World Cup Day 19 (29/06)

Paraguay v Japan
Spain v Portugal

Tuesday, June 29

Paraguay v Japan

Picks:
Paraguay -0.25AH @1.88 (sportbet, 10 units)
Paraguay 0 - 0 Japan
Santa Cruz Man of the Match @6.0 (bet365, 3 units)
Honda voted MOM

Spain v Portugal

Verdict: Torres' lacklustre performances in SA so far have been a major talking point at the World Cup. In 154 minutes of football, Torres has only had one strike on goal and missed some glorious opportunities to find the back of the net. He is simply out of form and perhaps not in 100% physical condition. Villa is perhaps the sharpest striker in this tournament, scoring 3 goals from his 7 shots on target.

With Villa favorite with the bookies to score in this match and Torres completely out of sorts, I see very good value in this bet.

Pick* (free pick):
Villa to score more goals than Torres @3.50 (unibet, 6 units)
Villa 1-0

Other Picks:
Meireles to be cautioned @4.0 (unitbet, 10 units)
Not cautioned
Pepe to be cautioned @2.84 (betfair, 5 units)
Not cautioned

World Cup Day 18 (28/06)

Netherlands v Slovakia
Brazil v Chile

Monday, June 28

Netherlands v Slovakia

Picks:
Arjen Robben to score anytime @2.94 (betfair, 7 units)
Robben scored on 18'
Netherlands to score 2 or more goals @1.67 (betfair, 10 units)
Netherlands 2 - 1 Slovakia
Pekarik to be cautioned @3.0 (skybet, 7 units)
Not cautioned
Weiss to be cautioned @3.95 (betfair, 4 units)
Not cautioned

Brazil v Chile

Picks:
Vidal to be cautioned @2.8 (betfair, 7 units)
Vidal cautioned on 47'
Sanchez to be cautioned @3.7 (betfair, 7 units)
Not cautioned
Carmona to be cautioned @2.36 (betfair, 7 units)
Not cautioned
Chile to score @1.85 (betfair, 10 units)
Brazil 3 - 0 Chile

World Cup Day 17 (27/06)

Germany v England
Argentina v Mexico

Sunday, June 27

Germany v England

Picks:
Mertesacker to receive a card @3.25 (skybet, 5 units)
Not cautioned
Glen Johnson to receive a card @3.75 (betfair, 7 units)
Johnson cautioned on 82'
James Milner to receive a card @4.9 (betfair, 5 units)
Not cautioned

Argentina v Mexico

Picks:
Mascherano to be cautioned @3.0 (betfair, 7 units)
Not cautioned
Gerardo Torrado to be cautioned @2.5 (betfair, 7 units)
Not cautioned

World Cup Day 16 (26/06)

Uruguay v Korea Republic
USA v Ghana

Saturday, June 26

Uruguay v South Korea

Picks:
Uruguay 1x2 @2.00 (paddypower, 6 units)
Uruguay 2 - 1
Egidio Arevalo to be cautioned @3.15 (betfair, 6 units)
Not cautioned

World Cup Day 15 (25/06)

Portugal v Brazil
Ivory Coast v North Korea
Switzerland v Honduras
Spain v Chile

Friday, June 25

Portugal v Brazil

Pick: Brazil -0.25AH @ 2.05 (188bet, 7 units)
Portugal 0 - 0 Brazil

Switzerland v Honduras (free pick)

Verdict: Honduras need a minor miracle to progress to the next round as they sit bottom of the Group H table with no points. After claiming the scalp of European Champions Spain in their opening game, Switzerland dropped their next game against Chile and now find themselves in a battle to reach the knockout stages. The Swiss are likely to need a 2 goal victory over the Central Americans so we can expect the otherwise defensive Europeans to be more adventurous and perhaps see an up tempo game.
Honduras are playing for pride and who else to lead by example than their midfield enforcer, Wilson Palacios. Palacios is an extremely aggresive midfielder
who received a caution in the first game against Chile. In the game against Spain, Wilson committed enough fouls to warrant 3 yellow cards but was strangely given
given a reprieve by leniant Japanese referee, Yuichi Nishimura.
Today's referee, Argentinian Walter Baldassi, does try and let the game flow but cracks the whip on tackles that are late or dangerous with cards, as was the case in the Serbia v Ghana game (6 yellows and 1 red). With Honduras likely to exit the
tournament, there will be no holding back from the Tottenham man.

Pick: Wilson Palacios to receive a card @3.50 (unibet, 10 units)
Palacios cautioned on 89'

World Cup Day 14 (24/06)

Paraguay v New Zealand
Slovakia v Italy
Cameroon v Netherlands
Japan v Denmark

Thursday, June 24

Paraguay v New Zealand

Picks:
Paraguay to win to nil @2.10 (betfair, 6 units)
Paraguay 0 - 0 New Zealand
Bookings 5pts or under @5.7 (betfair, 4 units)
3 yellow cards

Slovakia v Italy

Pick: De Rossi Man of the Match @6.0 (skybet, 4 units)
Vittek

Cameroon v Netherlands

Picks:
Netherlands -0.75AH @1.91 (expekt, 7 units)
Cameroon 1 - 2 Netherlands
To score anytime Van Persie @2.50 (betfair, 6 units)
Cameroon 1 - 2 Netherlands

World Cup Day 13 (23/06)

Algeria v USA
England v Slovenia
Australia v Serbia
Germany v Ghana

Wednesday, June 23

Algeria v USA

Pick: Pick: USA 1x2 @1.91 (bet365, 8 units)
Algeria 0 - 1 USA

Australia v Serbia

Pick: Australia DNB @3.38 (betfair, 5 units)
Australia 2 - 1 Serbia

Ghana v Germany

Pick: Germany -1AH @1.85 (unibet, 10 units)
Ghana 0 - 1 Germany

World Cup Day 12 (22/06)

France v South Africa
Mexico v Uruguay
Greece v Argentina
Nigeria v South Korea

Tuesday, June 22

France v South Africa

Pick: Abou Diaby to be cautioned @7.0 (skybet, 6 units)
Diaby cautioned on 71'

Mexico v Uruguay

Pick: Bookings 5pts or under @3.15 (betfair, 5 units)
3 yellow cards

Nigeria v South Korea

Pick: Nigeria +0.25AH @1.86 (sbobet, 6 units)
Nigeria 2 - 2 South Korea

Greece v Argentina

Pick: Torosidis to be cautioned @6.0 (skybet, 6 units)
Not cautioned (substituted due to injury on 55')

World Cup Day 11 (21/06)

Portugal v North Korea
Switzerland v Chile
Spain v Honduras

Monday, June 21

Portugal v North Korea

Picks:
North Korea DNB @9.36 (betfair, 5 units)
Portugal 7 - 0 North Korea
Correct score Portugal 1 - 0 @6.10 (betsafe, 5 units)
Portugal 7 - 0 North Korea

Switzerland v Chile

Picks:
Chile -0.25AH @1.95 (expect, 7 units)
Switzerland 0 - 1 Chile
Inler to be cautioned @3.50 (skybet, 10 units)
Inler cautioned on 60'

Spain v Honduras

Pick: Izaguirre to be cautioned @2.56 (betfair, 6 units)
Izaguirre cautioned on 38'

World Cup Day 10 (20/06)

Slovakia v Paraguay
Italy v New Zealand
Brazil v Ivory Coast

Sunday, June 20

Slovakia v Paraguay

Pick: Paraguay -0.5AH @2.16 (188bet, 7 units)
Slovakia 0 - 2 Paraguay

Italy v New Zealand

Picks:
Italy -1.5AH @2.05 (betsson, 6 units)
Italy 1 - 1 New Zealand
Over 2.25 goals @1.83 (sbobet, 10 units)
Italy 1 - 1 New Zealand

Brazil v Ivory Coast

Pick: Siaka Tiene (Ivory Coast) to be cautioned @3.0 (skybet, 4 units)
Tiene cautioned on 31'

World Cup Day 9 (19/06)

Netherlands v Japan
Ghana v Australia
Denmark v Cameroon

Saturday, June 19

Netherlands v Japan

Picks
Netherlands -1AH @1.84 (188bet, 10 units)
Netherlands 1 - 0 Japan
Netherlands clean sheet @1.80 (bet365, 10 units)
Netherlands 1 - 0 Japan

Ghana v Australia

Picks:
Australia DNB @3.00 (stanjames, 10 units)
Ghana 1 - 1 Australia
Over 4.5 cards @1.83 (bet365, 7 units)
5 cards
Red card in match @3.9 (betfair, 5 units)
Harry Kewell sent off on 24'

Denmark v Cameroon

Pick: Denmark DNB @1.82 (sbobet, 10 units)
Denmark 2 - 1 Cameroon

World Cup Day 8 (18/06)

Germany v Serbia
USA v Slovenia
Algeria v England

Friday, June 18

Germany v Serbia

Pick: Germany 1x2 @1.66 (unibet, 10 units)
Germany 0 - 1 Serbia

USA v Slovenia

Pick: USA -0.5AH @2.16 (188bet, 10 units)
USA 2 - 2 Slovenia

Algeria v England

Picks:
Over 2.25 @1.74 (188bet, 10 units)
Algeria 0 - 0 England
England -1.5AH @1.88 (5 dimes, 7 units)
Algeria 0 - 0 England

World Cup Day 7 (17/06)

Argentina v Korea Republic
Greece v Nigeria
France v Mexico

Thursday, June 17

Argentina v Korea Republic

Verdict: Pre-tournament favorites, Argentina, will meet fellow Group B leaders Korea Republic after both nations recorded first round victories. Korea Republic efficiently dispatched a disoriented Greek side 2-0 whereas Argentina recorded a slender 1-0 victory over Nigeria.

Argentina, and manager Diego Maradona, are yet to convince some in the footballing world that they are genuine, potential world champions and the result against the Nigeria's further enhanced those doubts. I disagree. Argentina had 7 shots on goal in that game and if it wasn't for the heroics of Nigerian keeper, Vincent Enyeama, the South Americans could of easily scored 3 or 4 more. The Korea Republic is an average, hard working team who were fortunate enough to play a weaker side to them in their opening game. The Greeks gifted Korea their two goals. Despite their 2-0 lead in that game, the Koreans seemed to tire in the second half so I expect them to struggle at high altitude in Johannesburg.

Picks:
Over 2 goals @1.80 (10bet, 10 units)
Argentina 4 - 1 Korea Republic
Argentina 1x2 @1.51 (188bet, 10 units)
Argentina 4 - 1 Korea Republic

France v Mexico

Verdict: Group A is finely balanced after both opening games resulted in draws. Mexico had to settle for a 1-1 draw against host nation South Africa, whereas France were involved in a drab scoreless draw against Uruguay. Mexico was made to pay for their inefficiency in front of goal after creating, and not taking, numerous opportunities in the opening half. Despite this 1-1 result, against what was a highly motivated host nation, it is not the end of world. The French came into this tournament with low expectations and perhaps this was justified after a poor showing against the wily South Americans.

France have shown great pedigree in big cup tournaments in years gone by, but this team is just a pale shadow in comparison. Under the tutelage of peculiar figure, Raymond Domenech, France look like an uninspired outfit. In total contrast, Mexican manager, Javier Aguirre, has revived the hopes of a nation after taking over the reigns from Sven Goran Eriksson. The Mexican team have the youthful vibrance and leadership to cause this French team problems.

Pick: Mexico DNB @2.59 (188bet, 5 units)
France 0 - 2 Mexico

World Cup Day 6 (16/06)

Honduras v Chile
Spain v Switzerland
South Africa v Uruguay

Wednesday, June 16

Honduras v Chile

Verdict: Honduras go into there opening game as one of the least fancied teams to win the World Cup. In contrast, Chile have high expectations after qualifying second in the South American qualifiers. Their pre-tournament results have been impressive with only a single defeat (1-0 loss to Mexico) in eight games.

I expect Chile's quick passing game and energetic running off the ball to cause Honduras a whole host of problems. Wilson Palacios, the Spurs and Honduras midfielder, was one of the most ill disciplined players at club level and also in the Concacaf qualifiers. With referee, Eddy Maillet from the Seychelles been a strict disciplinarian, I expect numerous cautions to be branded out and I don't think he will appreciate Wilson's hard nosed approach.

Pick: Palacios to be cautioned @2.50 (skybet, 7 units)
Palacios cautioned in 33rd minute

Spain v Switzerland

Verdict: Since qualifying first in their qualification group including Greece and Latvia, Switzerland have lost 3 and drawn one of their pre-tournament friendlies. Spain were one of few teams to qualify from their group with a perfect record. The 2008 European Champions go into this tournament as one of the hot favorites, and rightly so.

The Swiss have been beset by injuries over the last week with the news that captain Alex Frei and Valon Behrami will miss this encounter. For a team that is not prolific in front of goal, these absentees will hurt badly. Spain have no such worries and go into this game on the back of 12 wins in a row. I struggle to see how Swiss centre-backs Grichting and Senderos will be able to cope with the pace and movement of the Spanish forwards.

Pick: Spain -1.25AH @1.86 (sbobet, 7 units)
Spain 0 - 1 Switzerland

South Africa v Uruguay

Verdict: Both sides had to settle for draws in their respective first round encounters. South Africa survived a first half onslaught by the Mexicans before gaining the ascendancy in the match in the 2nd half. The Bafana Bafana got over their early match nerves and took the lead through Tshabalala before Marquez equalized for Mexico. Uruguay were less impressive in their scoreless draw against France. The South Americans were content on playing a tight, counter-attacking game, relying heavily on the pace of Forlan and Suarez to pinch a goal.

With the home side finishing the game strongly against Mexico, I expect them to continue on from where they left off against the one-dimensional Uruguayan outfit.

Picks:
South Africa +0.25AH @1.90 (pinnacle, 7 units)
South Africa 0 - 3 Uruguay
South Africa 1x2 @3.50 (victor chandler, 2 units)
South Africa 0 - 3 Uruguay

World Cup Day 5 (15/06)

New Zealand v Slovakia
Ivory Coast v Portugal
Brazil v North Korea

Tuesday, June 15

New Zealand v Slovakia

Verdict: The underdogs in Group F go head to head in a game where a win for either side is imperative if they harbor any realistic hopes of progressing to the next round. In the lead up to the tournament, New Zealand did themselves proud with strong showings against Australia and Serbia, before coming undone in a 3-1 loss to Slovenia. Slovakia did well to reach their first World Cup since gaining independence, qualifying first in a group that included Slovenia and the Czech Republic.

New Zealand manager, Ricki Herbert, insists in playing a 4-3-3 formation so Slovakia should get plentiful opportunities up front. Kiwi keeper, Mark Paston, is also a very average keeper so mistakes are likely to occur in this high pressure environment. With both sides knowing the importance of a win, I expect an open game with a chance of goals.

Picks:
Over 2 goals @1.78 (pinnacle, 8 units)
New Zealand 1 - 1 Slovakia
Winston Reid (NZ) to be cautioned @2.52 (betfair, 4 units)
Reid Cautioned in 90th+ minute

Ivory Coast v Portugal

Pick: Eboue to be cautioned @2.52 (betfair, 4 units)
Eboue not cautioned

World Cup Day 4 (14/06)

Netherlands v Denmark
Japan v Cameroon
Italy v Paraguay

Monday, June 14

Netherlands v Denmark

Verdict: One of the dark horses to go all the way, the Netherlands will look to get off to the perfect start when they face Denmark. The Danes have had an injury stricken build up to this tournament with key players Bendtner, Kjaer, and Sorensen out injured. The Oranje have also had their fare share of injury problems, most notably Arjen Robben, but it is hoped that his hamstring strain would of recovered sufficiently in time for this game.

Denmark impressed during the qualification phase, topping notable opposition in Portugal and Sweden. Holland qualified through their group (including Norway and Scotland) with a perfect record, 8 wins from 8. The Netherlands are on a run of 19 games without defeat, including impressive wins against Ghana and Hungry last week. In addition to the Dutch having the better team, their preparations have gone perfectly and I can only see one result here.

Pick: Netherlands -1AH @1.96 (188bet, 6 units)
Netherlands 2 - 0 Denmark

Japan v Cameroon

Verdict: Both nations enter this tournament on the back of some poor results, winless in their 4 respective friendly matches. These warm up matches though should be taken with a pinch of salt. Despite their run of poor results, Japan did put in a spirited performance in their 2-1 loss to England. The Blue Samurai led for the majority of the game against a full strength England side, only to come unstuck in the final quarter of an hour through two unfortunate own goals. Cameroon lost their last warm up match to Serbia by a 4-3 margin. Veteran keeper, Souleymanou Hamidou, was at fault for at least one of those goals and surprisingly, the talk is that Le Guen will play him in this encounter.

Ofcourse, Cameroon has the better team on paper with the like of Eto’o and Webo in their ranks but we cannot underestimate Japan’s team work ethic. With the talented Honda spearheading the underdogs, I give them every chance of causing their more celebrated African opponents some problems.

Pick: Japan +0.25AH @2.12 (stanjames, 5 units)
Japan 1 – 0 Cameroon

Italy v Paraguay

Preview not available

Pick: Over 2 goals @2.14 (188bet, 7 units)
Italy 1 - 1 Paraguay

World Cup Day 3 (13/06)

Algeria v Slovenia
Serbia v Ghana
Germany v Australia

Sunday, June 13

Algeria v Slovenia

Verdict: With both teams underdogs to qualify from Group C (England and USA favorites), this game takes on an even greater importance. Both sides qualified for this tournament through the playoff format, Algeria toppling Egypt whereas Slovenia upset the mighty Russia.
Since qualification, Algeria have suffered more downs than ups with a dissapointing 4-0 defeat to Egypt in the African Cup of Nations, in addition to 3-0 friendly defeats at the hands of Serbia and Republic of Ireland. Slovenia in turn have comfortably won their two most recent friendly encounters against average opposition, Qatar and New Zealand.

During the qualification phase, Slovenia conceded only 4 goals in their 10 matches which was most impressive. In addition, they have players of the ilk of Koren, Handanovic and Novakovic who have proven themselves at the highest level. Currently, in addition to only having scored 3 goals in their last 7 competitive fixtures (against some poor opposition), there is in fighting within the squad. Captain, Yazid Mansouri, has been stripped of his captaincy and dropped to the bench after some poor form. He has not taken this lightly and has threatened to quit the team so team unity is not at its best at the moment.

Pick: Slovenia -0.25AH @1.99 (pinnacle, 10 units)
Algeria 0 - 1 Slovenia

Serbia v Ghana

No preview available.

Pick: Serbia -0.25AH @1.96 (sbobet, 7 units)
Serbia 0 - 1 Ghana

Germany v Australia

Verdict: The second youngest German team in World Cup history will do battle against the vastly experienced Australian side. German young guns such as Ozil, Khedira, Muller, Badstuber, Neuer, and Marin come into the squad to give the Mannschaft a good blend of experience and flair. In contrast, Australia’s first 11 will feature players that were involved in Germany ’06, with question marks over the fitness of star players Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell. If reports are to be believed, both will most definitely feature.

The Germans will ofcourse be without their inspirational leader, Michael Ballack, so the onus will fall on Schweinsteiger to pull the strings from central midfield. The latter, in addition to Ozil, Muller, and Khedira form a midfield that is blessed with pace and will more than likely cause Australia’s ageing warriors numerous problems. Australia’s lack of pace in key areas was exposed by the USA in the 3-1 friendly defeat last week and I see the like of Moore, Neil and Grella having their hands full. Going forward, Germany seem to have many options but their defence does not look so assured. Mertesacker is not in the best of form whereas the left-back position is likely to be filled by Aogo or Badstuber who only have 4 caps between them. The game will be played at sea-level so I expect the playing conditions to be perfect for both sides.

Pick: Over 2.25 goals @1.95 (sbobet, 7 units)
Germany 4 - 0 Australia

World Cup Day 2 (12/06)

Korea Republic v Greece
Argentina v Nigeria
England v USA

Saturday, June 12

Korea Republic v Greece

Verdict: South Korea will hope to have star striker, Lee Dong-Gook fit for the key match against 2004 European Champions, Greece. Dong-Gook has not played for the national side since the 2-0 friendly win over Ecuador in May. Greece will miss the services of towering centre back, Moras, but recall top scorer of the European qualification phase, Fanis Gekas.

Port Elizabeth, the venue for this game, is home to many ex-pat Greeks and it is expected that atleast 7,000 of them will be in appearance in the 45,000 seater stadium. Both countries have had mediocre preparations for this World Cup campaign with Greece uncharacteristically conceding goals with regular ease while the Koreans were held scoreless against Belarus and a second string Spanish team. Ofcourse, Greece is the more physical of the two sides and with the like of Ninis, Karagounis, Gekas, and Samaras in attack, the Southern European nation has more firepower than their Asian opponents. Korea Republic has traditionally had trouble against organised European opponents, and I see it been no different here.

Pick: Greece DNB @1.90 (pinnacle, 7 units)
Korea Republic 2 - 0 Greece

Argentina v Nigeria

Verdict: Pre-tournament favorites, Argentina, will look to dismantle Nigeria with their plethora of attacking weapons in this Group B clash. Led by world footballer of the year, Lionel Messi, and an array of talent including Di Maria, Milito, Tevez, and Higuain, no one can deny the La Albiceleste their favorite tag. Nigeria were undefeated during their World Cup Qualifiers but suffered a big blow before the tournament when holding midfielder, John Obi Mikel, was ruled out through injury.

Despite Argentina struggling through the qualification phase, finishing fourth behind Brazil, Chile and Paraguay, they are a serious contender at these championships despite the shortcomings of manager, Diego Maradona. After cementing qualification, the South Americans have played a series of 6 friendlies with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Spain their only blemish. Nigeria has been less than impressive in their preparations following their 3rd place finishing at the disappointing Africa Cup of Nations. I feel that the Africans lack in a lot of aspects in their game, especially in central defence where Yobo and Shittu played minimal football for their respective English clubs last season.

Pick: Argentina -1AH @1.72 (betfair, 10 units)
Argentina 1 - 0 Nigeria

England v USA

Verdict: In one of the most anticipated games of the group stages, World Cup favorite (one of) England face arguably their toughest test in Group C against the improving USA. Both sides have had their fair share of injuries and controversies in the days and months leading up to the World Cup. Former England captain, John Terry and club team mate Ashley Cole have both had their off field issues, where as fellow defender and stand in captain Rio Ferdinand, is ruled out with knee ligament damage. USA's most potent attacking weapon, Jose Altidore, missed the last warm up game with Australia after straining his ankle in training while Onyewu suffered a patellar tendon rupture last October.

Despite winning their last three friendly matches (against Egypt, Mexico, and Japan) in the lead up to the tournament, England have been far from impressive. In what is i'm sure a headache to their Italian manager, Fabio Capello, the Three Lions are not keeping clean sheets and are not dominating games the way they he would like them to. As they showed against Egypt, Spain and Brazil in last year's Confederations Cup, the USA is an emerging football power. More recent wins (friendlies) against Turkey and Australia suggest the Stars and Stripes are primed and ready for their best World Cup yet.
One thing both teams have in common is their good striking power and some what suspect defence. With players such as Rooney, Crouch, Gerrard, Lampard, Altidore, Buddle, Donovan, and Dempsey getting into forward positions, I think we are likely to see a few goals here.

Picks:
USA +1 AH @2.05 (betinternet, 5 units)
England 1 - 1 USA
Over 2.25 goals @1.83 (sbobet, 7 units)
England 1 - 1 USA

World Cup Day 1 (11/06)

South Africa v Mexico
France v Uruguay

Friday, June 11

South Africa v Mexico

Verdict: The hosts, South Africa, will open the World Cup at 5,558 feet (above sea level) against Mexico. The Soccer City Stadium stands as the highest stadium out of all the World Cup venues so altitude may play its part. Bafana Bafana go into this game on the back of 14 internationals without defeat so they will fancy themselves in front of their fanatical home support. Mexico have had the longest and most arduous preparations of any of the 32 World Cup nations. The Tricolor have played 12 pre-World Cup warm up matches with the highlight, a 2-1 victory over Italy last Friday.

Mexico arrived in South Africa on Monday and the good news is that Rafael Marquez has resumed full training with the team since his injury against Italy. South Africa have no injuries to mention so I am confident they can showcase their improved form over the last 6 months, in addition to their good performances at the Confederations Cup, on this big stage. It's hard to separate these sides but I will lean towards the hosts here as it's been a very long time since the host nation lost its opening match in a World Cup.

Pick: South Africa DNB @2.05 (bet365, 7 units)
South Africa 1 - 1 Mexico

The World Cup is almost upon us!

Picks emailed to our subscribers will be posted here within 2hrs of the game's conclusion. All picks will be proofed by the the Betting Advice Surveillance Team.