World Championship U20

[Tulenos]

Widely ignored by British books and covered only by Betfair and Beandwin out of the more reliable names, the big even of U20 squads starts on Thursday in UAE (opening match UAE v Slovakia). Most matched seem to be shown @ DSF satellite channel (in German). The average number of goals is app. 2.8 (since 1977). And good coverage is @ fifa.com, including facts and figures in three parts. Interesting facts for the opener Slovakia is the 70th nation to participate at a FIFA World Youth Championship final phase. The United Arab Emirates have never scored a goal in the first half. In their previous four finals matches at Malaysia 1997, UAE scored only two goals in the victory (2-0) over Cote d'Ivoire. An Asian host nation has never won an opening match at the finals. Qatar in 1995 drew Russia 1-1, but Japan (0-1 vs. Spain in 1979), Saudi Arabia (1-2 vs. Nigeria in 1989) and Malaysia (1-3 vs. Morocco in 1997) lost their first clash in the competition. The host team has only won four times out of 13 tries in the first match of a FIFA World Youth Championship: Australia (1981, 1993), Portugal (1991) and Argentina (2001). Four times, the hosts have tied: Mexico (1983), USSR (1985), Qatar (1995) and Nigeria (1999). Five times, the hosts have lost: Tunisia (1977), Japan (1979), Chile (1987), Saudi Arabia (1989) and Malaysia (1997). The UAE lost their only match played against a European opponent. In Malaysia 1997 England thrashed them to the tune of 5-0. The odds are 3.20 for UAE win and 2.00 for Slov win @ BetandWin. I think the Slovak should win it, but will probably sit this one out. BTW, the last tourney produced Saviola who was signed immediately after Argentina won.

[Tulenos]

Re: World Championship U20 According to Betfair, the event will be covered by British Eurosport as well, which could boost the typically poor liquidity for similar events as I believe is free to watch as elsewhere in Europe.

[Tulenos]

Re: World Championship U20 Nothing exciting, but Slovakia cruised to a comfortable 4-1 win. After watching the game, the main question remains why the books were so generous for this one. Spain v Argentina tomorrow @ about 1345, I believe. I will keep this one running IF anyone is genuinely interested as I can do the research for myself only, so I'd appreciate any reaction or so.:)

[Norfolk Enchance]

Re: World Championship U20 Well done on the Slovak pick (even if you didn't back it) - looks like it was over priced. And some nice info there. Can't see myself betting on this as I know sweet FA about it and don't have the time to research as much as I would like at the moment. Of course if you spot something you really like I may change my tune ;) Maybe its just me but it doesn't seem to be on betfair? Good luck

[Tulenos]

Re: World Championship U20 It is Norfolk and all usual markets covered in-running, quite good liquidity when nothing else clashed with the game, considering the poor level and no-name UAE. It mysteriously disappeared yesterday but was back today -- the matches are at least on daily lists as, for example spain U20 v Arg U20 for tomorrow. Didn't back the Slovak but laid some goals instead so not a bad outcome.

[Guest helsinki dave]

FIFA World Youth Championships Managed to get 11/10 with Hills yesterday for Slovakia (after a bit of opposition - "we don't have a book", "we're only covering the live games" -when I said it was priced up on the internet they gave me that price). The tournament could throw up some decent betting opportunities as the bookies may be none the wiser than the rest of us. Today Burkina Faso take on Panama and although I don't have the time to do any proper research BF appear to have the better squad (RP and FIFA website). Australia at 7/2 against the Czechs today appear to have a decent squad too with several players attached to big European clubs and although the Czechs are considered dark horses to win the tournament their results over the last year have been very mixed (again FIFA website).

[Tulenos]

Re: FIFA World Youth Championships Been quiet for a while. But there is a gift on Thursday as the Czechs are playing Canada. Following two draws, the Czech have to fight and beat lowly Canada with nothing to play for. They will then qualify no matter what the result in the other match as in any case they will get above Brazil or Australia. 1.55 @ my local bookie has to be snatched asap I think. The other groups offer much more complicated scenatios.

[Guest helsinki dave]

UAE V Slovakia Based on what's happened so far Slovakia should be able to turn over Panama too, I would think. Also Burkina Faso will be too strong for the UAE based on results so far. A treble?

[Tulenos]

Re: UAE V Slovakia Well, little to add after a day of strange results. Only wobbly looking Argentina won well and the Czechs blew the chance to eliminate Brazil after they KNEW Brazil had already lost. Burkina Faso only drew and Slovakia won only 1-0. Sorry if anyone took my advise and lost (I did too). Curiously enough, Betdaq posted the teams (CR and Can) in the reverse order than Betfair and it was possible to back the Czechs @ 6.40 and lay the Cans @ 1.57 for some time -- not sure, could have been just minutes as I didn't have much money in BDQ account and preferred to have a smoke, dream and came back to my PC only to find out the chance had gone -- honestly, I rather though, especially due to the poor liquidity, this error would last for longer than 5 mins. Probably even shorter as NOTHING was matched at that price.

[Guest kojic2003]

Group F I will watch Group F(Germany,Paraguay,S.Korea,USA) tomorrow.These teams play the final round: USA v South Korea and Paraguay v Germany. GROUP F 1. South Korea 1 0 1 2:1 3pts 2. USA 1 0 1 4:4 3pts 3. Germany 1 0 1 3:3 3pts 4. Paraguay 1 0 1 2:3 3pts Gamebookers odds Paraguay v Germany 3.00 3.15 2.10 USA v South Korea 2.55 3.00 2.50 Well,my picks are South [email protected] and [email protected]!Paraguay is in the worst situation here.They have negative goal diff and only 3 points are good for them.They will play under pressure against Germany,so I'm not sure that they can beat them in that situation.Paraguay don't play so good on this tournameunt.They lost vs.USA 1:3 and have beaten Korea 1:0.But that wasn't so impressive game by them.It seems that their star Nelson Haedo-Valdes(Werder) isn't motivated at all.Simply,Germany is better team in my eyes.They lost vs.Korea 0:2 in the first round and have beaten USA 3:1 very easy.Germany has some very good players like Piotr Trochowski(Bayern Munchen),Christian Pander(Schalke),Christian Schulz(Werder),goalkeeper Alexander Walke(Werder),Sebastian Kneissl,Robert Huth(both Chelsea),...I'm especially impressed with Torchowski and Huth!Piotr Trochowski(168cm high) is their playmaker and one of the best players in Bayern Amateurs,very fast with good long shot.On the other hand,Chelsea player,Robert Huth is a tall guy(around 190cm),defender(right back),good play with head and with a very good long shot as well.I see much more quality in Germans.Like I said Paraguay is defeated by USA and didn't deserve to win against South Korea.They must win if they want to go in the next round and that pressure is a big advantage for Germany.In the second match,I've picked South Korea,because they look much dangerous.Their players make a big pressure on opponents and I don't think that USA have the answer for that style.Korea plays a very fast,simple football and it's nice to watch them.On the other hand I'm very disapointed with USA.Only God knows how they won against Paraguay!?They play without any conception.Their attackers are not concentrated and they blow up every good chance.I don't know what USA can change in just a few days.Korea is a good team,in a good form,surely better than USA and I believe that they can win here. And just to add one text:

The United States Under-20 Men’s National Team will look to take the next step in reaching their goal of making it to the tournament final on Friday when they play South Korea in the final group stage match.After two games, it couldn’t be any closer as all three teams are sitting at three points and goal differential and goals scored are determining the standings. The U.S. is in second place with a zero goal differential, behind group leaders South Korea, who have a goal differential of +1. Germany, who beat the U.S. 3-1 on Tuesday night, also has a zero goal differential, but is sitting in third place as they have are behind the U.S. in the next tiebreaker – goals scored. Germany has only notched three goals, while the U.S. has four.The U.S. is fortunate, as they will know what result is needed in the match, as the game kicks off almost three hours after Paraguay-Germany (8:45 a.m. ET kickoff)

So,these matches will not be played in the same time(!?).That means that Germany can't make to many calculations.

[Tulenos]

Re: Group F I'd wait before backing Germany, at least for the outcome of the afternoon match. This must / don't have to win scenario seems to fail on this level. Para are awful, but it's all down to German attitude as with level goal difference, a draw is more than enough for them to qualify.

[Tulenos]

Re: Group F If the beginning of KO stages doesn't ignite the whole thing, it's more than advisable to ignore this shitty comp from the betting point of view and mainly watching. Never seen BOTH teams not playing for the whole second half (USA v Korea) in what I believe Korea had to push to get a draw at least (they were 2 down). Really incredible and a shame. Think twice if you are about to spend some time watching any of these youngsters as they seemingly enjoy sunbathing etc. more than what the should do in the first place. 3 times 0-0 and 3 times 2-0 today, no other scorelines. :evil

[Tulenos]

Second stage From what I gather about the comp, there are just two stand-out bets on Mon/Tue Argentina to win their match @ 1.41 @ betdaq Burkina Faso to win their match @ 1.85 @ betdaq Betfair doesn't have the matches up at this time and no other renowned UK book has. Lack of interest in this competition as usual, but after watching the matches as above, I can fully understand.

[Tulenos]

Re: Second stage Well, little to add as results are simply all over the place in this strange competition. In fact, I didn't have a penny on the above as I was late for the Argentina game and then too upset about the draw I lost any interest. Anyway, if the form is to be considered, I fail to see why Spain are priced up @ app. 1.90 to win against not too special Paraguay. Do as you wish as bar the opening games, nothing has gone to plan in this shop window of the worst imports of all participating countries. How the all time average of 2.76 goals per game is to be reached is anybody's guess. That said, maybe goals galore is on cards tomorrow (not that I'll be watching too closely as I have almost totally lost the faith any quality is to be found). Just if anyone is interested. That's the World Champ of future would-be stars, for Christ's sake -- heaven save us if this is the future of our leagues and international footy. Good luck whatever you back.

[Guest plucey73]

Ireland - Columbia Gamebookers: Ireland v Columbia 2.65 3.00 2.40 I'm thinking of having a small patriotic wager on Ireland (perhaps covering the draw). Points of note: - Ireland is without suspended trio Stephen Kelly, Glenn Whelan and Darren Potter, all of whom started every one of Ireland’s three matches to date. - Ireland's attack is at full strength, with a slight shuffle in midfield and defence. - None of Colombia’s strikers have yet found the target in this tournament - The Colombians came out of their group with an unbeaten record - Columbia are considered by many to be one of the favourites for the tournament P W D L F A Pts Rep of Ireland 3 2 1 0 6 3 7 Cote d'Ivoire 3 1 2 0 4 3 5 Saudi Arabia 3 0 2 1 2 3 2 Mexico 3 0 1 2 2 5 1 P W D L F A Pts Japan 3 2 0 1 3 4 6 Colombia 3 1 2 0 4 1 5 Egypt 3 1 1 1 1 1 4 England 3 0 1 2 0 2 1 So, this really is a match that could go either way, so I'm gonna go with the fighting Irish spirit to prevail:D , although it may make more sense to back Columbia:( .

[Guest plucey73]

Re: Ireland - Columbia FULL-TIME: Ireland 2-2 Columbia :) So, a small profit was made by covering the draw, but unfortunately Columbia won 3-2 after extra time.

[Guest AnothrSpacecat]

Re: Ireland - Columbia has this tournament started yet or are they all still aimlessly running in circles? i see argentina are beating brazil tomorrow morning at 6/4 with william hills and im tempted by it