FIFA World Cup - Serbia and France showdown in Group 7

The marquee fixture in World Cup action in Group 7 is between table leaders Serbia and second place France. Serbia heads up the table with 18 points hauled – a tally totted up with a 6-0-1 mark. Serbia have been near perfect in the qualifying stage and they are within shot of securing their ticket for the world finals.

France sits in the ignominious second position, four points adrift of Serbia. Les Bleus have gone 4-2-1 in qualifying so far. If France hopes to overhaul Serbia, they must win their remaining three matches that includes fixtures against Serbia, Faroe Islands and Austria. Over and above France winning three in a row, Serbia would have to comply with a sudden loss of form and lose their next three fixtures against Serbia, Romania and Lithuania. In a perfect world.

At this point, it looks like France will be heading into a battle for a play-off spot, as Serbia will be aiming to secure their ticket to the world finals by finishing at the top of Group 7.

A draw would suit them, Serbia, fine, as it would increase their lead to five points over France. Nonetheless, Serbians will not want to risk anything in this match and they will most likely play for all three points. France has to aim for the win as well. Should be an exciting battle and one of the best showdowns on the docket today.

Soccer Betting Line:

Serbia pk +115 +185 2 O -120 U Ev Draw +220
France pk -135 +140 2 O -120 U Ev Draw +220

Match Time: 03:00 PM Eastern Time Wednesday September 9, 2009

Soccer Betting Verdict: There is a lot at stake in this match and in my opinion there is value whichever way you slice the match. Serbia have home edge and their fans will be out to support them vociferously but in spite of the advantage the market tips France short at +140 to Serbia at +185. At +185, soccer bettors could do worse than betting on the home win. The Serbians are motivated and inspired. South Africa is within reach and they are in excellent form.

France have more experience at this level and namely success. They are also the 2006 runners-up. That is perhaps why they are tipped shorter for the win at +140 and why they are a good bet to win outright. They are also in a position to thwart Serbian ambition and many expect they will rise to the occasion. Once cannot discount them from the proceedings just yet.