Betting Picks

Some sports seasons are winding down, while others are just beginning. Online sports betting offers a lot as summer nears, with baseball in particular every day. It is never too early to start NFL betting; the season is months away, but mandatory practices begin soon and new players and coaches will work together for the first time in preparation for training camp in July and the preseason in August.  And the NHL final is at last set, and you can begin Stanley Cup betting between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Philadelphia Flyers.

The biggest sporting event of the year is less than a month away as clubs make their final preparations for the World Cup in South Africa.  Many teams will play their final International Friendly matches in the next week before they make the trip.

Two teams looking to get out of their respective groups are Mexico and the Netherlands.

Mexico has arguably an easier route through, with host South Africa in their group.  Though they will be spurred on by the boisterous home crowd, many in the soccer world feared the South Africans would not have qualified without the automatic host bid. They also face Uruguay and France, the latter eing the biggest competition.

Mexico is riding positive momentum after a coaching change earlier in the season helped them to a six game unbeaten run and a World Cup birth. Javier Aguirre took the reins from ex-England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson and created a balanced team mixing experienced stars such as Rafael Marquez and youthful talent like defender Efrain Juarez and Hector Moreno.

Mexico’s biggest issue lies in their defense. They are vulnerable to attacks through the air and may struggle in the altitude of South Africa. However, they boast a strong and confident goalkeeper in 24 year old Guillermo Ochoa, who allowed only four goals in the five games that helped Mexico qualify for the World Cup.  It would be a great disappointment and surprise if they fail to move on to the second round.

The Netherlands meanwhile have very high hopes and also have a seemingly easier route out of the group play. They face Japan, Denmark, and Cameroon in Group E. While the Netherlands are favourites in the group, they have a history of not rising to expectations. Coach Bert Van Marwijk leads a team that stresses strong defense and cohesion. He is sometimes reckless, and in the past has had strained relationships with players, including star Robin Van Persie.

Betting lines:  Netherlands is the better complete club, but they may be without several key players, some of whom are injured and some who are returning from Champions League play, such as Arjen Robben.  Van Marqijk will be experimenting with his lineup and giving some fringe players a chance to earn a spot on the final roster. The Oragnje goal for this match is not to win, but to continue to prepare for what they hope is a lengthy run in South Africa. Mexico is coming off a loss to England which showed moments of greatness by El Tri. Look for Mexico to keep things close and earn a draw on the road in the Netherlands.