Football Betting
World Cup 2010 - Qualifying Play-Offs
After the exciting end to the regular qualification programme with last gasp qualification secured for the likes of Germany, Argentina, Honduras, Slovakia and Chile, this weekend sees eight European, two Asian and two sides from the Americas compete for six places in South Africa.
Europe
The Republic of Ireland finished their qualification campaign unbeaten and it was only the ruthless efficiency of perennial qualifies Italy that thwarted the Irish in their bid to qualify by rights. Giovanni Trappatoni’s team face France in the play-offs and despite the 1998 winners favouritism, I think these ties are more closely matched than many people believe.
France have been a team on the decline since their victory at Euro 2000 in Rotterdam. Their defence of the World Cup in 2002 was shambolic as they went out in the group stage, and despite them reaching the final in Berlin in 2006 (quite how they managed that, I will still never know) they struggled in Euro 2008 and right through the qualifying campaign. How Raymond Domenech remains in charge, only the French FA know.
There was a time when the French side oozed world class quality throughout the team but the 2009 incarnation can make no such boast. If you consider that their Euro 2008 squad included Jean-Alain Boumsong, Sebastian Squillaci and Sebastien Frey, you will get an idea of the sow’s ear from which Domenech continues to fail to make a silk purse.
The Republic, meanwhile, have made steady progress under their canny Italian manager and in front of a passionate Dublin crowd, I really think they have a great chance of ousting the former winners and winning a place in South Africa. Italy failed to beat them either home or away in qualifying and considering the Azzuri are a vastly superior side to France, Ireland have nothing to fear.
To say that Portugal sneaked into the play-offs through the back door would be something of an understatement. With Sweden, Denmark and Hungary outgunning them in qualifying it looked for long periods like the world’s second greatest player was going to be watching the tournament from his Madrid home. By fast-tracking Portuguese nationality to striker Liedson, however, and thanks to them eking out two vital results when it mattered Carlos Quieiroz’s side leapfrogged Sweden into second place on the last day of qualifying and will face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the play-offs.
Whilst Bosnia might not be able to boast any household names in their squad (Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko is probably their best known player) they do have considerable experience in top European leagues. Midfielders Miralem Pjanic and Sejad Selihovic play for Lyon and Hoffenheim respectively and captain Emir Spahic is a fixture in the Montpellier defence.
Cristiano Ronaldo is obviously a vital player for Portugal and with his fitness in question that could adversely affect the Iberians’ chances. Portugal’s main problem is that they can boast half a dozen of the world’s best wingers (the likes of Simao, Quaresma, Ronaldo, Nani et al) but very little else. If they turn up in their games they should have enough talent to qualify, but Bosnia are a well-organised, competent side and, again, this is nowhere near the foregone conclusion many believe.
Russia narrowly failed to beat Germany to automatic qualification after Miroslav Klose’s winner in Moscow last month and so have to overcome Slovenia to qualify for the Finals. Boasting the likes of Arhsavin, Zhirkov and Akinfeev, and after their sensational displays at Euro 2008 you’d have thought that Russia should easily see off the relative minnows but again, I’m not so sure.
Slovenia are a useful, young team who, lest we forget, eliminated both Poland and the Czech Republic in qualifying as well as beating Slovakia in Bratislava. Captained by the West Brom midfielder Robert Koren, Slovenia are underestimated at Russia’s peril. Whilst I can see Slovenia winning at home, Guus Hiddink’s men should do enough in Moscow to qualify.
Greece face Ukraine in the last of the play-offs looking to reach only their second World Cup finals. Whilst they might not be the same force as they were in Portugal in Euro 2004, Greece are still a tidy, well organised side. Despite beating England last month, Ukraine look like a second rate outfit and so Greece should have enough to get past the Euro 2012 hosts in this encounter.
International Football Betting
Asia
With Australia’s defection to the Asian qualifying groups, it was always likely that New Zealand would come out the strongest of the Oceanic qualifying groups. That was always going to result in a play-off against an Asian side and after their 0-0 draw in Bahrain in the first leg, Ricki Herbert‘s side have a very real chance of making the Finals for only the second time in the competition’s history.
The All Whites can’t boast a roster of seasoned top flight internationals with most of their squad playing their trade in the Australian A-League. They do have goals in the side, however, with 28 year old striker Shane Smeltz their ‘star’ man alongside Celtic’s Chris Killen up front. Herbert’s captain and defensive rock is Blackburn Rovers regular Ryan Nelsen.
Bahrain won just three of their eight qualifying games to finish third in Asian Group One. The Red advanced to this play-off after an unexpected away goals win over Saudi Arabia and thanks to a stoppage time wondergoal from substitute Ismaeel Latif.
Football is on the up in New Zealand and the All Whites can prevail in front of their home support at 8/5.
International Match Betting
America
Both Costa Rica and Uruguay were cruelly denied automatic qualification on the last day of the regular campaign last month. Honduras and Argentina booked their places in South Africa leaving these two World Cup veterans to fight it out for the remaining American spot.
Uruguay can call on the top European strike pair of Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez for this one and are good value at 7/5 to win in San Jose.
International Match Betting
