[Quarter-Final - Netherlands v Costa Rica > Saturday July 5th]

Re: Quarter-Final - Netherlands v Costa Rica > Saturday July 5th I think Holland could cause Costa Rica real problems...the Costa Rican left back (apologies, don't know his name) had a very poor game against Greece and if Robben goes out that side to cut back in on his left foot they could be in big trouble. End of the line for me for Costa Rica and Dutch minus 1 on the asian market at around 9/10 is not the worst punt I've seen

[Quarter-Final - Argentina v Belgium > Saturday July 5th]

Re: Quarter-Final - Argentina v Belgium > Saturday July 5th I thought I might be against the trend here but obviously not...I fully expect Belgium to give Argentina a game and would not be surprised to see them win in 90minutes...they've grown into the tournament while distinctly unimpressed by Argentina so far.

[Quarter-Final - Brazil v Colombia > Friday July 4th]

Re: Quarter-Final - Brazil v Colombia > Friday July 4th I think Columbia have been impressive so far and will have plenty of backers at big prices but I've a nagging feeling about Brazil pulling one last win from this match...I'm concerned that Columbia let midfield runners go straight at the defense and can see Neymar causing all sorts of problems...assuming of course Chile game didn't drain him too much. Maybe Columbia will have a plan for him but if not they could be in trouble. A far more interesting bet for me is both teams to score at 11/10 - I think there is real value in those odds given both teams records to date and I don't think Brazil have any other way to play than attack and hopefully not concede while Columbia have more than enough to get a goal. I had expected odds of c. 4/6 so for 11/10 is a very good bet

[Last 16 - Costa Rica v Greece > Sunday June 29th]

Re: Last 16 - Costa Rica v Greece > Sunday June 29th Right, been struggling with this all day....one side says Costa Rica on form and can score goals while Greece aren't so hot and the view is that they scraped through. However, in the big games so far Costa Rica had no expectations on them and their strategy was to sit back and play on the counter which they do very well. However,, in this game I don't see Greece leaving that space behind them for Costa Rica to run into....Greece will sit back and try get some set corners/free kicks from which they are very dangerous. I think Costa Rica could do it and the South American advantage should not be over-looked, dealing with heat and humidity plus the fact the whole stadium will be cheering them on.....but Greece are a smart, experienced team....If they can frustrate Costa Rica then they may well sneak something. One bet I do like is corners Costa Rica 3 group games totals were 11/9/10 Greece 3 group games totals were 8/12/11 Therefore I'll try my luck on 10 or more corners

[Last 16 - Netherlands v Mexico > Sunday June 29th]

Re: Last 16 - Netherlands v Mexico > Sunday June 29th I think the Dutch have been very impressive so far and with Van Perise, Robben and Sneijder carry a huge threat. Dirk Kuyt will work his socks off to counter the Mexican full back and Mexico will have to play very well indeed to win this one. The only doubt in my mind is if the weather has an effect on the Dutch...having seen some European teams wilt badly when the heat and humidity got high. However, I still think the Dutch have too much and are a solid odds against bet @ 23/20. I'll also take a small nibble on Robben fgs @ 11/2 for the fact he's been on fire and when his confidence is high he can beat anyone- the Mexicans know he'll try cut inside on his left foot but stopping it is the problem! Looking forward to a good match, good luck

[Last 16 - Colombia v Uruguay > Saturday June 28th]

Re: Last 16 - Colombia v Uruguay > Saturday June 28th First time poster, long time lurker. Some interesting points being made, Columbia have powered through what is a lreatively weak Group. Uruguay have grinded out two results after a shocker in the opening match. Trying to use Group games as a comparison, I see Greece set-up as possibly being simlar to a Suarez-less Uruguay and Columbia got a 3-0 victory...Uruguay got beaten (Suarez-less) against Costa Rica 3-1 and I see Columbia playing a similar style...so far things point to a Columbia victory. But, and it's a big but, I think the events of recent days will have brought about this "siege mentality" for the Uruguay squad - mentality that Mourinho/Ferguson etc successfully deployed in their teams...and I fully expect Uruguay to play deep, remove any space for Columbia and try nick a goal from a set-piece. I think unders @1.63 (888) is the bet. I'll also keep an eye in play as I think if Uruguay try to take the game to Columbia (unlikely), then Columbia will pick them off with ease.