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World Cup Hosts
Germany
Argentina (-250) vs. Mexico (+700) – Argentina has advanced through the Group stage without so much, as a hair flip. They made it look easy. But their up-coming match-up with Mexico may put the first crimp in their tresses, as the Mexicans are determined on advancing. For Argentina and Mexico this is a bit of a deja-vu – as the FIFA Confederations Cup Germany 2005 semi-finals match saw Mexico lose to Argentina on penalties. Perhaps a somewhat chaffing Mexico will rise to the occasion this time around and ruffle a few tresses. To be rash and hazard a prediction on this match-up then the pick here would be the under-dog Mexico.
– In spite of England’s rather lethargic start and shaky performance, they have what it takes to defeat Ecuador. It is all just a matter of whether they will get it together on the day of the match. As long as they do not get distracted they should fare well, even with the loss of Michael Owen. While Ecuador has demonstrated its ability to play on the international stage, they will be severely pressed to advance past England. The prediction here is that England will win and advance to the Quarter-finals.
– Despite a shaky beginning Ukraine has managed to advance to the Round of 16. They are an interesting team with a lot of offensive power. Alternatively, Switzerland is a team that is decidedly strong on defense. They are the only team that advanced from the Group stage without being scored against, making their defense impenetrable. Clearly this game will be a battle between the two opposing styles - offense and defense, - and to hazard a prediction here then the pick would be for Ukraine to advance. Their offensive fire-power in Schevchenko namely and rising young star Artem Milevskiy might prove to be too much for the Swiss defensive line.
2006 FIFA World Cup Betting Odds and Predictions: Preview of Round of 16
by Nila Amerova
World Cup Hosts
Germany
As the sun rises on the Round of 16 of the World Cup, speculation intensifies and predictions feverishly abound. Which teams will advance to the quarter-finals? For which teams will this 2006 FIFA World Cup sojourn come to a sad end? Most importantly - will there be any upsets?
Ok, let’s pause here and take a moment to ponder this notion of upsets. Seriously, take the word “upset” and taste it, chew over it, and most of all try to savor it. How is it? Surely it cannot be that upsetting? Why, there must be someone out there wishing to see something new and exciting at the World Cup finals? Perhaps another Cameroon, another twinkle-toed Roger Milla, another Cinderella story reminiscent of South Korea, or is the unpredictable simply just too upsetting? Are we really such creatures of habit then that we find comfort in the predictable?
Well, it may be comforting to note that according to prediction the usual suspects did indeed qualify into the Round of 16. Round of 16. If there is to be a fairy-tale in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, then it is perhaps in these two unlikely contenders, for it is in them that there is held the only promise of the Cinderella story.
So as the Round of 16 dawns on us, let us discuss the predictions for Saturday’s matches and take a look at some of the World Cup betting odds that BetUS.com brings to you.
Ok, let’s pause here and take a moment to ponder this notion of upsets. Seriously, take the word “upset” and taste it, chew over it, and most of all try to savor it. How is it? Surely it cannot be that upsetting? Why, there must be someone out there wishing to see something new and exciting at the World Cup finals? Perhaps another Cameroon, another twinkle-toed Roger Milla, another Cinderella story reminiscent of South Korea, or is the unpredictable simply just too upsetting? Are we really such creatures of habit then that we find comfort in the predictable?
Well, it may be comforting to note that according to prediction the usual suspects did indeed qualify into the Round of 16. Round of 16. If there is to be a fairy-tale in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, then it is perhaps in these two unlikely contenders, for it is in them that there is held the only promise of the Cinderella story.
So as the Round of 16 dawns on us, let us discuss the predictions for Saturday’s matches and take a look at some of the World Cup betting odds that BetUS.com brings to you.
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Argentina (-250) vs. Mexico (+700) – Argentina has advanced through the Group stage without so much, as a hair flip. They made it look easy. But their up-coming match-up with Mexico may put the first crimp in their tresses, as the Mexicans are determined on advancing. For Argentina and Mexico this is a bit of a deja-vu – as the FIFA Confederations Cup Germany 2005 semi-finals match saw Mexico lose to Argentina on penalties. Perhaps a somewhat chaffing Mexico will rise to the occasion this time around and ruffle a few tresses. To be rash and hazard a prediction on this match-up then the pick here would be the under-dog Mexico.
– In spite of England’s rather lethargic start and shaky performance, they have what it takes to defeat Ecuador. It is all just a matter of whether they will get it together on the day of the match. As long as they do not get distracted they should fare well, even with the loss of Michael Owen. While Ecuador has demonstrated its ability to play on the international stage, they will be severely pressed to advance past England. The prediction here is that England will win and advance to the Quarter-finals.
– Portugal coming off a great run in the 2004 Euro Cup, has the potential to defeat Netherlands in this match-up. They bring an attacking flair to their game of football that is reminiscent of the Brazilians making them a tough opponent to overcome. On the other hand, Netherlands has yet to impress. While the Dutch team has been undefeated since coach Van Basten took over, at this level of football, the Dutch squad will have to demonstrate more than individual feats if they are to advance past a solid Portuguese team. The prediction here is that it will be a close match, but Portugal will win and advance to the Quarter-finals.
– The Azzuris, known in the past for their predictable defensive play, bring to this World Cup an refreshing attacking front-line that makes them an exciting team to watch. Impenetrable in the back they are also capable of creating brilliant offensive attacks. They are byfar the favorites to win this match-up. Australia on the other hand is a surprising contender in the Round of 16, but they have earned the right to play at this stage with their stoic determination and resilience. However, despite their Cinderella advance, they may not have what it takes to oust the Italians. The prediction here is that Italy will take this match and advance to the Quarter-finals.
– Despite a shaky beginning Ukraine has managed to advance to the Round of 16. They are an interesting team with a lot of offensive power. Alternatively, Switzerland is a team that is decidedly strong on defense. They are the only team that advanced from the Group stage without being scored against, making their defense impenetrable. Clearly this game will be a battle between the two opposing styles - offense and defense, - and to hazard a prediction here then the pick would be for Ukraine to advance. Their offensive fire-power in Schevchenko namely and rising young star Artem Milevskiy might prove to be too much for the Swiss defensive line.
– Clearly the favorites, Brazil will want to win this game. Simply put, as defending World Cup champions they should win. They have no other option. But Ghana was not expected to advance to the Round of 16. While they are decidedly the underdogs, they have been underestimated before, and if not just for the odds, they warrant a wager not only for being the Cinderella story of the World Cup, but for advancing from the “Group of Death” - which was no mean task indeed! To go out on a limb on this one, then the pick here is Ghana to advance to the Quarter-finals. They have what it takes to achieve the unthinkable, and perhaps make this World Cup memorable by orchestrating one of the biggest upset at this stage.
– Having won all three of their Group match-ups, Spain is looking very good coming into the Round of 16. They are offensively fierce, having scored a total of eight goals in the group stage – the highest number of goals scored and a feat that was matched by none other than Germany and Argentina. Alternatively, France barely squeaked through to the Round of 16, and considering their lack-luster performance at the Group stage they have their work cut out for them. The prediction here is that Spain will conquer the French and advance to the Quarter-finals.
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