Paddy Power’s World Cup Blog – July 2

Favourite backing isn’t for mugs. Paddy Power reckons Brazil, Uruguay, Diego Forlan and Luis Fabiano are the best bets for Friday’s big games.

 

Holland v Brazil

Okay I’m running a bit late with this one so I’ll barrel through and see if I can stumble on a few decent tips. I for one won’t be expecting the feast of attacking football some might be hoping for in today’s opener.

Traditionally these teams play expansive, attractive, free-flowing football but this World Cup has seen the emphasis switch to being difficult to beat and doing what’s necessary to get the win. Dutch boss Bert van Marwijk has admitted as much but don’t despair, we’re still going to have two great teams with world-class attacking players on show. They’ll have to contend with some quality defenders on both sides but that’s where we get to see the true mettle of a player. I can look like Pele given the right opposition, that opposition being my four-year old nephew, but my point still stands. When the going gets tough etc, etc.

If the game does end 0-0 we have a money-back special on certain markets but let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
Robben is back for Holland and with van Persie struggling to find form, he’s the one the Dutch will be looking to for some creative magic. The Bayern Munich man is 3/1 to score anytime in 90 minutes. Being such an important game it’s worth having a look at Dirk Kuyt at 4/1 to score in 90 minutes. You don’t need to actually look at Dirk Kuyt, just the price. It’s not yet lunchtime after all.

For Brazil Kaka is looking better with every game and it’s only a matter of time before he gets on the scoresheet, he’s 8/1 to open the scoring though Luis Fabiano at 9/2 may be a better choice.

The under 2.5 goals is a short 4/7 so I’d be inclined to be a little more optimistic and plump for the over at 5/4. There may be a few more goals than is being predicted. Fingers crossed anyway. Whatever happens I can’t go for anything other than a Brazil win at 19/20, I’ve been behind them from the start and I haven’t seen anything from the Dutch to change that.

Uruguay v Ghana

It’s hard not to sound condescending when saying that Ghana have done really well getting to this stage, but they have. So my apologies to any Ghanaians I may have offended.

The African side are solid but limited going forward, Uruguay are also solid but a little less limited up front. Diego Forlan looked tired in their second round win over South Korea so the break will have done him the world of good. I expect the Atletico Madrid front-man to be bang on form for this one.

He’s the favourite at 9/2 to score first but considering how he gets involved in the build-up play he may be more likely to lay chances on for Suarez, who’s 11/2 to bag the opener. If I was backing Forlan to score I’d go for him to score last at 9/2.

Anyone who has watched him in La Liga will know how he comes up with the big goals when his side really needs them.

Uruguay will find it tough against a hard-working and organised Ghana but the Africans face a similarly arduous task to break down their South American, who have conceded just one goal in their four games so far.

The draw at 21/10 will entice many but I have faith on Forlan to produce so it’s Uruguay at 11/10 for me. Dark horses indeed and still 16/1 in the outright. You won’t get that price if they book a place in the last four.

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