World Cup Blog & Bets Day Eighteen

So Brazil and Colombia are the first two teams to the last 8. Brazil were fortunate I have to say and I was able to get a bit more out before the penalty shoot out with Costa Rica trading at 2.3 to qualify. Bar a few inches of woodwork the hosts would be gone and they will have to get better. I can’t see them winning it but still not a lay at 4.0 yet.

I will take a look on the day when they play Colombia who progressed comfortably past Uruguay as I expected. The first goal was a quality strike and I expect Colombia to be more than a handful for the Brazilians in just under a week.

Today we have the next two last 16 matches. First up is Holland v Mexico and this sees two of the most impressive teams in the group stages match up. I expected Holland to be a shade of odds on and Mexico to be slightly bigger but I think the heat and Mexico’s defensive record so far is reflected in the prices.

It is a fascinating game Holland were breathtaking early on and in Robben and Van Persie have two players who are both capable of match winning moments of genius. Mexico have really impressed me and see to want it as a team. Mexico have a poor record at this stage in World Cups and I am sure the players will be right up to correct that.

At the end of the day though quality wins games and I have to take the Dutch at odds against for a small bet at 2.12.

I do think it will be a tight affair, I will have a small bet on 1-0 at 8.6 with a view to trade and also back the second half to have more goals at 2.06

The second game is Costa Rica v Greece. The Ticos surprisingly topped their group and played some nice football along the way. Greece I think were pretty poor and fortunate to progress. I have stated several times though that Costa Rica are ranked lower than Scotland. Their pre tournament results were poor and I am still not convinced by them. I think they played 3 matches where the opposition were inept and that could be considered fortunate. Greece are a resilient side and they have kept some world cup players at bay so far in the tournament particularly in the last game.

I think this may be a gritty dour game with Greece more set on preventing Costa Rica scoring and trying to nick one. The draw would be my bet but at 3.1 it is not for me.  This one could go all the way to extra time and pens.

I will have a small dabble on Greece to qualify at 2.2. The correct scores do not appeal as I expect a tight low scoring game so will leave it at that.

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