Usual Disclaimer: Gambling is for over 18’s (says the 23 year old who has been gambling for about 16-17 years), and only bet money that you can afford to lose.
With only four games, there are a lack of bets to select that I would be confident in. So, this week I will select four different bets again, but have two for the Friday and two for the Saturday.
France have looked a strong team so far in this tournament while the Germans have underperformed. The game could go either way which means that France are the better value, and their pace may get behind the German defence. It’ll be interesting to see if the Germans revert Lahm back to his full back position to deal with Benzema and add some pace to what has been a slow back four with Neuer as their sweeper. Muller is a threat up front along with Gotze for the Germans, but the French defence has looked good up until now.
Columbia have the disadvantage of facing the hometown heroes of Brazil. They are unbeaten throughout the tournament and have the player of the competition in James Rodriguez. Brazil have Neymar. The End! Not really, Neymar has a knock and is carrying the attacking side of Brazil through games, while Thiago Silva marshals the attacking back four.
I can see Brazil winning if they play at their best and try to get at the aged centre back Yepes, but Colombia have enough about them to get a victory and I think they may have their name on the trophy.
Friday’s Double: France and Columbia to qualify pays 5.3/1 with Bet365
Friday Fancy: James Rodriguez to score anytime pays 10/3 with Paddy Power
The Netherlands were not great against Mexico and arguably got lucky to get the victory in ninety minutes, but for the majority of the game, both sides struggled in the 39 degree celsius heat and had to take drinks breaks to keep themselves fit. The cooler temperatures should help the Netherlands attack more and break down the plucky, solid Costa Ricans.
Argentina are a lot like Brazil in that they have capable players who just don’t seem to perform which is heaping all the pressure onto Lionel Messi. he has handled it well so far, but against the Belgians, it will be a struggle as they have been defensively astute and hanging on in games comfortably before hitting late sucker punches.
Hazard should have a good game, especially if he gets into central positions running at some of the slower Argentine defenders. It may open up space for one of Origi or Lukaku to take chances against a goalkeeper who has flapped at times during this tournament. The aerial presence of Fellaini (despite the BBC commentators hatred for him) is big from set pieces along with Kompany and I think Belgium have enough about them to break down the Argentines
Saturday Double: Netherlands to win in 90 mins and Belgium to qualify pays 3.02/1 with Coral
Saturday Selection: Holland vs Costa Rica and Belgium vs Argentina both to have under 2.25 goals pays 2.63/1 with Marathon Bet
