World Cup Soccer Betting: Quarter-finals preview.
by Nila Amerova
Only one sleep away from the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals, and the anticipation is almost unbearable. As Germany and Argentina prepare to set foot on the daunting field of Berlin’s Olympiastadion, the very stadium that will house the final World Cup match, surely both teams are shivering at the prospect of an eventual return to this very same stadium on July 9th, 2006, should they sail through to the final round.
So what are the odds of either Germany or Argentina advancing through to the final match? At the onset of the World Cup, Germany was tipped as the second favorites to win the World Cup at (+700), while Argentina closely followed at (+750). But perhaps we get ahead of ourselves here, and should focus on the task at hand – the quarter-finals match-up preview.
Germany (+145) vs. Argentina (+180) -Both teams have been performing exceptionally well at the World Cup, but Germany, the host nation, is marginally favored on the money line at (+145), while Argentina is tipped at (+180). Considering Germany is playing to a home crowd and in the nation’s capital city, Berlin, the odds seem to be somewhat in their favor and should be considered when looking at the money line. Of course this does not mean that roaring fans have the power to win a match, nor that there will not be enough Argentinean fans at the Olympicstadion to spur their team on. Surely, in a stadium that has a capacity of 72,000, there will be room for some Argentinean fans to cheer their boys in the blue and white. On a serious note though, these two teams are evenly matched up, and it could be that neither team will secure a win in the first 90 minutes. In that case the draw bet opening at (+200) could be considered.
Italy (-185) vs. Ukraine (+550) – Clearly Italy is the favored team in this match-up that features the surprise qualifiers, Ukraine. Simply put Italy must win this match and should win this match. However, considering the lack of upsets hitherto at this World cup, as well as the nagging penchant for upsets then perhaps this is the match that will deliver. Perhaps in this underdog we may yet find a Cinderella? Ukraine has after all gotten this far, what is to stop them from advancing further - the Italians? Ah well, indeed the Italians are a good team, and have brought a more attacking brand of football to this World Cup than is their norm, but they do have an affinity for the defensive game. Should the Italians retreat in to the habits of old, then an unleashed Ukrainian striking force may just be able to capitalize. Of course there is also the draw result to consider opening at (+240). Ukraine has already demonstrated its ability to play for the draw and still win the match. Bolstered by their win against Switzerland, they could perhaps play to the draw and remain confident in their tried and tested ability to win against all odds.
