New topic for the second and last phase of the tournament, it is a shame that it is almost over - so we can only feel blessed to enjoy the last couple of rounds.
How has it gone so far? Many surprises, a very unpredictable Cup. With all the futures included the units are a shaky -11.80 which I take full responsibility for - the futures quickly erased the positive numbers. I expected a drop, but with the futures taking a hit - we are where we are, but it is not impossible to pick yourself up. This is when you have a chance to prove the discipline, and accept the challenge.
I am glad to see many of you doing well! It's warming. Below are the locked in bets from my side, and the journey of turning it around and recover for the future bets losses. Let's have a good one!
Colombia - Uruguay: Pick: Colombia @ 2.00 (1.5/10)
It is easy to fall into the public opinion and give all the love to Colombia, which worries me a little because the pattern usually sets up for the upset - how many times have we seen a big public bet fail? The scenario is almost too familiar. However, this is one of the rare occasions I jump on the train and believe strongly in Colombia. Without Suarez, Uruguay lose a huge dimension on the attacking end - needless to say. People say Portugal and Argentina etc are a "one man team" and the same can be said about Uruguay. We could see what his presence brings to the table - without Suarez, they lost to Costa Rica who barely had trouble defending against only Cavani. But with Suarez - England and Italy got a hard time. Colombia passed from a tricky group in impressive fashion. I like their style on the pitch, attacking with patience and move the ball well, and moreover - have many different match-deciders in the game. Whether it comes easy or hard - Colombia should be closer to the victory. Uruguay are tweaked. Predicting a 2-0 final score.
________________________
Costa Rica - Greece: Costa Rica to qualify @ 1.75 (1.5/10)
While people might look past this knockout game, I personally find this one attractive. Value is on Greece, but I do not buy their chances here, in the sense of that I do not rate them as a good enough of a team. Sure, they know how to defend better than anyone else in the tournament. But Costa Rica have proven to be extremely solid on that end as well. Offensively, Costa Rica are more creative, quicker, and overall more dangerous. Greece have a good chance to harm Costa Rica with their size on any set pieces. I am starting to see flashbacks from when Greece won the Euros by winning through set pieces. Everybody seem to be surprised Costa Rica are where they are - we should be. But In fact, I am just as surprised to see Greece where they are as well, very fortunate with the way they managed to pass the group. Costa Rica show no signs of their journey being a fluke - 3 amazing matches. Greece? - One good match when it mattered, and a penalty in the 95th minute saved their early flights back to Europe. Shoutout to Costa Rica - vamos!
________________________
France - Nigeria: Pick: France -1 AH @ 1.88 (4/10)
Biggest bet of the tournament from my part, it will either bite hard or come easy and make me wonder why I did not put the house on it. Kidding aside - I feel this is a brilliant spot to risk more than usual. Like all African teams in this tournament, Nigeria have been having inside troubles due to bonuses etc, which kind of shows why they are here - it might come off as greedy, but when you represent your country, you forget whatever money is and play the game. Nigeria have cancelled practice sessions to dispute amounts instead, and arrived to the matchday city later than expected, so the preparations have not been the best. If this is all about the money, Nigeria will have hell for 90 minutes. In fact, just like Greece, they should not even be this far. The key game versus Bosnia was a pain to watch as a neutral viewer who feel strongly for fairness in any situation. Bosnia were robbed twice, very very questionable calls. If those calls were correct, Nigeria would be out already. Nonetheless, the only "impressive" performance came against an Argentinian team who took the game as a friendly. France have been stunning, and really look to be in harmony and more importantly - have gotten the best out of Benzema so far. I fancy this to be a solid controlled game by France, they have been playing with fluency in attack. It's two very different playing styles where France should get the better of it. Asian handicap feels like a safe option with a decent reward.