Well yesterday didn't go as planned as I got totally shut out....guess that was coming, anyway apologies to anyone that followed that disaster.
12:00 p.m.
Costa Rica v. Italy
***Italy ml (-178)
No, this big number doesn't scare me and I'm taking it. I think Costa Rica put everything they had out there to beat Uruguay and I feel as though they played above themselves. Further, we are starting to see what it takes to be champion in this tournament. You need a clinical finisher up front as evidenced yesterday. Suarez was the difference over England and at the same time Japan created a thousand chances but couldn't break down the Greeks with a man advantage due to their lack of a finisher. Second, a midfield general, someone that can control the game and the possession while winning the ball back on defense. And normally I'd say a very solid back line but it seems that in this free flowing tournament chances are going to be abundant so here it is a solid goalie play. Italy is one of the teams that has these pieces. Balotelli is a world class finisher and Costa Rica has no answer for this. Next, Italy has not one but two midfield generals in Pirlo and De Rossi and Sirigu or Buffon in net is better than most teams. I think Italy can go deep in this tournament and they are all business in these major tournaments. Italy all day here.
3:00 p.m.
Swiss v. France
**Switzerland +.5 (+100); *Draw (+261)
Both of these teams were impressive winning their opening matches albeit by very different means. The Swiss pulled out a win right at the buzzer while France took advantage of Honduras' red card and won easily 3-0. I think this should be a good, tight game with both of these teams wanting to get at least a point and secure their place in the next round. I could definitely see these teams playing to a draw. Swiss and a small draw play for me here.
12:00 p.m.
Costa Rica v. Italy
***Italy ml (-178)
No, this big number doesn't scare me and I'm taking it. I think Costa Rica put everything they had out there to beat Uruguay and I feel as though they played above themselves. Further, we are starting to see what it takes to be champion in this tournament. You need a clinical finisher up front as evidenced yesterday. Suarez was the difference over England and at the same time Japan created a thousand chances but couldn't break down the Greeks with a man advantage due to their lack of a finisher. Second, a midfield general, someone that can control the game and the possession while winning the ball back on defense. And normally I'd say a very solid back line but it seems that in this free flowing tournament chances are going to be abundant so here it is a solid goalie play. Italy is one of the teams that has these pieces. Balotelli is a world class finisher and Costa Rica has no answer for this. Next, Italy has not one but two midfield generals in Pirlo and De Rossi and Sirigu or Buffon in net is better than most teams. I think Italy can go deep in this tournament and they are all business in these major tournaments. Italy all day here.
3:00 p.m.
Swiss v. France
**Switzerland +.5 (+100); *Draw (+261)
Both of these teams were impressive winning their opening matches albeit by very different means. The Swiss pulled out a win right at the buzzer while France took advantage of Honduras' red card and won easily 3-0. I think this should be a good, tight game with both of these teams wanting to get at least a point and secure their place in the next round. I could definitely see these teams playing to a draw. Swiss and a small draw play for me here.
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