Australia - Japan AFC - WC 2010 Qual. Prediction

Australia - Japan
17.06 12:20
Australia have secured their place at the World Cup after the first two rounds already, justifying everybody’s expectations of all football fans in this country. Although they’re probably the strongest “Asian” squad, the public speculated a lot about the “Kangaroos” performances. Many accused coach Verbeek of forcing too defensive play and Australia aren’t play too beautiful. The Dutch expert didn’t comment on these accusations much, and always stated his only job is to take them to South Africa, and not to enchant the fans. He persistently forced the 4-2-3-1 formation, and keeping their own goal was the most important thing for him. Such conservative tactics gave some excellent results, so all the critiques mouth had to be completely shut. In the match vs. Japan, “soceroos” are favorites, and only one point is enough to keep the first spot in the group. Verbeek announced he will field a mixed squad for this match, and change his tactics, and for the first time in these qualies play with two strikers. The roles in attack will be given to McDonald and Kennedy. Coyne and Kewell will get rested, while Wilkshire won’t play due to injury. It’s questionable whether Mark Bresciano, Scott Chipperfield and David Carney will feature as they all have a yellow card each, and another booking would mean missing the first game of the WC. The fans will probably be pleased with the offensive tactics, but there’s no doubt this game will be an exception that confirms the rule, as Australia will again play their most famous defensive football at the WC.
Only prestigue
Japan ensured their World Cup status too, so this match also doesn’t have much significance for them. It’s possible they will some motives in the quality of their opponent, but anyways, some bigger effort should not be expected from them. Coach Okada has similar problems as his Australian colleague, and the public also doesn’t like his defensive tactics, as well as their bad strikers selection. However, Okada also achieved the goal that was set, and can now calmly prepare the team for the WC. For the match in Melbourne he fully changed his squad, and left out a few regulars that will surely have the key say in South Africa. That clearly proves he doesn’t see this match as too important, and wants to give an opportunity to the players that don’t play too often so they can show off their skills. They will be without: Nakazawa, Endo, Hasebe, Nakamura, Okubo and Honda. Who will start the match is currently known only by their team manager, and the lineup will be announced right before the kick-off.
Relaxed
Although many see tomorrow’s clash as a chance to see who the best team in Asia is, both coaches’ actions indicate this clash has no meaning for them at all. Both sides will field combined squads, and everybody are gonna want to end the match as soon as possible. The bookies set the odds on goals for this match just if this game was competitive, which in my opinion isn’t the case. If the points mattered here, I’d agree the most realistic bet is the under but in this case I suggest you to attempt exactly the opposite. The defenses will not be at their usual level, so I expect the nets to shake a lot. The odds on the over 2.5 are very favorable but since the attacking line is the weakest part in both times, don’t exaggerate with the staking.
Tip: Over 2.5 Goals, Odds 2.4;

MIFK - Haka Finnish Veikkausliiga Prediction

MIFK - Haka
17.06 17:30
MIFK has had really good start to the season and have played better than they were estimated to. They are on fifth place, only 3 points from the top. Their defence has been best in the league with todays opponent Haka. Their form is quite good with DWWDDD in last six games. MIFK played their last game on sunday against Lahti. This might be a problem for MIFK since they only got 2 full days rest. In sundays game MIFK had to work really hard to get the point. Lahti was better team and could have ended the game, but their finishing was of, with three shots on bar for example. MIFK fought till the end and equalized on 92 min. I believe that this game will affect MIFK players in this Haka game, since Haka is coming from short vacation with fresh legs. As I said, MIFK has been better this year than anticipated. This is mostly due to great performance of midfield. Gruborovics has improved his game a lot from last year, Simunac has been a positive surprise and Niskala has been showing his best performance. Goalkeeper Långbacka was a mystery before the season, but has proved his skills and nobody remembers that MIFK first goalkeeper is still recovering from injury. Defence was in trouble last game allowing too many chances for Lahti. It has performed well since MIFK has allowed only 5 goals, but based on last game it will have difficulties with fast Haka forwards and Strandwall`s centerings. Out with injury are Ochieng(GK), Pronevych, Voloshin and Blomberg. This won`t affect MIFK starting 11, since all these players have been out for couple games already.
Looking for more wins
Haka has also surprised with their start of season. They were estimeted to be in the middle of tables, but they are currently topping the tables, with one game less played than other top teams. They are in great form with four consecutive wins in the league and WWWWDD record from last 6. Their last game was in Finnish cup against minor league team, which Haka won 7-0. Haka`s strengths are defence and midfield. Defence has allowed 5 goals in 9 games. Haka Goalkeeper Janne Korhonen is among 3 best in Veikkausliiga. Center back Corpache is best player in the league at the moment. Side backs are fast and good at headers (Holopainen 5 goals). Midfielder Ojala also helps the defence a lot. Midfield is led by experienced Ristilä who is good all around player. Strandwall and Innanen are fast and skilled wingers. Strandwalls shot and passes have been great this year (2 goals and 5 assists so far). Forwards are Haka`s weakest link. Both forwards scored a hat-trick in the cup-game, but it remains to see if they begin to hit in the league also. Haka is missing side back Viljanen (U21) and injured Parviainen. Viljanen belongs to starting 11, but Mattila is good replacement for him.
Haka slight favorite for me
I think Haka is favorite to win this match. Because Mifk is so strong home side and possibility for a draw is big, I won`t bet on Haka`s straight win. I calculate AH(0) odds 48-52 on Haka`s favor. With these propabilities only medium bet.
Tip: Haka AH (0), Odds 2.2;

South Africa - Iraq FIFA - Confederations Cup Prediction

South Africa - Iraq
14.06 16:00
South African players will have a nice opportunity to play the Confederation cup in front of their own fans, and that competition is just an introduction for the upcoming World Cup that will be played in their country next year. They had a fantastic support of their fans in the previous friendlies. Their football fans are slowly realizing that this sport is becoming one of the best brands in their country these days. Some huge money has been invested into the stadiums, pitches, and the entire football infrastructure in South Africa. Of course, a huge support and help was achieved from various companies and humanitarian organizations, whom their residents and football federation members are extremely thankful. Wins over Ghana, Norway, Cameroon and the most recent one against Poland, prove that this selection of players is surely to be respected by every opponent. They will again have a great support of their fans, who will decorate the whole stadium in Johannesburg into black-green colors.
Getting weaker
Iraq haven’t won in their last nine matches. The last win they recorded was over a year ago, more precisely on June 14th, 2008. away in China (2:1). Ever since they have been recording negative results against the following opponents: Qatar (two losses of 1:0 each)), UAE (1:1), Bahrain (3:1), Oman (4:0), Kuwait (1:1), Saudi Arabia (0:0), South Korea (2:1), just to play a friendly a few days ago in South Africa against Poland, drawing 1:1. Iraq, a team that’s the most recent Asian champion (beating Saudi Arabia in the finals by 1:0 back in 2007.) will very hardly record good results at this tournament. Their team is playing really bad, are in huge problems and it’s very unlikely they can surprise anyone.
The hosts want the whole thing
I have very few doubts that South African national team will record a win in Johannesburg, where they will be having a frenetic support of their fans. The home football fans are their 12th player, giving them loud and loyal support from the stands and that’s one of the reasons why I will be going for a home win here. Iraqis are in problems, can’t beat anyone lately and are generally playing very bad. Additionally, South Africa are the hosts here, while they will also be hosting the upcoming World Cup, and also when their current great form is taken into account – I think there are enough reasons for me to go for the African squad in this matchup.
Tip: South Africa AH (-1), Odds 2.1;

Netherlands - Norway UEFA - WC 2010 Qual. Prediction

Netherlands - Norway
10.06 20:45
The popular Oranje squad already ensured they will be playing at the next World Cup by beating Iceland away by 2:1, even though the scoreline could`ve even been bigger. The Dutchmen will try to celebrate the qualification in front of their fans with another beautiful display, they will surely continue playing attacking and even though it`s possible they don`t field their strongest lineup, I don`t doubt the Netherlands will put a lot of effort in this match, and try to crush their rivals from Norway.
All hope is gone
Norway played poor 0:0 against Macedonia in the last round, in one of the most boring matches of the qualifiers last Saturday where both sides played defensive and uninterested football without many ideas and creativity in attack. Coach Olsen was angry at his players for not putting up more effort in that match, and for not realizing what they`ve been doing in their practices. Now they will surely try to leave a better impression and play with a lot more desire and heart, it`s even possible they score one goal, but how many will they concede is the real question.
Norway have no power to surprise
Unfortunately for the guests, the Norwegians don`t have what it takes to compete with such a fast-paced and skilled football team as the Netherlands. Although they have already secured their spot at the World Cup, the Dutchmen will surely keep on playing offensive from the minute one of this game and will put a huge pressure on weakened Norway (a few defenders out) that will try to produce some counterattacks and try to win but most of the Norwegian public is pessimistic about the outcome in this match and I just agree with them and believe Holland is two or three classes above them at the moment, and they will show it in this game. The odds on the hosts are dropping, so be quick.
Tip: Netherlands AH (-1), Odds 1.9;

Faroe Islands - Serbia UEFA - WC 2010 Qual. Prediction

Faroe Islands - Serbia
10.06 20:15
Faroe Islands side have surely improved over the years and is now not equal to Andorra, San Marino and those kind of teams any more, as more and more of their players are managing to get themselves a transfer to one of the more famous European clubs while their practices have gained in quality so they managed to win one point so far in this group, drawing against Austria, even though they were the better side and it wouldn`t be undeserved if they even won, which would have been the biggest success in their national team history. Now they will be hosting the group leaders and will surely be motivated to primarily keep the clean sheet and then even score, even though not conceding is surely their main goal so a defensive tactics is expected.
Only win counts
Although Serbia played way below their level in these qualifiers, they still managed to beat Austria by 1:0 a few days ago and extend the gap between them and France, two main candidates for the top spot in their group. With a win against Faroe Islands, they will increase the gap to 8 points and will only need a draw against the French to pretty-much qualify for the World Cup. Serbian mentality is such that they always underestimate the small teams and play relaxed against them but with the new coach Antic, the players are playing a lot more determined and serious and there is no doubt they will give their best in this match, especially because they underperformed against Austria. Jankovic, Stankovic and Vidic won`t play in this game but striker Zigic is returning and that will be a lot more important here as the attack was really bad against Austria, and Marko Pantelic was not very useful up front.
Sure away win
The Serbs will not sit back and wait for Faroe Islands to open up but will attack them from the first minute and try to secure the three points as early as possible before going to the summer break. Serbia beat Faroe Islands by 2:0 at their qualifying opener and will now try to leave a bit better impression and find more ways of breaking their defensive wall. I believe the bookies set such AH mainly based on their previous encounter and not much on the quality gap, which is a lot bigger than those two goals. Serbia are able to win by 4-5 goals if they get it going, and that is a lot more likely to happen than 1:0 or 2:0 so I`m almost convinced they will win by at least 2 goals here so high stakes on this bet as I expect the visitors to win comfortably.
Tip: Serbia AH (-2), Odds 2.0;

Serbia - Austria UEFA - WC 2010 Qual. Prediction

Serbia - Austria
06.06 20:30
Serbian squad is ahead of maybe the most important qualifying match in their group when they will host Austria. This game is important due to many reasons, primarily to keep the first spot cause if they win here and against Faroe Islands a few days later, they will literally be left alone at the top of the group and then a draw at home against France would almost surely take them to the World Cup. The atmosphere around Serbian nat’l team is finally at the highest level, their players are giving their best and scoring goals playing a very attractive football and for the first time in many years I think that Marakana stadium will be almost completely full when the national team is playing. Zigic won’t play due to yellow cards suspension, while it’s very likely all other regulars will be ready. The players at the prep camp seem very optimistic and are stating they aren’t afraid of the opponent and expect to repeat the story from Vienna where they beat the Austrians last time.
Weakened and uninterested
A change of coach, injuries, bad results in the qualifiers are just some of the things that are bothering the Austrians at the moment. Red-whites played very inconsistent over these qualies, losing to Lithuania, Serbia, drawing against Faroe Islands which basically knocked them out of the WC race and ruined their rhythm completely. They played their last match well, beating demoralized Romanians at home, but it’s questionable how motivated will they be for this clash knowing they’re primarily entering this clash totally weakened and without players like Arnautovic, Fuchs, Ivanschitz so they will have very few weapons to use in this clash.
Huge support is the way for a triumph
Many factors go in Serbia’s favor here and sometimes it’s maybe not so wise to place high stakes on such big dogs, whose victory is pretty clear and thus I will go for another bet and that is a home win by 2 or more goals as this generation of Serbian nat’l team players is playing a lot better than the previous one, who barely beat Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan with narrow wins, while this club is playing compact and seems really great together and what’s best is that they always play for a goal more and attacking so I think it’s very likely they score one goal in the first half and a few more in the second so bets like 1-1 ht/ft and handicap are in my opinion the right choices for this match.
Tip: Serbia (-1), Odds 2.3;

Argentina - Colombia CONMEBOL - Eliminatoria 2010 Prediction

Argentina - Colombia
06.06 23:00
Diego Maradona is without a doubt the biggest name in the history of the Argentinean football. Words don’t need to be spent to describe what kind of player he was, but his coaching qualities are still questionable. A 6:1 defeat against Bolivia seriously embarrassed the Argentinean national team and their coach. It’s not just about getting embarrassed but their qualification for the World Cup is not in serious danger. If they don’t beat Colombia, the path to South Africa will be much harder, especially cause they’re awaiting a very tough and uncertain match in Ecuador. Argentina are traditionally playing tough against Colombia, and before that infamous match against Bolivia, their biggest defeat in the qualies was back in the USA World Cup qualies 15 years ago, when Colombia crushed them by 5:0 in Buenos Aires. In the first round of the qualies for this World Cup, Colombia defeat Gauchos by 2:1. As far as the quality of the teams is concerned, then every advantage should go in favor of the Argies. They have extremely quality and talented players at all positions, and that primarily refers to their attack, which might be the best one in the world. Phenomenal Messi and excellent Aguero can outplay any defense, and the paradox is that Tevez would have a spot in almost any world national team’s starting 11, while he has to seek his chance from the bench here. The main problem is their organization in the midfield. Their creative leader was Riquelme, but due to bad relations with Maradona, he decided not to play for Argentina. Maradona decided to replace him by again calling up Veron. Thirty-four year old Veron is playing great for Estudiantes, and was very thrilled he got called up again. Regarding the rest of the squad, Maradona won’t be making many changes and only goalie Carizzo will be replaced by Andujar. The following squadhas been announced: Andujar; Demichelis, Diaz, Heinze, Gago; Mascherano, Gutierrez, Veron; Messi, Aguero, Tevez. As it can be seen, Maradona decided to field a very offensive formation with three strikers, so we can expect their attacks from the first minute of the match.
Small chances
Colombia aren’t even a shadow of the national team that once had the key role at the World Cups. Although they still have chances to qualify for South Africa, those chances are small, especially if the quality of their game is taken into account. They started the qualies with a surprising win over Argentina, but then it all started going bad for them, and the results were totally unsatisfactory. In the 12 matches, they only scored six goals, which makes them the worse in that category along with Peru. They made their fans angry with constant defensive tactics in every match. That did bring them a few good results away from home – they drew with Brazil and Ecuador, while they surprisingly lost at home to Uruguay and Paraguay. They will enter the clash against Argentina with a desire to get one point by keeping a clean sheet. Coach Lara still hasn’t named the squad, but there’s a big chance they will field one attacker and strengthened midfield. River Plata’s striker Garcia will start off the bench, while midfielder Torres will replace him. The lineup could look like this Ospina; Perea, Cordoba, Yepes, Armero; Vargas, Guarin,Bedoya, Marin, Torres; Rodallega.
The Gauchos are shootin` in all directions
Although these South-American qualifiers have also shown that any kind of results and outcomes are possible, I believe there won’t be any surprises in this clash. Colombia will attempt to defend at the Monumental, but the chances they succeed in that are almost zero. Atomic forwards of the Argentina’s nat’l team will be too much for them, and we can expect their defensive wall will be destroyed in the first half already. Once that happens, Colombia will additionally open up, and that will be even more fatal for them and the scoreline in this match. I expect an easy home win, and plenty of goals in this match. Since the odds on the home win is pretty small, I suggest an over 3 bet. The risk is a bit higher but I think it’s realistic Argentina will avenge for their embarrassing result from the previous qualifying round, and revenge Colombia for the defeat in the first round of these qualies.
Tip: Over 3.0 Goals, Odds 2.15;

Kuznetsova Svetlana (RUS) - Williams Serena (USA) Roland Garros Simple Dames Championship - 2000 Prediction

Serena Williams has struggled a few times during this season`s Frenc Open showing some quite inconsistent performances. She dropped out of doubles tournament together with her sister Venus, and won her four single matches so far, however, she went on to play two three-setters against some less known players like Zakopalova and Sanchez. Zakopalova was actually a pretty tough nut to crack and the Czech played a very good match showing no respect for a lot more famous opponent and Serena barely won at the end. Once she got pass that round, she destroyed two of her opponents and had another variable performance against Sanchez but she won, and that is all it matters. The problem is, Serena`s shots aren`t as powerful on clay as the surface helps her rivals to return and catch them better by sliding, and that might be one of her biggest problems today - the fact she will almost have no edge over her opponent.
Easy draw
Kuznetsova had a very easy draw this time at RG and in my opinion she`s one of the few top 10 players who very often manages to avoid the best and most in-form players until the very end of every competition. So, she had three very light practices against Feuerstein, Voskobaeva and Czink in the first three rounds, but as soon as the more serious player came up, she showed a lot of struggle and inconfidence. Still, she beat Polish Radwanska to set up a clash with Serena, but knowing that Svetlana never won Roland Garros might be just another burden for her, especially because she doesn`t play so bad on clay courts, so constant failures might make her have low self-esteem and I expect to see some display of that in this match.
Mentally stronger
No doubt we`ll be watching a very intense match here, with lots of twists and breaks and this will of course be a clash of two great players but it`s the quarterfinals after all, and usually only the best ones reach that far in Grand Slams. Kuznetsova proved she doesn`t have the game for Serena in the past as she only won once in their 6 mutual meetings so far, last time losing to Serena at the AO this year. Serena surely wants to keep up in the race for the number one spot, while I feel Kuznetsova isn`t too focused right now despite the fact she reached the 1/4 finals. Svetlana is a powerful hitter, but so is Serena, whose shots can demoralize the Russian at any time. I expect a hard fight in this one, but still believe the WTA rankings are right here, and they reflect the real difference between these two, so almost even odds are a bit too much here as I think Serena`s chances to win are surely above 65% and thus the high stakes. GL.
Tip: Kuznetsova Svetlana, Odds 1.95;