Betting Picks

There are plenty of events happening this month to entertain and satisfy every fan’s need for online sports betting. For many, however, there is now the rare opportunity of 2010 World Cup betting, the popular and compelling quadrennial soccer tournament.  For those who want a leg up, follow along at the World Cup soccer blog.

Two favourites to win it all go head to head in a tough part of the bracket a young Germany squad faces off against the offensive prowess of Argentina.

One of the youngest clubs in the tournament, Germany comes into the quarterfinals after a convincing, yet controversial, victory over England.  They got off to a strong start with two goals in the first half.  However, a mental lapse that lasted only a few minutes nearly changed the entire complexity of the game.  England got on the board in the 36^th minutes, and mere moments later they appeared to tie the game.  A hard strike from a distance banged off the crossbar, bounced down and was cleared away by the German keeper.  Replay shows, clearly, that the ball crossed the line and England should have been awarded the equalizer.

German would win the game 4-1, with impressive goals in the second half that showcased their breakout and closing skills.  However, England did indeed score, and were it to count, the complexion of the game would have changed greatly.

Argentina comes in equally strong, but too amid controvesary. They were surely the better team in the round of 16 against Mexico, but their first goal was earned on a missed offside call. Nonetheless, the Argentines do deserve to be where they are, after topping their group behind the offense of Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain. The scary thing for opponents is that star man Lionel Messi, arguably the best player in the world, has yet to play his best.  He has had his chances and contributed to goals, but Messi is hungry for goals, and can only be stopped for so long.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has apologized to both sides and conceded the miss calls.  But such is the game, and anything can happen.

Betting lines:  Both teams, along with all fans, hope that the game won’t be decided by missed or controversial calls.  Both teams have been given gifts, but they are good too, and part of being good is being lucky.  Argentina will have the edge, and rightly so. Messi will be the best player on the pitch, and the best player can swing the game in one quick moment.  The Germans are talented, and youth has proven an advantage, but facing a South American team with confidence and fire, they will falter in a close match that sees extra time.