Friday, June 11, 2010

FRIDAY ..............


OK, finally it starts ! I have posted a couple of previews below, one for today when I have taken two bets, the other is "very strong", but on a much smaller market and no way can I put it up on here. The South Korea selection is one of four "outright" selections I sent to some friends earlier in the week and I will probably post another of these over the weekend ............

Just a quick look at Group B where I feel there is some value to be had. You are never sure what you will get with Argentina, who are as unpredictable as their coach ! However, they should have enough about them to progress from this group, so it is one from three for the other spot. Nigeria disappointed greatly in the ACN, creating very little, since when swedish coach Lars Lagerback has taken charge and in private he has been less than complementary about his new charges. I can only imagine how his has gone down with the players, they are as different as chalk and cheese and this appointment must have been made in haste, after a beer filled night in Lagos. The pressure on them from 150 million + countrymen is huge and I just cannot back them.

Greece and coach Reheggel are still living off their Euro 2004 win, no surprises from them, they will keep ten men behind the ball, create nothing from open play and try to score from a dead ball situation, we have "been there and done that" and it seems unlikely to work a second time. Which leaves South Korea, this is the eigth time they have qualified for the finals and despite reaching the semis as co-hosts in 2002, courtesy of the match officials (!), this looks their strongest team in history. They certainly will not lack anything in fitness, we have all seen the work rate of Park Ji-Sung at Manchester United, yet his fitness levels are nothing exceptional in this squad who will run all day and through the night if necessary. They might lack an out and out goal scorer, although Monaco's Park Chu-Young was a sensation for the U20 team and is getting there at full level, but are far more than just work horses. In addition to the "Park's", keep an eye out for Ki Sung- Yong, who is a player I like a lot and whom Celtic got for a bargain £2m in January, they will definitely show a profit on that deal.Plenty of experience in the camp, with six players having over 70 full caps, to put this into context, England have just three that have reached this milestone in their squad. This well drilled squad have prepared thoroughly, have already made a trip to play in Johannesburg this year and played 11 full internationals in 2010, they were 27 games unbeaten until November last year, when they lost 1-0 to Serbia ( a match they never deserved to lose) and are an under rated side who could prove the surprise package of the tournament if getting a solid start.

South Korea to qualify from Group B 3.50 .

I will try to post what I can, when I can, but am sure you all have your own ideas on games as big as these, anyway, enjoy the action and good luck !


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