Friday 27 June 2014

Am I Insane? I Ask Myself Over And Over Again

32 came. 16 have been sent home with their tails between their legs. How will the remaining 16 do? Let's have a gander at some of the 2nd round games: (that 1st bit works really well if you imagine Gerard Butler reading it in a deep, serious voice. The 2nd bit less so)

Brazil v Chile
Brazil topped their group, but looked far from impressive for long spells, most notably versus Croatia (where a couple of questionable refereeing decisions went their way) and Mexico (who were full value for their draw), before comfortably dispatching of a clearly demotivated Cameroon. It's clear that, Neymar aside, this is a functional unit that lacks real quality in attack- were they not called Brazil and playing on home soil, there's no way they'd be anywhere near as heavily fancied as they are. Chile, on the other hand, have been genuinely thrilling, dispatching of Spain with an eye-catching intensity and all-out commitment to attack. Their "meh" attitude to defending will most likely prevent them from winning the tournament at some point, but, having already seen off the reigning champions, there's every reason to reckon they can put the hosts out too.
Verdict: Chile to triumph in a topsy-turvy, wild and wacky match
The bet: Chile draw no bet at best odds of 15/4 with 888sport

Colombia v Uruguay
Arguably the best team of the tournament so far, with arguably its best player (James Rodriguez) as its creative fulcrum, Colombia were extremely impressive in making light work of their group. They have a plethora of quality striking options, with plenty of support from midfield (the aforementioned James is the star, but don't overlook the tricky, direct, powerful Juan Cuadrado on the right, and the wonderfully talented diminutive playmaker Juan Quintero) and adventurous full-backs, they could be at this tournament for some time. Uruguay, meanwhile, only just managed to scrap their way out of their group- this looks like the end of the line for some of the more experienced among their rank, while apart from the impressive young centre-back Jose Maria Gimenez, there aren't yet the quality of replacements coming through. With their main attacking threat now muzzled, they're on their way home.
Verdict: Colombia to break down stubborn Uruguay resistance
The bet: Colombia to win at best odds of 21/20 with Paddy Power

Holland v Mexico
This should be a fascinating tactical battle. Louis van Gaal has arguably been the best coach of the tournament so far, shifting his side effortlessly from 5-3-2 to 4-3-3 and back as circumstances require. His players have shown remarkable commitment to his ideals, too- witness Wesley Sneijder chasing Chilean midfielders all over the park, and Dirk Kuyt putting in a shift at left wing-back. Mexico, too, will use 5-3-2 initially, also with a significant degree of flexibility- both wing-backs will bomb on at will, while Rafael Marquez is more than capable of carrying the ball out of defence. Giovani dos Santos should again operate just off Oribe Peralta in attack, which will pose plenty of questions for van Gaal.
Verdict: Holland to just edge an intriguing encounter
The bet: Holland to win at best odds of 23/20 with Bet Victor





IF I STAY OUT OF THE PUB, THE REST OF THE GAMES WILL BE PREVIEWED OVER THE WEEKEND

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