lmao, good work on that one, rexy.
Onto Thursday's final four group stage matches, 45-48. Cup will be three-fourths over at this point, hard to believe considering we've only played two weeks and there is more than that remaining, but the breaks and lack of volume make each game much more anticipated from here on out. I'll start a separate thread and be a bit more analytical with most games in the knockout round, as I'll have a bit more time to look at them all.
They can say what they want to about not colluding for a draw, I can give you reasons beyond a draw why the US is the right side tomorrow against a superior Germany side. First, they are teeming with confidence after a superb effort in Manaus the other night. Second, the German/Americans will be sky-high to get a result and will figure to give a little more than they're letting on here. Could be ripe for a letdown in the Round of 16, as silly as that is to say, but this game will empty the emotional tanks after they are coming back from the jungle and playing with 27 hours less rest than the Germans. And third, it would not be the end of the world if Germany were to lose a close one, as it would put them in the favorable bottom bracket rather than having to potentially meet a CONMEBOL team in the semis after a game against France in the quarters. The easier route would seem to go through a Belgium/Argentina route to the semis. But who knows what will happen once the game starts. Only thing I'm sure of is that the heat shouldn't bother the US like it might the Euro-based side that will be playing its 3rd game in 11 days near the beach.
The play: United States +1 -105 to win 2000.
I am at a loss for where they could get this line for Ghana/Portugal. Anyone who has watched the first 180 minutes of each team's tournament to this point knows that the African side is superior. One worry is that they're missing the stud midfielder who controlled things against the gringos and who was by and large the best player on the pitch for either side when they played Germany. Still, many more negatives for the Portugese, even though they're getting Pepe back. Cristiano Ronaldo admitted as much when it comes to the price when speaking to the media Wednesday, saying "We're probably just an average team. I'd be lying if I said we were a top team. Recently I haven't been how I'd hoped."
It's been a long season for the best player in the world, who has a banged up left knee that is getting exacerbated by playing in these games following an unusually long and arduous club season at Real Madrid that saw the UEFA Champions League winners secure that trophy and compete for La Liga and Copa Del Rey crowns. James Appiah said "I've always believe that the best way to defend is to attack" after the Germany game. With the Portugese at a big goal differential, they need to win by multiple goals to even have a sniff of progression despite what happens in Recife. It would be real easy for the Portugese to lay down, and I half-expect it, especially if they concede early. OVER looks good, but Ghana on all sides seems even better, even without Munteri, and especially because the players physically received their bonus money today.
The play: Ghana +1/2 -115 to win 1000
Ghana ML +245 risking 1000
In the late games, tough to make out of what will happen with Belgium, who have had multiple players go on record as saying that they don't want to play Germany in the round of 16. The likelihood of that happening is +1079 says pinny, lmao (only way it happens is with a US win tomorrow, assuming Germany wins the goal differential against Ghana for 2nd)... if that happens, then Belgium could be looked at for tanking. Watching their first two games, I've hardly been impressed. They were outplayed by Russia and Algeria for long stretches of each game, scoring the winning goals in the last 10 and 2 minutes of each game, respectively.
South Korea was lucky to score against the Red Commies, and then watched the defense totally melt down in a 4-2 loss to an Algeria unit that isn't getting anywhere near the proper respect. Witsel and Alderweireld will sit for Belgium and Kompany is banged up and might sit. I expect Sakarea to give a good effort, but their defense is a big step down for Belgium in comparison to what they've seen the last two. Might be worth an OVER look at some point, pass for now.
In the other game, while I respect Fabio Capello, and respect anyone willing to take an entirely domestic-based Russian League side to a World Cup, I also think it's pretty shortsighted for the 2018 hosts, and they will likely pay for it. This Algeria team is no joke. I liked them somewhat coming in, they outplayed Belgium for about 70 minutes on matchday 1, totally controlled the Koreans on matchday 2, and I'm not I would want to play them in the round of 16, regardless of who I am. The Algerians had not won a game since the 1982 World Cup (the year of the infamous West Germany/Austria rig where each team advanced after WG led 1-0 and the teams kicked around the ball at the back of the park and then the goalie banged it into the other half for the last 80 minutes, leading to today's format where the last two group stage matches are played simultaneously to avoid the collusion needed to ensure passage from two sides playing in the last fixture).
The confidence they should take from that win can brim over here. Three of the changes made from the Belgium game all got on the scoresheet from coach Vahid Halilhodzic, who had decided that while being well organized and solid technically, that goals were needed. Capello coached England in 2010, where they were basically rendered irrelevent from the opening whistle in a 0-0 draw. The Red Commies know they will be hosting in 2018, and Capello has an extension through then. He said "This tournament does a great service to us. It helps us to understand the level at which we need to compete."
That's a level that they are not at currently. I predict Algeria outright, and have bet it to try to maximize profit without getting myself too upset if they draw, which is the Desert Foxes' goal for advancement.
Despite how impressed I am with Ghana and how Nigeria has already advanced from Africa, these guys are still the top ranked African side (asterisk obviously with whatever ratings we use to figure this out). The Commies are organized and tough to break down but are lacking any flair and have been taught more not-to-lose at this point than how to win (as evidenced that they haven't led for 1 second here). Slimani can be super effective as a lone striker and will surely start again after his last effort.
The plays: Algeria +260 risking 600
Algeria +1/2 -115 to win 2000
GL fellas!