Just 2 more games to go in this summer’s World Cup and while Saturdays’ 3rd place play-off would usually be nothing more than a friendly kick about as evidenced in recent tournaments where goals have not been in short supply, this year’s edition features the emotionally destroyed and shell shocked Brazilians against Holland in what could be a really entertaining and feisty contest. Before we get into all that, I should mention that I nailed the 2nd semi final by tipping a “low scoring draw” (and 0.0 to my friend Calum...) and also landed the Argies to win on penalties at 12/1 but my stakes were rather low. The 3rd place playoff, derided by some, including Duch coach Louis van Gaal is usually nothing more than a sideshow before the final but this time with Brazil suffering such carnage following their 7.1 shellacking by Germany they will be doing everything in their power to restore even the tiniest smidgen of pride back into their performance although the worry must be that the Dutch, fresh from their own disappointing exit can really punish a side that looked completely destroyed at the final whistle on Tuesday. David Luiz looked like he would not be able to leave his house for a month, let alone play in another World Cup match in front of his people and whether he or his team-mates can cope is really the key question to ask. Changes surely will be made by both coaches and the inevitability of this match is surely that both teams will score, as has been the case in almost every one of these 3rd place play offs. History tells us that 8 of the last 9 have had BTTS and there have been over 2.5 goals in all 9 of those encounters. Indeed there were over 3.5 goals in 6 of those 9 as well. BTTS is priced at ½ while over 2.5 goals is 4/7 and over 3.5 is 5/4 and this could be the best bet of the weekend. I think the Brazilians will come out fighting with less pressure on their shoulders given that things can hardly get any worse for them while the Dutch are bound to attack their fragile opponents and discard the pragmatic style that seemed to cost them the win against Argentina, and it will be interesting (and vital) to see the line up’s for this tie but goals should be in order with 2 teams ready to go home but looking to go out with 1 final positive memory. Should we do away with what seems a pretty pointless fixture? No. Even if it is pointless. It’s football! It’s the world cup and I am pretty damn sad to see the back of it so 1 more game extra which while seeming pointless on paper is actually one I am rather looking forward to. It should be an entertaining night and it is going to be very interesting to see if the Brazilian fans even bother to show up or what kind of support they give them if they do or indeed what kind of reaction there will be if (or when ) they fall behind in the match. All signs point to a certain amount of hostility and for that alone this fixture contains more intrigue and spice than ever before. I think Jo will get the nod to start for Brazil ahead of the maligned and frankly awful Fred, and he can be backed at 8/1 for the first goal or 6/4 to hit the net in 90 minutes while there is the possibility that Huntelaar will replace a fatigued and perhaps past his best Robin Van Persie in the Dutch attack but either way, I won’t be tipping any goalscorers without seeing the team news although Oscar is another who might find his way towards the Dutch net. Goals goals goals is my feeling and with it being the penultimate fixture in this fine event, I plan on enjoying it before we get ready for a German party on Sunday... Bo’s Best Bets Brazil v Holland- BTTS 1/2 Brazil v Holland – over 2.5 goals 4/7 Brazil v Holland – over 3.5 goals 5/4 Bo’s Bonkers Bet(S) Brazil 3 v 2 Holland – 25/1 Brazil 2 v 3 Holland 25/1 Comments are closed.
|
Categories |