Craig`s World Cup picks 2010

[craig.gibson]

It`s almost time and I cannot wait...love it when the world cup is on. I will be watching England`s final group game from Glastonbury which should be awsome providing we haven`t lost our first two games.

Euro 2008 was the first time I really played an international tourney....my match picks finished around evens after being up aprox 12 units at one point. I did however pick Spain as the winner at 2* @6.8 along with Portugal so ended up around 10 units.

Here goes with a few futures:

YTD:0.00

Germany - 2 units to win 30 units

Portugal - 1 unit to win 31 units

England - 1 unit to win 6.60 units

Germany have won the wc 3 times out of the last 15 and have reached the semis no fewer than 10 times out of the last 15.....+1500 gotta be value imo.

Portugal are an improving team and with attacking players like Ronaldo and Nanni they could surprise a few imo...they are in a very tough group but I think they may just edge out Ivory Coast for second spot. England is definately a patrioitic play for me and prob not value...would be so annoyed if they did win and I didn`t have a few beer tokens on them....it will happen one day!! lol

Good luck fellas and come on Engeeeeeerland!!

p.s If I was asked who I think will win regardless of odds...I would say Spain or Brazil (no big surprise) but no value betting either imo

[HMex]

Couldn't agree more on Germany - I have a tidy sum backed to lay off in a few weeks.

[AmeliesDad]

I've only been doing a few small bets when the offers or odds have been favourable and so far the result looks like this. I need to sort out Spain really but the rest shouldn't be a problem. I need to start these long term books much further in advance really:

Spain         -22.77
Brazil         49.73
England        54.73
Argentina      91.52
Netherlands     4.73
Germany       119.73
Italy          -4.27
France        -55.27
Portugal       94.73
Ivory Coast   -30.27
South Africa  -30.27
Honduras      -30.27
Any other     -55.27

[AmeliesDad]

Couldn't agree more on Germany - I have a tidy sum backed to lay off in a few weeks.

Ladbrokes have pushed Germany out to 16/1 if you haven't placed it yet.

[craig.gibson]

I've only been doing a few small bets when the offers or odds have been favourable and so far the result looks like this. I need to sort out Spain really but the rest shouldn't be a problem. I need to start these long term books much further in advance really:

Spain         -22.77
Brazil         49.73
England        54.73
Argentina      91.52
Netherlands     4.73
Germany       119.73
Italy          -4.27
France        -55.27
Portugal       94.73
Ivory Coast   -30.27
South Africa  -30.27
Honduras      -30.27
Any other     -55.27

A few quid on Spain and thats a nice looking book.

Good luck guys

[Diamondgeezer]

Good stuff Craig but I wouldn't have the Germans at 15 because I don't think they will make it out of the group. Last time the whole side revolved around Ballack and I don't think they will be as effective without him. And they are in a group of death. Ghana have a lot of talent and Serbia will be tough opponents. And Austrailia with their high tempo style could have chances against Germany too. I see this group as trappy and a lot tougher than Englands.

Teams I like at the odds are France and Italy plus Portugal. It's a bit hard to see Portugal actually winning it though as they tend to self destruct at some point.

Italy could do well again because no one is expecting them to win again. Also it is imperative they defend their title with honour. Plus they are very good in the knockout phase.

France I like because in Ribery, Malouda and Anelka they have good attacking threat. If they can keep Gallas fit then 21 looks a decent price. Again if they win the group you wouldn't want them in the last sixteen. Ribery is a serious talent and after all his troubles this year maybe he will have a great WC.

[musicbox]

Italy and France for me too on the basis of odds. France have good players, team spirit is a bit ergh much of the time it seems but still, with the group they're in and some wins going into the knockout phases AND having got there in the manner they did, I get the feeling it might come together a bit more than usual of late for them. Italy you can never truly write off because they've just got something when it comes to big tourneys.

North Korea to pick up a point in their group would be the other thing you might get nice odds on They have "the Asian Wayne Rooney" up top and he's pretty good actually.

[AmeliesDad]

Well I'm not giving France a chance in hell of winning this one! And Italy aren't looking much better. I can't see it going outside of Spain, Brazil and Argentina really.

[Diamondgeezer]

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has promised to run naked in the centre of Buenos Aires if his team win the World Cup in South Africa. (The Times)

Argentina backers are you still confident?

[craig.gibson]

Great to get a few differing opinions....well I would be surprised if Germany don`t get through the group stage, i`ve seen them unspectacuarly get through to the semis or better so many times....they just seem to know what`s required and get the job done....of course Ballack is a huge loss but they never seem to have a team of superstars but their team game and work ethic gets em through...I don`t see any reason to think differently here. Time will tell I guess.

If they click into gear then both Italy and France of course have a chance imo but both have been far from convincing of late. Ribbery is a great player indeed but also a hot head, wouldn`t be surprised if he got sent off at some stage.

Argentina have some great players and prob the best player in the world in Messi....he`s a joy to watch. They only just qualified though and i`m not convinced by Maradonut...best chance they got is if they ignore him imo! haha

Anyway, this is all a bit pointless as England are gonna win of course!