World Cup Betting
Germans Better Equipped for Successful Swansong
Having gone out of a tournament like the World Cup at the semi-final stage, it must be difficult for players to raise themselves for another game a matter of days later.
Uruguay have had 24 hours longer than Germany to get over the disappointment of not taking the final step into what would have been the biggest match of their careers but it may not save the South Americans from another evening of relative disappointment in the third place play-off. What will be playing on the minds of both sets of players is that they probably didn’t do themselves justice in the semi-finals. Uruguay conceded far too much possession to the Netherlands and, though star man Diego Forlan briefly cancelled out Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s opener, they left themselves a mountain to climb after conceding twice in a relatively short space of time midway through the second half. Had Oscar Tabarez’s men realised earlier that the Dutch are vulnerable under pressure, there could even have been a different outcome, though that would have been unjust on the Netherlands who were easily the better side over the 90 minutes.
Of course, the other factor to take into account in a dead rubber like this is that the coaches may opt to give a run-out to fringe members of the respective squads who haven’t so far had a taste of the World Cup atmosphere. They’ll certainly be mindful of their obligation with regard to normally key players who may be carrying injuries or fatigued. In Uruguay’s case, that would include Forlan who freely admits he is not hundred per cent.
Without their talisman, the South Americans are a lot more predictable and Germany would start to look a good bet at 4/5 if the Atletico Madrid forward wasn’t to start.
Germany never really got going against the slick Spanish
The Germans also have their problems, however, if reports are to be believed. Top scorer Miroslav Klose is an early doubt but his possible absence will be compensated to some degree by the return from suspension of Thomas Mueller. Germany were given the runaround by Spain and there will be a lot of tired legs in their camp but coach Joachim Low has a lot of promising young talent at his disposal who’ll be itching to get on the field and he’s stated that he wants his team to leave South Africa on a high note.
The third place play-off is rarely short of goals and this year should be no exception, despite the defensive formation both sides adopted in the semi-finals. Over 2.5 goals looks a good call then at 4/6.
* Germany to win in 90 minutes – 4/5
* Over 2.5 goals – 4/6
