FIFA Confederations Cup - Spain vs. South Africa

Spain, the reigning European Champions of football, go through to the semis after recording wins over Iraq and New Zealand, and they need one more point to secure top spot in their group. Meanwhile, South Africa is a point adrift of a spot and would need a draw or a win against Spain to be safe. Though the position from which each side enters this clash in the FIFA Confederations Cup differs, it should still be a thrilling showdown. According to bookies, Spain are the favourites and as such, soccer bettors will have trouble finding significant amount of value betting on them. However, soccer bettors taking South Africa for the win will see their payout dramatically improve should they emerge victorious. Does the host nation of the 2010 World Cup have a realistic chance to accomplish the feat? Therein lies the rub.

Soccer Betting Line:

Spain -½ -130 -135 2½ O +105 U -135 Draw +215

South Africa +½ Ev +375 2½ O +105 U -135 Draw +215

Match Time: 2:30 P.M. Eastern Time Saturday June 20, 2009

Spain is safely through to the semis

Spain were pre-tournament favourites for the title and seeing that they are doing well thus far and have reached the semis, the markets bias for La Roja was clearly well-founded. Spain enjoyed a consummate victory over New Zealand – the weakest side in the competition – and a narrow victory over Iraq. Job done, they can look forward to the next opponent and the task at hand, finishing at the top of their group. To do so they need just a point, three would look better of course. Because top spot is at stake, Spain still has a stake in winning this match in spite of already being assured a spot in the final four. They will not sit back during this match. And they will try to win.

South Africa have impressed

As host nation of the upcoming World Cup there was a bit of pressure riding on them. High-expectations preceded them into this competition and perhaps were responsible for the loss to Iraq. However, South Africa bounced back by beating New Zealand and kept hope alive. They still have a chance to move into the final four but that this hope rests on the outcome of their last fixture against a strong Spain, they find themselves in a less than an ideal predicament.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Spain has yet to concede a goal in this competition after keeping a clean sheet in both previous matches and they are through to the semis, needing only a point to top the group. South Africa have a lot of pressure on them, as they need a point to move into the semis. These two realities collide in this upcoming fixture. Most likely, both sides will be careful and they will not want to risk too much as defeat would prove costly to both. Therefore, I expect a low-scoring affair – under 2.5goals listed at -135 at Betus. As well, Spain to win at -135 is a good play. For soccer bettors looking for value the draw at +215 that would satisfy both sides has some measure of value.