I am seriously considering putting bets on Argentina winning the world cup what do people think?
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I am seriously considering putting bets on Argentina winning the world cup what do people think?
Not with that fool Maradona in charge.
OK Spain then.
Spain are the best bet to win it, they're strong all over the pitch, I mean Fabregas doesn't even start for them much.
I do get this sneaky feeling that Argentina are going to click come the WC and have a good tournament. They barely qualified, have a lunatic in charge and can't get the best out of their best player, but come the WC I think everything might just fall into place and they'll have a good run...or maybe they'll just crash and burn in the groups and go home without picking up a point;D
Yes with Messi in the team and with the quality players they have around him, even Maradona could not cock this up. Just see them win it for some reason. Brazil are strong and have another gear but they are not special.
Brazil for me.
Messi and Tevez will be a fukking scary strike force. So will Torres (If he's fit) and Villa for Spain. And of course Robinho and Adriano for Brazil. Its hard to choose, but I'm leaning towards Brazil. No way Argentina will win with that fool in charge.
It's wide open this year.
I hate to say it, but unless England implodes in the group phase or some critical upsets happen, they have the easiest road to the Semi's of any of the group favorites. Once you are in the Semis, anything can happen. They have a great shot. I don't want to see it happen. Spain and Brazil are better teams, but they both have a tougher road to the finals. Italy also have a good shot. They have an easy road to the Quarters and they are a perfect team to pick off Spain. If Argentina had a real coach, I would be picking them, but Argentina won't win it with Maradona coaching.
Look at the group favorites:
Brazil - Great, but they need to go through the toughest group. They have to face two live underdogs, including Portugal (FIFA #4) and I.C. (Drogba). If the win, they a potentially tough game with Chile in round 2 and a showdown with FIFA's #3 Holland in the Quarters. They could easily limp into the second round and get Spain. To get to the finals, they will probably need to go through Portugal, Ivory Coast, Chile, Holland, and Argentina.
Italy - Easy group. It should be Italy 1, Paraguay 2. They gets and relatively easy round 2 with Cameroon or Denmark, but they are looking at Spain (FIFA #1) or possibly Portugal if they pull an upset in the quarters. I expect them to win this game. They will get England in the semi's, and I predict the winner of this game will win the cup.
Spain - Shouldn't be too many surprises in the group phase. Spain 1, Chile 2. But Spain will get VERY tough second round game against Portugal, Ivory Coast, or even Brazil. Brazil has no margin for error in their group, an I wouldn't be shocked by any outcome from this group. This is exactly the kind of game Spain screws up historically. They the get Italy, almost a guarantee. The dream ends here.
Holland - Should win the group easily. Cameroon or Denmark are 2. Almost certainly face Paraguay in round 2. They should get past Paraguay, but I wouldn't be shocked if Paraguay pulled it off. Either way they run into Brazil next. If Brazil has trouble in the group phase, they are still probably looking at Portugal. They might pull that one off and lose in the Semis to Argentina.
Group A - This is the most unpredictable group and it will be a dogfight. The group winner probably won't make it past round two (against Greece, probably), and the only way team from this group is going past the quarters is if the USA pulls an upset again England. Even then, Serbia, Australia, or the US could pull off an upset against any Group A team. I wouldn't be shocked to see Mexico win this group. The runner up gets Argentina in round 2. Even Maradona can't screw this up with Messi on the pitch.
England - Unless they get arrogant, they go the Semis. Even with a draw against the US, they should win the group. My prediction - England 2-0-1 (7). USA 1-0-2 (5), Algeria 1-1-1 (4), Slovenia 0-2-1 (1). Even England draw with the US and the US win both the other games, England will win the group on goal differential. Both Germany and England need to be careful. Serbia and the USA can upset either team. They are classic trap games and both England and Germany have two of them. In the Quarters, England would get the Group A winner or a Group B runner up (France??? Greece??? your guess is as good as mine). Germany and Argentina are looking right at each other. England has it much easier.
Germany - England has one team in the group who could pull an upset over them. Germany have two. Serbia and Australia could both pull a miracle, but even if Australia or Serbia pulls an upset, it's unlikely they won't drop a game to somebody else. Ghana could pick off either Serbia or Australia and they could both beat each other. Germany 1, Australia or Serbia 2. Germany then gets the USA. Germany vs the USA and England vs Serbia are equal challenges, but the big difference comes in the Quarters.
Argentina - Argentina cruises through an average group. Greece are #2, but Nigeria are a live underdog to advance. They get a decent Group A runner up (Mexico/Uruguay/France???) in round 2, but the should advance without a problem. For the Quarterfinal, however, it will be Germany. I favor Argentina, but I'll bet on England over any Group A team or Group B runner up over Argentina vs Germany. This will be the best quarterfinal game.
Prediction:
Semifinal 1
England (Over Greece) vs Italy (Italy over Spain)
England 2-1
Semifinal 2
Brazil (Over Holland) vs Argentina (Over the USA)
Argentina 3-2
Final:
England vs. Argentina
3-1
If not England, it will be Italy.
Spain or Brazil would be my picks. Holland could have a chance, but they will 'Bottle It' as always!
Foe England to win I see all of the below factors having to be in place
Every 1st choice player 100% fit
Every 1st choice player at the peak of their form
Every 1st choice player remaining fit for the duration of the tournament
Every 1st choice player remaining at the peak of their form forthe duration of the tournament.
The Team having practiced and improved massively on penalties
A lot of Luck!!
So a sure thing really ;D
Its always worth having a cheeky fiver (ew) on the Germans.
yeah no matter how bad a team they got they always do pretty wellQuote:
Originally Posted by FTMatty
i thought the same a couple of days ago, gotta take the weather into consideration be surprised if a european team wins itQuote:
Originally Posted by Master
Quote:
Originally Posted by FTMatty
so true
brazil and spain have to be favourites to meet in the final. Write off the italians and germans at your peril
to win the world cup
Italy 13/1
Germany 13/1
to qualify from group
Ghana 5/4
ivory coast 5/4
to reach quarter finals
ivory coast 11/4
south africa 11/2
both germany & italy are good odds i reckon?Quote:
Originally Posted by hattonthehammerQuote:
Originally Posted by FTMatty
so true
brazil and spain have to be favourites to meet in the final. Write off the italians and germans at your peril
to win the world cup
Italy 13/1
Germany 13/1
to qualify from group
Ghana 5/4
ivory coast 5/4
to reach quarter finals
ivory coast 11/4
south africa 11/2
considering most bookies in the UK have retardedly got england at 5s and have spain and brazil at so low odds also it bloody is;D;D;DQuote:
Originally Posted by Dragoboth germany & italy are good odds i reckon?Quote:
Originally Posted by hattonthehammerQuote:
Originally Posted by FTMatty
so true
brazil and spain have to be favourites to meet in the final. Write off the italians and germans at your peril
to win the world cup
Italy 13/1
Germany 13/1
to qualify from group
Ghana 5/4
ivory coast 5/4
to reach quarter finals
ivory coast 11/4
south africa 11/2
5/1:confused: your bloody jokin arnt u, based on wot exactly:confused: suppose just cos so many bettin on them:confused:Quote:
Originally Posted by hattonthehammerconsidering most bookies in the UK have retardedly got england at 5s and have spain and brazil at so low odds also it bloody is;D;D;DQuote:
Originally Posted by Dragoboth germany & italy are good odds i reckon?Quote:
Originally Posted by hattonthehammer
yeah the patriotic betQuote:
Originally Posted by Drago5/1:confused: your bloody jokin arnt u, based on wot exactly:confused: suppose just cos so many bettin on them:confused:Quote:
Originally Posted by hattonthehammerconsidering most bookies in the UK have retardedly got england at 5s and have spain and brazil at so low odds also it bloody is;D;D;DQuote:
Originally Posted by Drago
If england win the WC the bookies get taken to the cleaners
Dont think there is much chance us winning it mate is there?
On another note Torres is out 4 6weeks mite struggle to get fit for Spain.
Quote:
Originally Posted by littlebif
Most Spaniards rate Villa over Torres anyway.
They'll just drop Fabregas in behind Villa. If only England had that kind of luxury.
For betting, I like these wagers:Quote:
Originally Posted by hattonthehammerconsidering most bookies in the UK have retardedly got england at 5s and have spain and brazil at so low odds also it bloody is;D;D;DQuote:
Originally Posted by Dragoboth germany & italy are good odds i reckon?Quote:
Originally Posted by hattonthehammer
To Win - Italy is the smartest money at 13/1. Germany have two tough games in group, a decent US team in round 2, and Argentina in the Quarters. I like Italy's odds of coming though group clean, not taking care of business in round 2, and picking off Spain MUCH more than I like Germany's chances of doing the same and picking off Argentina. Argentina at 8/1 would be good, except for Maradona.
Finalists - Argentina/Italy is a decent bets at 50/1.
Qualification -
France at 11/4 to not qualify. They could bungle this group easily.
Bet both Australia at 5/2 and Serbia 5/4 to qualify. I can't see Ghana advancing, and the payout is better you bet both Serbia and Australia to advance compared to betting Ghana to fail. I'm also taking at Serbia 4/1 to win group. I give the Serbs a reasonable chance shot to beat Germany. If Germany chokes, you win big and the Serbia to qualify bet covers your longshots.
Switzerland 2/1 to qualify and 11/1 to win. Spain are great, but they can be flaky. Chile are beatable. This is probably the only good bet on a number 3 team in a group.
Denmark 6/5 to qualify and Holland 10/13 to win look solid. I'm not big on either Cameroon or Japan. Denmark have advanced every time they qualified. Denmark 9/2 to win is not a bad idea, either.
spain and england notorious for under performing at world cups as are portugal for over acheivingQuote:
Originally Posted by RozzySeanFor betting, I like these wagers:Quote:
Originally Posted by hattonthehammerconsidering most bookies in the UK have retardedly got england at 5s and have spain and brazil at so low odds also it bloody is;D;D;DQuote:
Originally Posted by Drago
To Win - Italy is the smartest money at 13/1. Germany have two tough games in group, a decent US team in round 2, and Argentina in the Quarters. I like Italy's odds of coming though group clean, not taking care of business in round 2, and picking off Spain MUCH more than I like Germany's chances of doing the same and picking off Argentina. Argentina at 8/1 would be good, except for Maradona.
Finalists - Argentina/Germany and Argentina/Italy are decent bets at 50/1.
Qualification -
France at 11/4 to not qualify. They could bungle this group easily.
Bet both Australia at 5/2 and Serbia 5/4 to qualify. I can't see Ghana advancing, and the payout is better you bet both Serbia and Australia to advance compared to betting Ghana to fail. I'm also taking at Serbia 4/1 to win group. I give the Serbs a reasonable chance shot to beat Germany. If Germany chokes, you win big and the Serbia to qualify bet covers your longshots.
Switzerland 2/1 to qualify and 11/1 to win. Spain are great, but they can be flaky. Chile are beatable. This is probably the only good bet on a number 3 team in a group.
Denmark 6/5 to qualify and Holland 10/13 to win look solid. I'm not big on either Cameroon or Japan. Denmark have advanced every time they qualified. Denmark 9/2 to win is not a bad idea, either.
Expecting the status quo this year also
Are about as good as Northern Ireland.Quote:
Originally Posted by hattonthehammerQuote:
Originally Posted by FTMatty
so true
brazil and spain have to be favourites to meet in the final. Write off the italians and germans at your peril
to win the world cup
Italy 13/1
Germany 13/1
to qualify from group
Ghana 5/4
ivory coast 5/4
to reach quarter finals
ivory coast 11/4
south africa 11/2
Eventhough I am not spanish I would....I think Torres is great and all but Villa is amazing. Villa propelled Spain to win the Euro's. Torres only had 1 goal and that was when he came on for Villa, other than that he was crap during that time.Quote:
Originally Posted by FTMattyQuote:
Originally Posted by littlebif
Most Spaniards rate Villa over Torres anyway.
They'll just drop Fabregas in behind Villa. If only England had that kind of luxury.
I just think Villa plays well regardless of who is around him whereas Torres doesn't really play well with others: Crouch, Kuyt, Babel, Keane, etc....he's not really "clicked" with anyone I've seen him play with. Meanwhile Villa doesn't just score goals, he sets up his teammates for goals too.
Capello should take Zamora. Heskey is finished and Zamora would be a good compliment to Rooney.Quote:
Originally Posted by FTMattyQuote:
Originally Posted by littlebif
Most Spaniards rate Villa over Torres anyway.
They'll just drop Fabregas in behind Villa. If only England had that kind of luxury.
Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor are the best two English strikers behind Rooney and Defoe IMO. How not even one of them are not on that plane I'll never know.Quote:
Originally Posted by RozzySeanCapello should take Zamora. Heskey is finished and Zamora would be a good compliment to Rooney.Quote:
Originally Posted by FTMattyQuote:
Originally Posted by littlebif
Most Spaniards rate Villa over Torres anyway.
They'll just drop Fabregas in behind Villa. If only England had that kind of luxury.
God knows why he takes Carlton Cole and Emile Heskey is just useless. I can see why he takes Crouch, offers us something different up front especially with his height.
From an outsiders perspective, England doesn't underperform as much as you think. They are often not as good as the English think they are.Quote:
Originally Posted by hattonthehammerspain and england notorious for under performing at world cups as are portugal for over acheivingQuote:
Originally Posted by RozzySeanFor betting, I like these wagers:Quote:
Originally Posted by hattonthehammer
To Win - Italy is the smartest money at 13/1. Germany have two tough games in group, a decent US team in round 2, and Argentina in the Quarters. I like Italy's odds of coming though group clean, not taking care of business in round 2, and picking off Spain MUCH more than I like Germany's chances of doing the same and picking off Argentina. Argentina at 8/1 would be good, except for Maradona.
Finalists - Argentina/Germany and Argentina/Italy are decent bets at 50/1.
Qualification -
France at 11/4 to not qualify. They could bungle this group easily.
Bet both Australia at 5/2 and Serbia 5/4 to qualify. I can't see Ghana advancing, and the payout is better you bet both Serbia and Australia to advance compared to betting Ghana to fail. I'm also taking at Serbia 4/1 to win group. I give the Serbs a reasonable chance shot to beat Germany. If Germany chokes, you win big and the Serbia to qualify bet covers your longshots.
Switzerland 2/1 to qualify and 11/1 to win. Spain are great, but they can be flaky. Chile are beatable. This is probably the only good bet on a number 3 team in a group.
Denmark 6/5 to qualify and Holland 10/13 to win look solid. I'm not big on either Cameroon or Japan. Denmark have advanced every time they qualified. Denmark 9/2 to win is not a bad idea, either.
Expecting the status quo this year also
Portugal overachieve? They certainly underperformed in 2002. In 2006 they won a weak group, picked off good but not great Holland team, and won on penalties to an England team that included a hobbled Beckham and an immature and injured Wayne Rooney. Lennon was still a kid, and Crouch wasn't the player then that he is now. Then they lost to French geriatrics. I don't think Portugal overachieved much. This year, Portugal isn't as strong as the 2006 and they have a tougher group. They might not make it out of group phase.
In 2006, England won a strong group, beat a good Ecuador team, and lost to a VERY good Portugal team on penalties. They had a difficult draw for both the group and the knockout phase. England fans expected Rooney to be then what he is now, and they though they belonged in the finals. No. They weren't that good.
With or without Lennon and Ashley Cole, this team is better than the 06 team. They don't have a Beckham distraction. They have more depth at Forward by far, and even if Lennon can't go, Ashley Young is an excellent alternative. Lampard and Gerrard are still strong. They have a favorable group, and although they probably have a tough 2rd round game, they will probably get a soft opponent in the Quarters.
If England get bounced before the Semi's this year, call them underachievers. This is the best team you've had in a long time, and you have a good draw. You could realistically win this thing. Unfortunately, England goes to the Semi's and loses a close game, you'll cry can call them underachievers anyway.
He needs to take Zamora in case something happens to Crouch. Rooney needs a big holding CF in a 442. You want to have that option, and you are right, Cole and Heskey need to stay home. If you are going to dump Cole and Heskey, you need Zamora to take that role. I would take Rooney, Defoe, Crouch, Zamora, and either Agbanlahor or Bent. This gives the best combination of talent and effective pairing options.Quote:
Originally Posted by The RascalDarren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor are the best two English strikers behind Rooney and Defoe IMO. How not even one of them are not on that plane I'll never know.Quote:
Originally Posted by RozzySeanCapello should take Zamora. Heskey is finished and Zamora would be a good compliment to Rooney.Quote:
Originally Posted by FTMatty
God knows why he takes Carlton Cole and Emile Heskey is just useless. I can see why he takes Crouch, offers us something different up front especially with his height.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RozzySeanFrom an outsiders perspective, England doesn't underperform as much as you think. They are often not as good as the English think they are.Quote:
Originally Posted by hattonthehammerspain and england notorious for under performing at world cups as are portugal for over acheivingQuote:
Originally Posted by RozzySean
Expecting the status quo this year also
Portugal overachieve? They certainly underperformed in 2002. In 2006 they won a weak group, picked off good but not great Holland team, and won on penalties to an England team that included a hobbled Beckham and an immature and injured Wayne Rooney. Lennon was still a kid, and Crouch wasn't the player then that he is now. Then they lost to French geriatrics. I don't think Portugal overachieved much. This year, Portugal isn't as strong as the 2006 and they have a tougher group. They might not make it out of group phase.
In 2006, England won a strong group, beat a good Ecuador team, and lost to a VERY good Portugal team on penalties. They had a difficult draw for both the group and the knockout phase. England fans expected Rooney to be then what he is now, and they though they belonged in the finals. No. They weren't that good.
With or without Lennon and Ashley Cole, this team is better than the 06 team. They don't have a Beckham distraction. They have more depth at Forward by far, and even if Lennon can't go, Ashley Young is an excellent alternative. Lampard and Gerrard are still strong. They have a favorable group, and although they probably have a tough 2rd round game, they will probably get a soft opponent in the Quarters.
If England get bounced before the Semi's this year, call them underachievers. This is the best team you've had in a long time, and you have a good draw. You could realistically win this thing. Unfortunately, England goes to the Semi's and loses a close game, you'll cry can call them underachievers anyway.
cant argue with that, very good posting
We do indeed build ourselves up to be knocked right down.
Just look at the attack of spain, villa, torres, iniesta, xavi - we`ve got match that with peter crouch and emile heskey:11fb8:
Wouldn't waste your money mate. You'll get relatively shit odds because the team on paper looks much better than it is.Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
For Argentina, Messi is half the player he is for Barca. Infact i was reading an article in 4-4-2 and according to a poll in Argentina around 3/4's of Argentinian fans believed Messi's form at Barca to be a 'fluke' simply because he cannot turn it on for Argentina.
They don't retain the ball well at all so it means that Messi can not be effective in the final third as he has little support once he gets there. They are also likely to play with Otamendi at right back, who is really a centre back. This means he won't be over-lapping Messi much like Dani Alves does at Barca. Another reason why Messi isn't as effective.
So in short, i wouldn't waste your money. ;)
yupQuote:
Originally Posted by onoWouldn't waste your money mate. You'll get relatively shit odds because the team on paper looks much better than it is.Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
For Argentina, Messi is half the player he is for Barca. Infact i was reading an article in 4-4-2 and according to a poll in Argentina around 3/4's of Argentinian fans believed Messi's form at Barca to be a 'fluke' simply because he cannot turn it on for Argentina.
They don't retain the ball well at all so it means that Messi can not be effective in the final third as he has little support once he gets there. They are also likely to play with Otamendi at right back, who is really a centre back. This means he won't be over-lapping Messi much like Dani Alves does at Barca. Another reason why Messi isn't as effective.
So in short, i wouldn't waste your money. ;)
absoloutely no value betting that, id rather just stick a pound on the lottery than back an argentina coached by maddona
Well yeah, that's all with out factoring in Maradona who looks out of his depth as a coach.Quote:
Originally Posted by hattonthehammeryupQuote:
Originally Posted by onoWouldn't waste your money mate. You'll get relatively shit odds because the team on paper looks much better than it is.Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
For Argentina, Messi is half the player he is for Barca. Infact i was reading an article in 4-4-2 and according to a poll in Argentina around 3/4's of Argentinian fans believed Messi's form at Barca to be a 'fluke' simply because he cannot turn it on for Argentina.
They don't retain the ball well at all so it means that Messi can not be effective in the final third as he has little support once he gets there. They are also likely to play with Otamendi at right back, who is really a centre back. This means he won't be over-lapping Messi much like Dani Alves does at Barca. Another reason why Messi isn't as effective.
So in short, i wouldn't waste your money. ;)
absoloutely no value betting that, id rather just stick a pound on the lottery than back an argentina coached by maddona
On paper it's a class team aswell.
You no I love you Lefty but that has to be some sort of joke??Quote:
Originally Posted by The RascalDarren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor are the best two English strikers behind Rooney and Defoe IMO. How not even one of them are not on that plane I'll never know.Quote:
Originally Posted by RozzySeanCapello should take Zamora. Heskey is finished and Zamora would be a good compliment to Rooney.Quote:
Originally Posted by FTMatty
God knows why he takes Carlton Cole and Emile Heskey is just useless. I can see why he takes Crouch, offers us something different up front especially with his height.
Sometimes i think people don't realise how much the game has changed and how important a player like Cole or Heskey can be, due to their ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play. Cole's all round game is better than Defoe's (although Defoe is improving) and Gabby's, as is Heskey's and that's why he'll start alongside Rooney.Quote:
Originally Posted by skel1983You no I love you Lefty but that has to be some sort of joke??Quote:
Originally Posted by The RascalDarren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor are the best two English strikers behind Rooney and Defoe IMO. How not even one of them are not on that plane I'll never know.Quote:
Originally Posted by RozzySean
God knows why he takes Carlton Cole and Emile Heskey is just useless. I can see why he takes Crouch, offers us something different up front especially with his height.
Here's one for discussion... I think a fit (and forgetting experience) Jagielka, Dawson or King are all better than Rio or Terry. If Dawson had any caps and Jags had more I would feel far more confident with those 2 at the back than any other partnership - both are different class (as is Ledley King)
No way man, I rate Agbonlahor highly. I'ld have him over Cole, Zamora and Heskey any day. 4th Best English striker IMO. Got everything and most importantly, lightening pace.Quote:
Originally Posted by skel1983You no I love you Lefty but that has to be some sort of joke??Quote:
Originally Posted by The RascalDarren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor are the best two English strikers behind Rooney and Defoe IMO. How not even one of them are not on that plane I'll never know.Quote:
Originally Posted by RozzySean
God knows why he takes Carlton Cole and Emile Heskey is just useless. I can see why he takes Crouch, offers us something different up front especially with his height.
Cole is a poor man's Crouch and right now, Zamora is better at Heskey's role than Heskey is.Quote:
Originally Posted by onoSometimes i think people don't realise how much the game has changed and how important a player like Cole or Heskey can be, due to their ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play. Cole's all round game is better than Defoe's (although Defoe is improving) and Gabby's, as is Heskey's and that's why he'll start alongside Rooney.Quote:
Originally Posted by skel1983You no I love you Lefty but that has to be some sort of joke??Quote:
Originally Posted by The Rascal
Right now, I'll take Zamora over Cole or Heskey as a target/holding forward.
If you don't watch Fulham much, you might not realize how good he has been this year. He's not well like and he's coming off two down years. His goals were he didn't score much last year, but he did the "holding up the ball" job well enough for Dempsey, Johnson, and Murphy to score enough to make Europa. This year, he's done target job even better and become a scoring threat again. He's produced in the Europa.
The Numbers:
Heskey: 21 Starts, 11 Sub, 5 Goal/2 Assists (2 goals in the Carling Cup)
Cole: 23 Starts, 4 Sub, 9 Goals/2 Assists
Zamora: LEAGUE - 27 Starts, 8 Goals/4 Assists.
FA CUP - 4 Starts, 3 Goals.
Europa - 11 Starts, 1 Sub, 6 Goals/2 Assists.
The Highlights:
Against Wolfsburg, holding and passing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m98Ce...eature=related
Against Wolfsburg, taking a long ball, holding, an finishing himself:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lvVb...eature=related
If you want a target, I'm sure what more you want than this performance against Juventus:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY0k3...eature=related
I would think Capello would want to go with the guy who is playing the best right now.