Buona Fortuna Anthony. No wagers for me today..bad luck for me, but good luck to you
FORZA ITALIA
:clap: :clap:
FORZA ITALIA
:clap: :clap:
2002 World Cup Wagers
- Thread starter TIME TO MAKE $$$
- Start date
Gl Anthony.
Tonino i still cant discuss that game the other day, i will say that im a little embarrassed to be an italian, with the way these assholes are acting toward the fans in Korea and the media though. Thats it for now. Oh yea i agree with about 75 of your cugino's write up. And for whoever it was pointing stats on shots and , time of possession and all, do they not understand what a team does when they are ahead 1-0 DIO im better off keeping my boca closed.
Tonino i still cant discuss that game the other day, i will say that im a little embarrassed to be an italian, with the way these assholes are acting toward the fans in Korea and the media though. Thats it for now. Oh yea i agree with about 75 of your cugino's write up. And for whoever it was pointing stats on shots and , time of possession and all, do they not understand what a team does when they are ahead 1-0
DIO im better off keeping my boca closed.
Oh,
I almost forgot, I actually won a wager... Geez its been awhile, sure when I play small I win, when I play large I lose,
:shrug:
I almost forgot, I actually won a wager... Geez its been awhile, sure when I play small I win, when I play large I lose,
:shrug:
Anyway, the way I see it, if the Germans bring their A game and the US bring their A game, the Germans win. The US will have to play near mistake-free ball, and hope that the Germans aren't 100% in it. The US enter this game with the worst defensive record of the 8 quarterfinalists, and the defense will have to raise its game another notch if they are to win. Mistakes were made against Mexico that went unpunished. I fear that the Germans won't be so charitable if given the same opportunity. While the German team as a whole isn't world-class, Klose is, and Neuville is an excellent striker. Ballack will have to be held in check, and Mastroeni or whoever better stick to him like white on rice. Friedel better start catching some of those balls he punched against Mexico.
As for the US offense, again, they have to bring their best game. Germany has conceded a total of, what, one goal? Clint will have to be ruthless, and just as efficient with his chances as he was against SK.
Germany has superior strength and size, experience and talent. But the USA has the superior speed and fitness and has excellent talent as well. Both coaches have done a great job.
If Pope, Sanneh and Berhalter can shut down Klose and Jancker in the air (which they've proven they're capable of) and the speed of Donovan, Beasly, Wolff (depends on who's starting) can exploit the somewhat makeshift and slowish German backline, the USA will win.
But if the Germans execute their Mercedes-like speed, power and efficiency, the USA could be in for a long day.
Here is the possible formation for today's cap:
----Mathis
-------McBride
Wolff --------- Donovan
----JOB----Reyna
------Llamosa
Hejduk-Pope-Sanneh
-------Keller
Speed on the outside, two larger forwards in the middle, maybe Maestroeni instead of LLlamosa, either way they get marking duty. I figure DMBeasley will come on in sub duty if we need to attack. Also keeps him from being beaten up and takes advantage of his speed late against a hopefully fatigued defense. Of course Cobi if we got a lead late. I expect 3 subs in this game.
Or maybe:
------McBride
--Wolff---- Donovan
Reyna Maestroeni JOBrien
Hejduk Llamosa Sanneh
Pope
Keller
Could sub Mathis 2nd Half in this setup.
I really think Keller gets the start. If I'm Germany, I'm licking my chops at the prospect of rebounds off of Friedel. He's had an awesome tourney but I want someone who can keep a hold on the ball handle.
Several thoughts here...
1. Germany and intimidation. I don't mean this as an insult--I'm not arguing Germany is a "dirty" team--far from it. But when we say they are "physically imposing" that means more than just being tall and strong. As a team, they are using to be intimidating to almost all other sides. Thus, when a team is not intimidated but gets in their face (and again, I don't mean in terms of fouling or taunting or nonsense like that), it is sometimes bewildering to them. I think that is one of the big lessons of England's win over Germany in qualification. Germany pushed the US around in France "98 and pushed the US around in Rostock. If they do so again, they will will and handily.
2. Arena is faced with a very fundamental choice for this match and it's a very difficult one. Does he seek a compact defense with depth that counters? Or does he seek possession? Here's the case for each. The Germans are strong in the air and seek to possess the ball and move it down the flanks (somewhat like the Mexicans--only far better finishers and more physically imposing). This argues for 2-3 strong center backs (ala Mexico), good talent on the wings (to try and stiffle Schneider and Co.). Certainly this basic tactic (with a few adjustments for the Germans--b/c Germany isn't Mexico) worked well in the first elimination round. The limitations of this strategy: give the Germans the ball, and they'll finish much better than did the Mexicans (and they'll cross/service much better than the Mexicans). They'll wear down the US midfield. And, it makes them the aggressors and the US passive (or at least reactive).
The second strategy is to go at the Germans. I don't mean attack in waves--the US may still seek to counter. But the idea here is to gain possession of the ball. When Germany has looked the worst is when they have been denied possession and been pushed back on their heels. Don't get me wrong--I'm not arguing they can't defend, only that their game (and internal confidence) get's thrown when someone refuses to back down and takes the game to them. This strategy would have the US seeking numbers in midfield (probably pushing up a back). O'Brien and Reyna need to be in central roles (b/c they need the most touches on the ball--along with Donovan).
3. I'm not so sure that Mathis is an automatic starter for this match. I want Donovan on the field. He has had problems in physical matches and I don't know if there is room in midfield for him unless they go ala Sampson and play 6 in midfield! But Donovan, right now, is the best attacking player the US has. He has probably displayed the best finishing, is most opportunistic and his work rate has been incredible. He needs to be on the field. Mathis not only can't give 90 minutes, he is slow getting back on attacking runs. I actually think the US might be better off starting Wolff or McBride--either of them will work harder and Wolff will the US a lot more speed.
Play:
USA- GER UNDER 2.5 -125
1 unit
Adding: UNDER 2.5 -130
2 units
GL
As for the US offense, again, they have to bring their best game. Germany has conceded a total of, what, one goal? Clint will have to be ruthless, and just as efficient with his chances as he was against SK.
Germany has superior strength and size, experience and talent. But the USA has the superior speed and fitness and has excellent talent as well. Both coaches have done a great job.
If Pope, Sanneh and Berhalter can shut down Klose and Jancker in the air (which they've proven they're capable of) and the speed of Donovan, Beasly, Wolff (depends on who's starting) can exploit the somewhat makeshift and slowish German backline, the USA will win.
But if the Germans execute their Mercedes-like speed, power and efficiency, the USA could be in for a long day.
Here is the possible formation for today's cap:
----Mathis
-------McBride
Wolff --------- Donovan
----JOB----Reyna
------Llamosa
Hejduk-Pope-Sanneh
-------Keller
Speed on the outside, two larger forwards in the middle, maybe Maestroeni instead of LLlamosa, either way they get marking duty. I figure DMBeasley will come on in sub duty if we need to attack. Also keeps him from being beaten up and takes advantage of his speed late against a hopefully fatigued defense. Of course Cobi if we got a lead late. I expect 3 subs in this game.
Or maybe:
------McBride
--Wolff---- Donovan
Reyna Maestroeni JOBrien
Hejduk Llamosa Sanneh
Pope
Keller
Could sub Mathis 2nd Half in this setup.
I really think Keller gets the start. If I'm Germany, I'm licking my chops at the prospect of rebounds off of Friedel. He's had an awesome tourney but I want someone who can keep a hold on the ball handle.
Several thoughts here...
1. Germany and intimidation. I don't mean this as an insult--I'm not arguing Germany is a "dirty" team--far from it. But when we say they are "physically imposing" that means more than just being tall and strong. As a team, they are using to be intimidating to almost all other sides. Thus, when a team is not intimidated but gets in their face (and again, I don't mean in terms of fouling or taunting or nonsense like that), it is sometimes bewildering to them. I think that is one of the big lessons of England's win over Germany in qualification. Germany pushed the US around in France "98 and pushed the US around in Rostock. If they do so again, they will will and handily.
2. Arena is faced with a very fundamental choice for this match and it's a very difficult one. Does he seek a compact defense with depth that counters? Or does he seek possession? Here's the case for each. The Germans are strong in the air and seek to possess the ball and move it down the flanks (somewhat like the Mexicans--only far better finishers and more physically imposing). This argues for 2-3 strong center backs (ala Mexico), good talent on the wings (to try and stiffle Schneider and Co.). Certainly this basic tactic (with a few adjustments for the Germans--b/c Germany isn't Mexico) worked well in the first elimination round. The limitations of this strategy: give the Germans the ball, and they'll finish much better than did the Mexicans (and they'll cross/service much better than the Mexicans). They'll wear down the US midfield. And, it makes them the aggressors and the US passive (or at least reactive).
The second strategy is to go at the Germans. I don't mean attack in waves--the US may still seek to counter. But the idea here is to gain possession of the ball. When Germany has looked the worst is when they have been denied possession and been pushed back on their heels. Don't get me wrong--I'm not arguing they can't defend, only that their game (and internal confidence) get's thrown when someone refuses to back down and takes the game to them. This strategy would have the US seeking numbers in midfield (probably pushing up a back). O'Brien and Reyna need to be in central roles (b/c they need the most touches on the ball--along with Donovan).
3. I'm not so sure that Mathis is an automatic starter for this match. I want Donovan on the field. He has had problems in physical matches and I don't know if there is room in midfield for him unless they go ala Sampson and play 6 in midfield! But Donovan, right now, is the best attacking player the US has. He has probably displayed the best finishing, is most opportunistic and his work rate has been incredible. He needs to be on the field. Mathis not only can't give 90 minutes, he is slow getting back on attacking runs. I actually think the US might be better off starting Wolff or McBride--either of them will work harder and Wolff will the US a lot more speed.
Play:
USA- GER UNDER 2.5 -125
1 unit
Adding: UNDER 2.5 -130
2 units
GL
Good call on Brazil TTM. Same to Nolan Dalla who had this as his BEST BET. Such a deflating feeling when your country goes out of the World Cup. Just so long as Germany don't win it all I should be able to take some mild enjoyment out of the final few games.
Just one comment and thought about the USA, if the USA do not score first, they can receive like 2 or 3 goals (or more), the Germany force is not the offense, but USA is unexperienced team and they and flying over their dreams and will be desperated
A little dangeorus under, good luck to all!!
(I was have Brazil like a strong play, but to respect the England team I do not post, just bet, good luck, see you on Germany 2006)
Javier
A little dangeorus under, good luck to all!!
(I was have Brazil like a strong play, but to respect the England team I do not post, just bet
, good luck, see you on Germany 2006)Javier
Well wouldn't you know, small bets win, large bets lose.....
Recap: 2-0, +4.27 units
Record: 14-12, -43.83 units
I just realized I parlayed the Brazil ML and the USA under for 1 unit, but I won't count it towards my record....
I am pissed about my stupid wagers earlier on....:nono:
I am still contemplating about a LARGE wager on the Senegal and Turkey UNDER 2.5 goals tomorrow, should be a tight game..
Thoughts?
Recap: 2-0, +4.27 units
Record: 14-12, -43.83 units
I just realized I parlayed the Brazil ML and the USA under for 1 unit, but I won't count it towards my record....
I am pissed about my stupid wagers earlier on....:nono:
I am still contemplating about a LARGE wager on the Senegal and Turkey UNDER 2.5 goals tomorrow, should be a tight game..
Thoughts?
Senegal to become the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup should be taken. At longer odds, for them to win the game inside 90 minutes is available at odds of +155
Well, according to the majority of bookies,including mine, there still seems to be an underestimation of Senegal. Matters have not been helped by what Senegal coach Metsu sees as arrogant overconfidence from Turkey and disrespect shown to his players.
Since their win over France on the opening day, people have sat up and taken notice of Senegal, but never really expected to them to continue in the same vein. Yet, over four matches, they are still unbeaten, and that having seen them take on France, Denmark, Uruguay and Sweden.
Senegal looked very nervous in the first twenty minutes of the Sweden game. Of course, they could have lost the game in extra-time is Svensson's shot was six inches to the left, but that's to discount the pressure and chances which Senegal created in the first 90 minutes. They grew stronger as the game went on and their belief was very evident in every attack.
They welcome back midfielders Diao and Fadiga and with Bouba Diop scoring for fun and Henri Camara and African Footballer of the Year El Hadji Diouf causing problems for every defence they have been up against, they will be confident of hurting Turkey.
At the other end of the field, Cisse (who should revert back to his normal centre-half role after filling in for Diao against Sweden) and Coly have had six days to recover from knocks they picked up prior to the second round match.
There are no injury or suspension worries for Metsu, and his full strength side will play in a style that will see them attack Turkey quickly. They are capable of building up slowly, but they have been more effective running at the opposition on the counter-attack.
Turkey have no suspension problems, though there are doubts over the fitness of left-back Hakan Unsal. The midfield has performed well for Turkey, the Costa Rica game apart.
Okan Buruk is now fully fit, but with Davala scoring goals, Sas playing a key part in attacking midfield, Tugay and Emre doing well in the centre as well as Basturk as the main creative force, he might not start the game. With striker Hakan Sukur not having the best of tournaments, Gunes needs them to join in the attack.
Gunes will stick by Sukur, who whilst he has had problems scoring, is still a threat to the oppostion. He is powerful and strong in the air, but his movement off the ball has been the biggest disappointment for the team. As the recognised striker in the side, he does have to either create room for others or make it easier for his teammates to put the ball into dangerous areas.
Defensively, against Japan, they looked solid. Japan weren't much of a threat, but some of the credit for that has to go to the organisation of Turkey. Rustu in goal has been excellent, and Senegal will need a couple of good efforts if they are to get past him. In front, he is protected by Alpay, Bulent and Fatih.
Senegal have shown a lot of belief in themselves and a desire to cause an upset. The victory over France showed they are a side full of quality and they resented being called "France's reserves", which nearly the whole squad playing in France and even some being French nationals.
The disrespect shown by Turkey may have been blown out of proportion by Metsu, but if it's get the desired result he will be happy. Turkey have had a good World Cup, but with them seemingly preoccupied about whether they would like to face Brazil or England in the semi-finals, they could be taught a lesson in humility by a passionate Senegal side.
It's worth going for the Senegal win inside 90 minutes, with odds for them to just qualify only around the +145 to +160 mark with most bookies.
My bookie has it at +175
Play: Senegal +.5 -195 10 Units
This is a make it or break it play for me
GL
Passing on the total as it can go either way....
Well, according to the majority of bookies,including mine, there still seems to be an underestimation of Senegal. Matters have not been helped by what Senegal coach Metsu sees as arrogant overconfidence from Turkey and disrespect shown to his players.
Since their win over France on the opening day, people have sat up and taken notice of Senegal, but never really expected to them to continue in the same vein. Yet, over four matches, they are still unbeaten, and that having seen them take on France, Denmark, Uruguay and Sweden.
Senegal looked very nervous in the first twenty minutes of the Sweden game. Of course, they could have lost the game in extra-time is Svensson's shot was six inches to the left, but that's to discount the pressure and chances which Senegal created in the first 90 minutes. They grew stronger as the game went on and their belief was very evident in every attack.
They welcome back midfielders Diao and Fadiga and with Bouba Diop scoring for fun and Henri Camara and African Footballer of the Year El Hadji Diouf causing problems for every defence they have been up against, they will be confident of hurting Turkey.
At the other end of the field, Cisse (who should revert back to his normal centre-half role after filling in for Diao against Sweden) and Coly have had six days to recover from knocks they picked up prior to the second round match.
There are no injury or suspension worries for Metsu, and his full strength side will play in a style that will see them attack Turkey quickly. They are capable of building up slowly, but they have been more effective running at the opposition on the counter-attack.
Turkey have no suspension problems, though there are doubts over the fitness of left-back Hakan Unsal. The midfield has performed well for Turkey, the Costa Rica game apart.
Okan Buruk is now fully fit, but with Davala scoring goals, Sas playing a key part in attacking midfield, Tugay and Emre doing well in the centre as well as Basturk as the main creative force, he might not start the game. With striker Hakan Sukur not having the best of tournaments, Gunes needs them to join in the attack.
Gunes will stick by Sukur, who whilst he has had problems scoring, is still a threat to the oppostion. He is powerful and strong in the air, but his movement off the ball has been the biggest disappointment for the team. As the recognised striker in the side, he does have to either create room for others or make it easier for his teammates to put the ball into dangerous areas.
Defensively, against Japan, they looked solid. Japan weren't much of a threat, but some of the credit for that has to go to the organisation of Turkey. Rustu in goal has been excellent, and Senegal will need a couple of good efforts if they are to get past him. In front, he is protected by Alpay, Bulent and Fatih.
Senegal have shown a lot of belief in themselves and a desire to cause an upset. The victory over France showed they are a side full of quality and they resented being called "France's reserves", which nearly the whole squad playing in France and even some being French nationals.
The disrespect shown by Turkey may have been blown out of proportion by Metsu, but if it's get the desired result he will be happy. Turkey have had a good World Cup, but with them seemingly preoccupied about whether they would like to face Brazil or England in the semi-finals, they could be taught a lesson in humility by a passionate Senegal side.
It's worth going for the Senegal win inside 90 minutes, with odds for them to just qualify only around the +145 to +160 mark with most bookies.
My bookie has it at +175
Play: Senegal +.5 -195 10 Units
This is a make it or break it play for me
GL
Passing on the total as it can go either way....
TTM$-I feel quote comfortable that Senegal will advance be it via regulation or extra-time-good luck eh?
I certainly hope we're right-last few matches, I've split.....I'm thinking it's time I 'm (we're due...)
ESP Lineup KOR
1 IKER CASILLAS (GK) (GK) 1 LEE Woon Jae
4 HELGUERA Ivan 4 CHOI Jin Cheul
5 PUYOL 5 KIM Nam Il
6 HIERRO Fernando (C) 6 YOO Sang Chul
8 BARAJA 7 KIM Tae Young
9 MORIENTES Fernando 9 SEOL Ki Hyeon
11 DE PEDRO 10 LEE Young Pyo
15 ROMERO 19 AHN Jung Hwan
17 VALERON Juan Carlos (C) 20 HONG Myung Bo
20 NADAL 21 PARK Ji Sung
22 JOAQUIN 22 SONG Chong Gug
Raul seems to be out?
1 IKER CASILLAS (GK) (GK) 1 LEE Woon Jae
4 HELGUERA Ivan 4 CHOI Jin Cheul
5 PUYOL 5 KIM Nam Il
6 HIERRO Fernando (C) 6 YOO Sang Chul
8 BARAJA 7 KIM Tae Young
9 MORIENTES Fernando 9 SEOL Ki Hyeon
11 DE PEDRO 10 LEE Young Pyo
15 ROMERO 19 AHN Jung Hwan
17 VALERON Juan Carlos (C) 20 HONG Myung Bo
20 NADAL 21 PARK Ji Sung
22 JOAQUIN 22 SONG Chong Gug
Raul seems to be out?
Time to Make $$$,
Good luck with your plays.
Also wanted to say a quick thanks for all your work during the World Cup so far. You have posted some really handy info.
Good luck with your plays.
Also wanted to say a quick thanks for all your work during the World Cup so far. You have posted some really handy info.
Thanks Cartman,
Again, I lose another wager based on the -.5 system which has not been kind to me.
Now I really need Senegal to come in at +.5, lets hope they do it. I should have bought my wager back as soon as I saw Raul was out of the lineup, but I let it ride to no avail...
GO SENEGAL GO
Again, I lose another wager based on the -.5 system which has not been kind to me.
Now I really need Senegal to come in at +.5, lets hope they do it. I should have bought my wager back as soon as I saw Raul was out of the lineup, but I let it ride to no avail...
GO SENEGAL GO
Finally a positive outcome, never would have thought two games on they going 0-0.
Turkey is just outplaying Senegal to this point, will be interesting to see if the Senegalese players are in better shape in OT.
Recap: 1-1, + 9.8 units
Record: 15-13, - 34.03 units
Turkey is just outplaying Senegal to this point, will be interesting to see if the Senegalese players are in better shape in OT.
Recap: 1-1, + 9.8 units
Record: 15-13, - 34.03 units
