A game against Germany could be just what faltering England need next Sunday. There might not be as much excitement today – but there could be some value in taking Holland to cut loose against Cameroon.
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England were better against Slovenia. Not by much, but they’re going in the right direction I suppose. One thing I do reckon is that getting Germany in the second round could be just what England needs. They have some good memories against their old foe. As long as it doesn’t go to penalties. It was the USA who did Capello and themselves a big favour with that late, late goal. I did fancy them to edge out Algeria but I was expecting them to do it a little earlier than that.
Serbia looked like they were going to carve Australia open but fair dinkum, the boys from Down Under went out fighting with a rousing second half. They also helped the tournament by ensuring Ghana joined Germany in the second round despite losing. It would be a shame if not even one African side qualified for the second round. Ghana have been the most consistent of the six home continent nations and with the USA up next in the second round, they’ll fancy their chances of making the quarter-finals, at least. That promises to be an exciting game. Germany may have flattered to deceive a little against Australia but if they can get past England then who knows. Everybody now: “You can never write off the Germans!†They definitely won’t win the World Cup, so maybe you can.
Group F hasn’t offered a whole lot of excitement but it’s nicely poised for some final game fireworks. Here’s how it goes: if New Zealand beat Paraguay they go through, if they draw they also need Italy and Slovakia to draw, but the All Whites need to score more goals than Italy. If both games end with the same tied scores then Sepp Batter will probably flip a coin or something. I’ll have to check that out. Though knowing him he’ll flip a blood diamond or something equally offensive. New Zealand will need another heroic display to beat Paraguay so all this was probably unnecessary.
Slovakia have to beat Italy by two goals to make sure they go through. I certainly give them a chance against the uninspiring and frayed looking Italy but if the news of Paraguay going ahead filters through to the Ellis Park stadium then Lippi will be happy with a third draw at 11/4. Italy might just have the necessary bit of luck on their side and Paraguay can out-battle and out-guile New Zealand. Doubling those two works out about 5/4.
Holland have gone about their work quietly though they are about 8/1 to win the competition so they’re not exactly dark horses. They haven’t been at their best with van Persie in particular looking like he could have done with a few more games under his belt before jetting off to South Africa. Cameroon have no chance of qualifying though which means one of two things. Either they’ll throw caution to the wind against a Dutch side already through to the second round and pull off the win. Or they’ll be disheartened and a relaxed and unpressured van Persie will be allowed to play himself back in to form. I’m leaning towards the latter and Holland are a decent 3/4 at the moment. If they do paint the town orange then the Dutch -1 goal at 11/5 will look easy pickings. There’s always an ‘if’ in football.
Like, if Japan beat or draw with Denmark then they’ll join the Netherlands. Or: if Denmark don’t beat Japan, they’re out. There’s no complicated goal difference in this one. Another tough game to call with no clear favourite. Denmark are good, if a little unlucky, at the back and they have some ability in Bendtner and Rommedahl but they’ve no real leader and the passing and movement of Japan could trouble them. Denmark are rightly favourites but there isn’t much in it and before the tournament I picked Japan to make it out of this group. I’m sticking to my guns on this one. Japan and the draw at 6/4 will be a great bet if I’m right. Of course it won’t be if I’m wrong so make your own mind up on that one.
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