Thursday, June 22, 2006

Not for the faint hearted .......

Croatia meet Australia in Stuttgart tonight, in what is virtually a sudden death playoff for a place in the last 16, a draw will be enough for the Aussies.

Not many shrinking violets on either team and it could get nasty, referee Graham Poll is likely to be the busiest man on the field. Croatia collected more yellow cards in qualification than any other country and with so much at stake and the make up of the teams (Australia have 7 players of Croatian heritage and Croatia, 3 that grew up in Australia) I would not put anyone off "buying"bookings or yellow/red cards. Six seems the minimum number of cards shown now, this COULD go double figures. Surprised if this ends up eleven v eleven.

I think Croatia are very unlucky to just have one point so far, they could easily have four, now they just HAVE to win, or go home. The Australian defence, with the exception of Lucas Neill ,is average at best, they are sure to give up a few chances and it is time for the Croatian strikers to do the business. They are my strong choice.

Have a feeling, call me mad and I am surprised at myself for saying this, that Ronaldo will score tonight, crazy isn't it ? Thought he looked a little fitter against Australia and heard he has impressed in training over recent days for the first time since joining the squad. Coach Parreira has suggested he will start with him tonight,despite the yellow card, if so, I will try a small wager, remember, class is permanent. Think the team will look to get him on the score sheet tonight and the odds are fair, Brazil can relax a little and we may see their true colours.

5 points Croatia level ball 1.78 asian line
2.5 points Ronaldo to score anytime 2.55 expekt, sure to be bigger on betfair later

Good Luck.

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