World Cup 2014 Thread....

Daytrader:

If you have nothing productive to add, please leave the thread.

This is me asking nicely.

Wednesday June 17

Australia / Netherlands - Australia +1.5 and +2 +100 (1 unit) - This definitely a grab your nuts and squeeze bet - because if form holds from their first games - this could end 10-0.  But after analyzing the Netherlands win - I am convinced it was the Spanish decision to play a very high defensive line that was their downfall.  Time and time again the Netherlands simply sent their speedy front line on long runs to fill the space in between Spains defensive line and the goal, and the Dutch just exposed slower older backs that couldnt keep up or at times just didnt even try.  I fully expect Australia to be much more compact - and do what they did against Chile which was pack back 8 most of the time much closer to the penalty box.  This neutralizes the speed of the Dutch forwards, and relies on the Dutch making plays in the midfield.  Daley Blind was a magician against Spain but I will take my chances on seeing if he can do it against a different shaped defense.  Australia should continue to attack down the wings and play the numbers in getting a header or two on net.  Dutch have far more talent, great momentum - but I need to take the handicap with Australia.  Predicted final score Netherland 1 Australia 0 (I also like the under but just lean)

Spain / Chile - No Bet - Long story short - I just cannot figure this one out.  Will Spain bomb out and give up or will they come back with a vengeance?  Can Chile really play that ridiculous style of defense where they allowed Australia 2 on 2's while being up a goal against a Spain?  One thing I do think is that Spain will have to attack with more speed against Chile - the way to beat them is with quick offensive movements - and this is not something the Spanish are known for.  I am sure Spain will also shake up their line up. I think it will be fascinating to watch - but not something I want to have my money on.  Anyone who can go under in this game has much more balls than I do.  I think Spain deserves to be favored, but at -150 or so I am just not interested.  Too many moving parts in this one for my liking.  Predicted final score Spain 2 Chile 1 ??

Croatia / Cameroon - Croatia -160 (1.5 units) - Croatia is in must win mode here as they will be chasing Mexico for the second qualifying spot in Group A.  Croatia was solid almost all game against Brazil - but I really felt it was goalkeeping and of course the penalty call that was their undoing.  It was pretty much what I expected from Croatia - good control when on the ball - and very good on the wings with a lot of quality crosses.  Now that Mandzukic is back in the lineup - those crosses should be even more effective.  Luka Modric looks like he will also be in the lineup after an injury scare.  Cameroon just showed nothing against Mexico and were lucky to only lose 1-0.  The key for me is their defense and their inability to track on the wings and the gaps left up the middle.  A good passing team with a guy like Modric should be able to pick this apart.  Predicted final score Croatia 3 Cameroon 1