World Cup Betting Blog- New Zealand's Heroes Could Teach
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<p>Already this World Cup has thrilled and disappointed people in equal measure. When I look back at this tournament I will remember not only the eventual victors but teams that have won my admiration and some that have simply floundered. <br />
<br />You can't help but be impressed with the American team. For me they embody their nation. Optimism comes easily to these players and they are a spirited bunch who believe there is nothing they can't achieve. Their last gasp goal against Algeria was richly deserved and they now face a talented but beatable Ghana side in the second round.<br /><br />Japan have also surprised many with their performances but not me. I actually fancied them to get out of their group and I got great odds of 13/5 for them to do so before the tournament started. I had been monitoring their progress over the past year and made money on them on a few games because bookies traditionally underestimate teams from this region.<br /><br />They are a gutsy, hard working and disciplined team with plenty of technical skill. Their performance against Denmark was one of the best I've seen from any team so far and it certainly shut Morten Olsen up, the Danis coach who proclaimed the so-called great Danes would win with ease.<br />
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<p>Japan's pre tournament form put me off backing them heavily at 13/5 on qualifying from their group. Needless to say I regret not putting a few more bob on them as it would have been a nice earner.<br /><br />France and Italy have been eliminated already and the two finalists from 2006 have been pathetic to say the least. I didn't expect much from Italy at this World Cup but like most I felt they would at least progress to the last 16. They lack real genuine world class players but it's a pity for Italy and Marcello Lippi. <br /><br />The former Juventus coach is a man that I've always had the utmost admiration for. He won the World Cup in 2006 with Italy and had reached the pinnacle of the game. After a poor Euro 2008 for the Azzurri under Robeorto Donadoni, he went back to coach the la Nazionale after the Italian FA practically begged him. I feel it was a decision he made with his heart rather than his head. They say you should never go back, especially after reaching the top, and Mr. Lippi is finding that out now.<br /><br />As for the French I will not waste much time writing about those shower of wasters. Raymond Domenech's refusal to shake hands with Carlos Alberto Parreira after his last game in charge of France just about summed up their World Cup campaign. It's hard to imagine a team could behave with such dishonour and discord. They have been shameful. Good riddance and au revoir.<br />
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<p>On a brighter and more positive note for me the story of the World Cup so far has been New Zealand. The All Whites have been ridiculed and derided in many quarters roundly dismissed as no hopers for qualifying for this tournament. The salesman and bankers that make up this team have faced improbable odds in all of their games and yet they have refused to be beaten. They have shown that a unity of purpose and organisation can reap great rewards and leave this tournament unbeaten and an inspiration to many. France take note. <br /><br />JD's Last 16 Tips
<br />* Uruguay to win - 1.87 (20/23)<br />* Argentina to win - 1.50 (1/2)<br />* Holland to win - 1.44 (4/9)<br /><br /><em>JD is Goal.com's betting blogger who lives in one of Europe's top cities and works in the stock market. </em><em>He can be reached at
betting@goal.com</em>.<br /><br />* Follow all Goal.com's World Cup betting content here<br /><br /><em>Place a bet now on the World Cup with Goal.com's official betting partner Titan Bet who are offering an exclusive bet £25 get £25 offer for Goal.com readers</em><em></em><br /><br /><em></em></p>
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