There Is Only One Sinnacle

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Real Madrid striker Raul, who may be allowed to leave the Spanish club on a free transfer this summer. Daily Mail

Manchester United took a flyer on Michael Owen last summer so it wouldn’t be a shock if they had some interest in Raul. Then again Michael Owen didn’t exactly regain his form with Manchester United and if Raul does leave I’m sure it will be somewhere he can play week in and week out.

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill is ready to take on Tottenham in a £12m battle for Everton’s South Africa winger Steven Pienaar, who has only a year left on his contract and is stalling over an extension. Daily Mirror

Pienaar would be a nice replacement if O’Neill does decide to cash in on James Milner.

Manchester City are reportedly ready to offer midfielder Stephen Ireland in any potential deal to land Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. caughtoffside.com

Real Madrid meanwhile, are said to be unwilling to pay Liverpool’s estimated asking price of £30m.
Full story: IMScouting.com

If your Liverpool you’re not exactly going to give Real Madrid a knock down price on your Iconic player.

Everton have been alerted after Benfica admitted that their £20m-rated Paraguayan international striker Oscar Cardozo can leave the club after a row over his fitness. Daily Mail

Cardozo is at his prime and looking for a huge contract to set him up for the rest of his life.

Manchester City have lodged their interest in Barcelona right-back Dani Alves, who has yet to sign a new deal with the Catalan side and could be tempted by a big money move to the Premier League. Daily Mail

Can’t hurt for Manchester City to sniff around and see if Dani Alves has any interest in leaving Barcelona.

Birmingham are closing in on a £4.5m deal to sign Palermo’s Italian striker Fabrizio Miccoli. Daily Mirror

I’d love to see Miccolo playing in England. Would also be interesting to see a pairing between Miccoli and Nikola Žigić.

You always want to play your best match in your last game and not the first but it isn’t like I’m regretting my pick of Germany to win it all at the moment. Germany are just machines out there. Sure Australia was weak but Germany never let up and in a move some would say is bad sportsmanship Joachim Loew subbed in Cacau, Mario Gomez and Marko Marin against a beaten Australia. What a game Mesut Özil had for Germany, everytime he touched the ball you sense something could happen, his runs were spot on as well. It’s great to see players you are high on personally but don’t get to see week to week.

What did I say about Serbia who sure didn’t make it easy for themselves in their quest to advance against Ghana. I am kicking myself for not betting against Serbia who I’ve been sour on every since the hype started. Fact is once in awhile a surprise team does make a run to the semi finals (Turkey 2002, Croatia 1998) but it isn’t a team people are hyping up before the tournament. It’s usually a team from out of the blue. Good win by Ghana who I hope make it to the quarterfinals.

Thumbs down to the referee who sent off Tim Cahill. It was a yellow but not a red. Seriously it’s a World Cup unless it’s a clear red it is almost cruel to take away a players dream of playing in the World Cup. Sadly that is par for the course when it comes to Marco Rodriguez who is one of the worst referees around.

Thumbs down also to Aleksandar Luković and Abdelkader Ghezzal whose red cards put their clubs before the eight ball and both were soon punished for going down a man.

2-1 day on Sunday. Feels good to have a proper winning day. Now moving on to Monday. I’ve been waiting for the over’s to start cashing in. That tide didn’t turn on Sunday but here is hoping it starts on Monday.

Holland-Denmark over 2 and 2.5 -114

This will be an interesting match up and one I don’t think Denmark will be scared of. Even without Arjen Robben, and Nicklas Bendtner fit, the Dutch team knows it needs to attack if they are to win. If they invite the other team on the ball their sub par (for an elite country) back line will be exposed. It also wouldn’t shock me if Denmark’s height causes problems for Holland. Can easily see Denmark scoring on a set piece of some kind.

Japan-Cameroon over 2 -110

If you are Japan you have to believe the only way you are going to advance is to defeat Cameroon. You can’t do that if you don’t open it up a bit and look to score instead of playing the counter attack. Cameroon on the other hand have one of the best strikers in the World in Samuel Eto’o. While you never know where Eto’o head is on any given game he is still a World Class goal scorer.

Paraguay pk and +.5 +103

I’ve mentioned how pk an -.5 lines I’ve always found tricky. I usually take the hook and end up paying for it but this time I’m going the other way. If this line was Italy -.5 I’d have no issue with it and look at something else. Italy pk and -.5 just seems weird. Things that happen in 1986 have no part in Monday’s game but do remember Italy coming out flat as defending Champions in Mexico 1986 drawing Bulgaria 1-1. Then I think back to the last World Cup where Brazil defeated Croatia 1-0 (the line was Croatia +1.5) and who can forget France losing outright in their first game as Champions in the 2002 World Cup against Senegal.

Record

6-2-3 +1.29 units

Weird day today. You had three games which all had goals in the first ten minutes yet none went over. Must admit money interest aside I did enjoy Greece get totally outclassed against South Korea who ran right through the Euro 2004 Champions. In the final game Scott Carson must feel like he is off the hook as Robert Green is the new villain in England as his school boy error gave the United States a well deserved point. Wonder if the sky is falling in England right now? Watching England play simply bugs me. It’s like these players are weighted down by the exceptions. Even when they do get a early lead time and time again (Brazil in 02, Portugal in 04) they lift their foot of the pedal. A team with that amount of talent needs to rack up 2-0 3-0 wins in there next two matches going into knockout stage. On the US front Tim Howard stood out today, even more so compared to Robert Green. If you were a United States fan you felt very secure with Howard as your last line of defense.

Moving on to tomorrow.

Slovenia pk and -0.5 -102 against Algeria – Algeria blew it’s load even making it to the World Cup when they took out Egypt. The same can also be said about Slovenia but the sheer fight Algeria had to muster to defeat Egypt is different. Even with the World Cup in Africa a match up between a European team and an African I’m usually siding with the European country.

Serbia-Ghana over 2 -102

Truthfully I’m getting tired of these 2 over/under lines pushing. Here is hoping Serbia/Ghana can put on a show. As both teams think they can beat the other should mean neither team will be looking to defend at all cost. I except this game to be an open affair.

Germany-Australia over 2 and 2.5 -110

Germany’s first game in the 2002 World Cup was a 8-0 win vs Saudi Arabia and in the 2006 they defeated Costa Rica 4-2. Since I picked Germany to win it all I’ll back them to score a few against Australia.

Record

2-1-3 +.31 units

Oh how I’ve missed you.

Not off to the races by any means but I did edge out a small profit on the day. 0-0 at the half you’d like to have the under stick but the Mexico-South Africa had no business only having two goals scored. Uruguay 0-0 draw with that mess of a France team still keeps my three prop bets in good shape (South Africa under points, Uruguay to advance and the USA to advance further than Mexico.

On to Saturday’s game

South Korea-Greece over 2 +122

Nothing special behind the reasoning here. Everything about this game says under so I’ll go the other way.

Argentina-Nigeria over 2.5 -122

Styles make match ups and can’t see Nigeria trying to defend successfully against Argentina who have an issue keeping a clean sheet themselves.

England – U.S.A under 2.5 -109

Have a feeling this game is going to be a tight contest with tons of hard tackles in the midfielder. Part of me wants to think this plan will play out in the same tense fashion as the USA 1-1 against Italy in the last world cup (minus the red cards in that game.)

Record

1-0-2 +.53 units

South Africa-Mexico under 2 -109

Hopefully South Africa doesn’t decide to put on a show against Mexico cause if so even with the home crowd behind them there is little chance they can win. Keep it tight, score late and send everyone home happy.

Uruguay pk and +0.5 +105 vs France

No one knows how France are going to play today. It’s keep along time since they have played up to their talent. Uruguay on the other hand as a lot of pieces of their team I like and think they case pull off the upset.

Sorry about getting this so close to the World Cup.

It’s time to put my money where my mouth is and hope for the best. So with that below is my picks for what will happen over the next month. Lines are from pinnaclesports.com

Will 1 or more African Teams advance to Quarterfinal

Yes +106

I know in my World Cup bracket I don’t have an African team in the quarterfinals but I see two or three African teams making it to the knockout round. From there I’ll flip a coin and side on the plus money.

Will the World Cup be a first time winner

No -150

Only seven countries have won a World Cup. I’d rather side with Brazil, Argentina, Germany, England, France, Italy and Uruguay win the World Cup again than Portugal and Holland who are two of the best teams in the World Cup who haven’t won it.

Will Uruguay advance from Group A?

Yes +113

Think Uruguay will surprise a few people and pull an Ecuador in the last World Cup.

Will United States advance from Group C?

Yes -141

Juice is high but think the U.S will learn from their mistakes in the last World Cup.

Odds to Win Group D

Germany -120

People like Serbia and think they are the it team of this group. Still trust the German’s

Will Denmark advance from Group E?

No -112

Maybe I’m still bitter over how Denmark made Portugal sweat just to make it to the World Cup

Will Brazil advance from Group G?

No +686

Brazil will either make the finals or be the shock team sent home in the World Cup. Might as well swing for the fences.

How many goals will Wayne Rooney score?

over 3.5 +117

Have England sadly going far and Rooney the main reason why, Just don’t break your foot.

How many goals will Cristiano Ronaldo score?

over 2.5 +120

I’m a homer plus he takes penalties.

Who will progress further in 2010 World Cup ?

Argentina +121 over Brazil

Who will progress further in 2010 World Cup ?

USA -115 over Mexico

Brazil Total Goals scored in World Cup 2010

under 9.5 +148

Let’s hope they don’t fill North Korea with goals.

World Cup Goals Props

South Korea under 2.5 goals +104

Slovenia under 2.5 goals scored +134

Group Stage Point Props

South Africa under 3.5 in group stage -131

Urugauy points in group stage over 4 +118

A tigre (inside thing) told me Italy was going to win the World Cup. For her sake I hope she is right and I stay away from St Clair on that faithful day. Below are my picks as to who is going to win the World Cup.

Group Stage

Knockout Stages (Teams to advance in Bold)

Uruguay over Nigeria
England over Ghana
Netherlands over Paraguay
Portugal over Chile
Argentina over France
Germany over USA
Italy over Japan
Spain over Ivory Coast

Quarterfinals

England over Uruguay
Portugal over Netherlands
Germany over Argentina
Italy over Spain

Semi Finals

England over Portugal (sheds tear)
Germany over Italy

Finals (no one cares about the 3rd place game)

Germany over England

Spain

Like SI.com said in their World Cup preview there is Spain and everyone else in this group. You can even go one further and say there is Spain and everyone else in this World Cup. There is a case to be made that Spain has too much talent as everyone on this team is a big name and are use to starting week in and week out. Now half of those players have to adjust to a supporting role which isn’t easy when your use to playing the full 90 minutes. If anyone can handle a mix of superstar players it’s Vincent Del Bosque who is use to having to handle superstar players from his time coaching Real Madrid. The best thing to happen to Spain is losing to the United States in the Confederations Cup. Losing to the United States is exactly the slap to the face every top club needs once in awhile. All Vincent Del Bosque needs to do is remind Spain of that game last year and I’m sure this Spanish side won’t be taking anyone lightly afterwards. Only West Germany back in 1974 where able to follow up an European Championship with a World Cup. It will be interesting to see if Spain can match that.

Key Player - David Villa, Fernando Torres, David Silva, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, Iker Casillas. You pick one

Sinnacle Prediction – 1st in Group H

Chile

Chile is another interesting team that I’m high on.  Marcelo Bielsa who coach Agrentina in the 1998 World Cup will now see if he can lead Chile to the knockout stage.  This team should also be one of the most attractive teams to watch as they play an attacking 4-3-3 with the likes of Humberto Suazo who scored goals for fun in qualifying leading the line.  It’s always nice to have depth but in a competition like the World Cup it isn’t the end all and be all.  Chile having young exciting players in key areas like Jorge Valdivia, Alexis Sánchez, former Liverpool man Mark Gonzalez and personal favorite Matias Fernandez all able to turn heads.  I do expect Sporting’s Matias Fernandez to open up a few eyes as he will be counted on to pull the strings in midfield.   Granted I didn’t mention anyone on their back line but do belief Chile match up favourable with Honduras and while on paper it would be wise to pick Switzerland I’m going with Chile to make their country proud after having to deal with the horrible earthquake of eariler this year.

Key Player – Matias Fernandez

Sinnacle Prediction – 2nd in Group H

Switzerland

You can really flip a coin between Switzerland and Chile who are quite use to making it to the knockout rounds of the World Cup but even with Ottmar Hitzfeld behind the bench just don’t see them making it into the knockout stage.  When with good results like a draw against Italy this team does nothing for me which may work to their advantage as the likes of Spain won’t be geared up to face Switzerland but as mentioned above just don’t see Spain overlook any team and Chile will be playing with an extra chip on their shoulder which is the reason I see Switzerland not making the knockout round.

Key Player – Alexander Frei – Report of Alexander Frei limping out of training can’t be seen as good news.  This team needs to find goals from somewhere and it will be Frei who will again be counted on to score goals for Switzerland in international competition.

Sinnacle Prediction – 3rd in Group H

Honduras

Talk about a team who should be happy to be in the World Cup.  Hell they should give the United States Jonathan Bornstein a national hoiliday as his last minute goal against Costa Rica lifted Honduras to the World Cup.  As mentioned previously new countries to the World Cup rarely make a slasph and I’m adding Honduras to the list.  While they have players who have succeeded in Europe like David Suazo, Maynor Figueroa, and Wilson Palacios to go along with Amado Guevara and Carlos Pavon who have had success in MLS just can’t see this team do anything but roll over in the 1st round.

Key Player -   Wilson Palacios – Honduras will need the Tottenham hardman to be fit if they have any chance of advancing from this group.

Sinnacle Prediction – 4th in Group H

Portugal

To be honest I didn’t want to make any predictions on this group for reasons that don’t need to be explained.  After being lucky to even make it to the World Cup most people are keeping a eye on Portugal but most aren’t picking them to repeat their 2006 showing of making it to the semi finals.  With that in mind Portugal plays well when not under pressure plus there are of ton of Portuguese fans from across Africa cheering Portugal on which will almost much it like they are playing at home.  The things I do like about this Portuguese side is they don’t conced many goals which I hope continues come World Cup time.  Giving up five goals in 12 qualfying games (three of those 5 goals coming in one game) is a ratio even Italy would be proud to boast.  Carlos Queiroz hasn’t exactly won over many people leading up until to the World Cup but there is little doubt he puts on a very organzied side out there with the interesting trio of Ricardo Carvalho, Bruno Alves and the returning Pepe making an interesting triangle in front of goal.  Portugal did lose Nani to injury which isn’t the best of news but it was doubtful he would start as Queiroz perfers Siamo and Cristiano Ronaldo on the wings as Siamo will at least track back.  Players like Danny and Fábio Coentrão will pick up the slack from the subs bench.  On the subject of Cristiano Ronaldo who is a very interesting wild card as I have no clue what will happen but an important chapter in the career of Cristiano Ronaldo will be interest in the coming month.  Will Ronaldo play with a chip on his shoulder after having to see Lionel Messi become the best player in the world and his club team Real Madrid go without any titles this season or will Ronaldo display the form where due to injuries and playing in a different setup Ronaldo won’t play up to the standard he does on club level?  I’m most likely crazy but I do believe Portugal will win this group. (at least they will advance) Brazil is the perfect big club for them to face against.  Portugal does not fall into the Brazil aura,  unlike most teams Portugal rightly or wrongly considers Brazil an equal. Take away the 6-2 friendly defeat of two years ago where Portugal travelled to Brazil in mid season for a friendly where they were basically thrown to the wolves and Portugal has had success against Portugal winning 2-0 in London in Feb 2008 which should be the game used when looking at how these teams match up.

Key Player – Liedson -  It’s too easy to say Ronaldo.  Liedson will need to prove he isn’t a Pauleta clone who will score against weak teams but be held in check against the top clubs if Portugal are to go far.  Depending on your midfield to get you goals will only get you so far.

Sinnacle Prediction – 1st in Group G

Ivory Coast

Didier Drogba breaking his arm has thrown this already confusing group into  choas as no one yet knows Drogba’s status.  It would still be foolish to write off Ivory Coast chances without Drogba when you look at a lineup which features the likes of Salomon Kalou, Gervinho, Didier Zokora, Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure, and Guy Demel.  This team is big, is fast and is built to handle playing at high altitude.  My favorite part of this team is the fact it’s being coached by Sven Goran Eriksson who recent expressed his sercet love for Liverpool once that job became open.  Despite not having the best of records against Portugal or Brazil, Sven does have his teams well prepared. 

Key Body Part -   Didier Drogba elbow

Sinnacle Prediction – 2nd in Group G

Brazil 

Yes I am picking Brazil to bow out in the first round to the shock of many and I’m sure many of you are thinking I’m a moron.  Truthfully I see it going one of two ways.  Either Dunga men will give a finger to the Brazilian press like the Scolari 2002 side did and make it to the World Cup finals or they will crash and burn early in the World Cup.  Dunga being hurt does muddle things a lot but I’m still going to stick with my first decision in picking Brazil to be the shock country who fail to advance.  Despite being unpopular in Brazil you have to give Dunga credit for doing things his way.  If he is going to fail or suceed as a coach it’s going to be through his methods.  Not many coaches can say that with all the politics in world football.  You would think having won the Copa America and Confederations Cup would cut Dunga some slack but no he seems to be public emeny number one with the Brazilan press over not calling up Santos pair Neymar and Paulo Henrique and hate mail from Nike over not picking Ronaldinho.  Dunga again to his credit has sign his job as the National coach isn’t to be along young players as he needs to win now or else he finds himself out of a job.  The players Dunga has called upon are a mix of winners like Maicon, Lucio, Dani Alves, Gilberto Silva to go along with players like Robinho, Elano, Robinho, and Luis Fabiano who raise their games everytime they seem to put on the yellow jersey.   

So with that way is Brazil going to fail?  Already mentioned how the Portugal is a bad match up for them as both teams now play a counter attacking style which Portugal has played for longer.  The Ivory Coast match is the wild card here even without Drogba can see Ivory Coast picking up a point and with Portugal winning the last game in this group it could be enough for Ivory Coast to advance. 

Key Player -  Kaka -  No I wasn’t going to write a preview on Brazil without mentioning Kaka.  It will be interesting to see if Kaka can shrug off a rough first season with Real Madrid and lead this team to World Cup Glory.

Sinnacle Prediction – 3rd in Group G

North Korea 

I know nothing about this country from a football point a view.  The brief times I have seen them they play 10 behind the ball trying to keep a clean sheet at all times.  The other three games in this group will be looking to score a boatload of goals against North Korea in case goal for/against comes into play.  Also love the fact that North Korea tried to sneak an extra striker as the 3rd goalie.  Hope they don’t take a point but I have a feeling they may grab a point from somewhere,  just hope it isn’t against Portugal who have trouble scoring goals.  

 Sinnacle Prediction – 4th in Group F