World Cup betting picks

I decided to watch a decent amount of the football before updating my world cup tips, now you’ll get a few quick fire ones as I’ve seen everyone in action.  Before the tournament I picked Holland and Argentina as my favourites to go all the way, the South Americans look amazing, the Dutch looked steady in their opening game but they were without Arjen Robben, who could return against Japan, these three games all take place on Saturday June 19.

Japan did exceptionally well to take all three points from Cameroon but I doubt they’ll be able to match Holland.  The Japanese came across as an organised and efficient unit but if Robben returns for the Netherlands I doubt they’ll be able to deal with the Dutch free-flowing style of play and I think Holland will win by two clear goals.  In the Asian handicap world cup betting market (a little complicated I know) the Netherlands at -1.5 is priced at around 2.50 (6/4), essentially that means Japan start the game on 1.5 goals, Holland on 0 so to win the bet they need to score twice without conceding.  I think this looks a decent bet, but if you think it will be closer the Netherlands to win outright is 1.50 (1/2).

Ghana did well to beat Serbia and they face Australia in their next group game – knowing a win will all but send them through.  Serbia were disappointing, but not as disappointing as the Socceroos who were limp against Germany.  Australia were cut apart with ease and that will surely affect their confidence and they’ve also lost key-man Tim Cahill to suspension.  I really fancy Ghana in this one and at 2.06 (21/20) they’re a pretty decent price as well.

Cameroon take on Denmark on Saturday and this is perhaps the hardest one to call, which is reflected in the odds – Denmark 2.60 (8/5), Cameroon 3.10 (85/40) and the draw 3.30 (9/4).  Denmark didn’t offer a lot going forward against Holland but we’re getting to the stage now where teams have to attack.  For some reason Cameroon boss Paul Le Guen played Samuel Eto’o on the wide right – I can’t understand this, the guy has won the Champions League twice in a row with two different clubs and he is without a doubt their star, he needs to be down the middle.  I’m tempted to go for the Danes in this one, I just feel they’re the more organised side and they should be able to keep Cameroon at bay – especially if Eto’o plays on the wing again as the man in the middle did not look up to it against Japan – and maybe nick a goal or two.