the least likely result IMO is an England win – I feel fairly comfortable that if one team is to win it will be the Italians.Predicted final score Italy 0 England 0
Ivory Coast / Japan – Over 2 -125 (2 units) – I started buying this at -115 and it has gone up about 10 cents since…. But I still recommend it even at -125.I am hesitant to go over in a first round game, but everything points me in this direction tactically in this one.Both sides are very strong up front, and their weakness is defense.Japan is going to have to outscore teams to survive very long in this tournament – while Ivory coast can play a much more balanced attack they will find the space they need because Japan will dictate tempo.Predicted final score Japan 2 Ivory Coast 2
I tailed you blindly! LETS GET ERRRRRRRRRRR DONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Van best of luck thanks for the writeups and inside track. I think you nailed Greece and Russia - not alot of folks even think about those teams and what they're made of.
The pen is mightier than the pigs
Van best of luck thanks for the writeups and inside track. I think you nailed Greece and Russia - not alot of folks even think about those teams and what they're made of.
Hey I have 200 bucks to put on the World Cup games for this week games what would u put if you were me on the first bet and how much would u put on this pick??
Hey I have 200 bucks to put on the World Cup games for this week games what would u put if you were me on the first bet and how much would u put on this pick??
Van..If you want to critique a team like Colombia, then try to spell their name correctly. That helps in knowing a team. Colombia even without Falcao will be major material in their group.
GL.
Van..If you want to critique a team like Colombia, then try to spell their name correctly. That helps in knowing a team. Colombia even without Falcao will be major material in their group.
Van..If you want to critique a team like Colombia, then try to spell their name correctly. That helps in knowing a team. Colombia even without Falcao will be major material in their group.
GL.
Thanks for bringing this up! Cocaine and coffee are from Colombia, education is from Columbia. Even my spell check didnt know of Colombia until now.
Go Japs go!
Quote Originally Posted by Learnersrealm:
Van..If you want to critique a team like Colombia, then try to spell their name correctly. That helps in knowing a team. Colombia even without Falcao will be major material in their group.
GL.
Thanks for bringing this up! Cocaine and coffee are from Colombia, education is from Columbia. Even my spell check didnt know of Colombia until now.
Great read again Mr, Vanzack...gotta remind all these followers what a great finish you had in the big.. was it..Hilton NFL Super contest when you ended up in Top 10 and won like over 33k
Have a great World Cup this year...think you are correct about JK looking ahead since he'll be coaching in 18' too....
Easiest winner I see so far is on Saturday Japan vs the high scoring Elephants of Ivory Coast...game should easily go over 2 goals...Although I remember many many low scoring games in past tournaments
One last thing to all, be very careful when wagering on all these different betting lines being posted, it's really easy to get screwed if you don't understand exactly how they work
Look forward to following your complete thread over the next month Also, I predict you will hit at least 250k views..again
Great read again Mr, Vanzack...gotta remind all these followers what a great finish you had in the big.. was it..Hilton NFL Super contest when you ended up in Top 10 and won like over 33k
Have a great World Cup this year...think you are correct about JK looking ahead since he'll be coaching in 18' too....
Easiest winner I see so far is on Saturday Japan vs the high scoring Elephants of Ivory Coast...game should easily go over 2 goals...Although I remember many many low scoring games in past tournaments
One last thing to all, be very careful when wagering on all these different betting lines being posted, it's really easy to get screwed if you don't understand exactly how they work
Look forward to following your complete thread over the next month Also, I predict you will hit at least 250k views..again
Vanzack how come you didn't go to Brazil? After missing Euro I figured you would certainly be there.
On another note I am surprised you are not all over South American conference to win the cup @ -105 (well -105 is what I picked up at)
With strong squads like Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil as well as the fact that no Euro team ever won the cup in South America I think that be is very solid. Best of luck. Looking forward to your picks.
Vanzack how come you didn't go to Brazil? After missing Euro I figured you would certainly be there.
On another note I am surprised you are not all over South American conference to win the cup @ -105 (well -105 is what I picked up at)
With strong squads like Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil as well as the fact that no Euro team ever won the cup in South America I think that be is very solid. Best of luck. Looking forward to your picks.
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