World Cup 2006 Preview - Czech Republic
Author: David Walker
Outright Odds: 33/1 Group E Winners: 9/4
The Czech Republic may be ranked by FIFA as the second best team
in the world behind Brazil and the best in Europe but they made
hard work of qualifying for the finals. Pitted against Holland
in qualifying, they lost home and away and also suffered defeat
in Romania to finish second in the group. They won both home and
away 1-0 against Norway in the play-offs to secure their place
in Germany.
Despite a nervous qualification, expectations are high this time
around for the Czech's first appearance in the finals since they
entered as Czechoslovakia in 1990. The side have not been out of
FIFA's top six since 2004 and can no longer be dubbed underdogs
or outsiders. Under their old guise they twice finished
runners-up in both 1934 and 1962 and they have the ability to go
one better this time around.
For many of the current squad, it's now or never, as the
attacking force of Tomas Galasek, Karel Poborsky, Jan Koller and
Pavel Nedved, back out of retirement, are all entering the
veteran stage of their careers. All made their mark a decade ago
as the Czech Republic surprised everyone by reaching the final
of Euro 96 and taking eventual winners Germany into extra time.
Under manager Karel Bruckner, who took charge in 2001 after a
successful spell as under-21 coach, the Czechs can be a real
force to be reckoned with. Nobody scored more goals in the
European qualifying campaign than Bruckner's side and it's
hardly surprising, given his choice of tactics.
The Czechs play a cavalier style of attacking football that can
be breathtaking to watch. Who can forget their classic Euro 2004
against Holland in which they battled back from 2-0 down to win
the match 3-2?
With Nedved, Galasek, Poborsky and Tomas Rosicky, the Czechs
boast one of the most creative midfields in international
football. Jan Koller struck nine times in qualifying to take his
tally to 40 goals in 66 appearances but he is in danger of
missing out on the finals after suffering cruciate ligament
damage in September 2005.
While almost unstoppable in attack, where the Czechs fall short
is in defence. Full backs Marek Jankulovski and Zdenek Grygera
offer plenty of attacking support from the back but are prone to
being caught out. But given their overall ability they are worth
a shout to win the tournament at long odds.
Recommended Bet: At odds greater than 2/1, the Czechs offer
much better value than Italy to win the group given their
potency in attack. According to FIFA the Czechs are Europe's top
side yet the bookmakers don't fancy their chances given the odds
on offer. At 33/1, the Czechs offer good each-way value to win
the tournament outright. Czech Republic to win Group E @ 9/4
E/W Czech Republic to win the World Cup @ 33/1
About the author:
David Walker runs a
free
World Cup bets website and written
href="http://www.betbonus.co.uk/articles/cat_index_22.php">World
Cup previews. A free 45-page World Cup guide is available
from the website and features a "free World Cup football shirt"
offer.
World Cup 2006 Preview - USA
Author: David Walker
Outright Odds: 100/1 Group E Winners: 7/1
The USA have a lot to live up to after reaching the quarter
finals four years ago but being placed in the "Group of Death"
could see their campaign in Germany fall much shorter.
As usual, the USA had a relatively easy group, with only Mexico
providing any real competition. This the fifth consecutive
finals the US are participating in, despite being much-maligned
as a capable international football team.
In 16 qualifying matches Bruce Arena's side lost just twice,
away at both Mexico and Costa Rica and secured their place in
Germany with matches to spare and topped their group ahead of
Mexico due to a better head-to-head record.
The USA may be rated eighth in the world according to the FIFA
rankings, but similar to Mexico, the sheer number of games they
play against sub-standard opposition means they are perhaps
artificially high. Arena could afford to field a reserve team
for the final two matches and still win the group. The bookies
are under no illusions and rate them as 100/1 (Bet365) outsiders
to win the tournament outright, top 10 in the world or not.
Like Italy, the USA may also suffer from a lack of stability.
While Claudio Reyna is the first-choice captain, no less than
seven players wore the armband during qualifying.
However, if they can get past this then Arena can rely on a
vastly experienced team to try and negotiate their way into the
second round. While 164-cap Cobi Jones has finally retired, the
US have another centurion in Reyna while Kasey Keller, Brian
McBride and Eddie Pope are all veterans of previous World Cup
campaigns. Even striker Landon Donovan, at 23-years-old, boasts
over 70 caps.
Despite struggling to make the grade in Europe, Donovan remains
the USA's most potent threat. Now playing as a midfield
playmaker and back in his homeland with Los Angeles Galaxy, he
racked up six goals in qualifying and created as many for others.
There may not, however, be a place for 16-year-old sensation
Freddy Adu. The DC United striker could be representing Ghana in
this year's finals but pledged his international future to the
USA.
Recommended Bet: This is an exceptionally tough group for the
USA to negotiate, especially since they do not play top class
European opposition very often. This could well be the type of
group where everyone takes points from everyone else, but Bruce
Arena's side best chance of success comes in their final group
game against Ghana. At odds-against, the USA look a sound bet
but even victory here may not be enough to make it to the last
16. USA to beat Ghana @ 6/5
About the author:
David Walker runs a
free
World Cup bets website and written
href="http://www.betbonus.co.uk/articles/cat_index_22.php">World
Cup previews. A free 45-page World Cup guide is available
from the website and features a "free World Cup football shirt"
offer.
Who Will Win The Fifa World Cup?Who Will Win The Fifa World Cup?
By Steve Hill
Many people, including myself are starting to look forward to the world cup of football. The question many people are asking is who is likely to win the tournament? In this article, I give my own viewpoint on this subject and discuss some of the likely contenders (teams) who could win.
The world cup finals are being held in Germany and it promises to be a very exciting and entertaining event. The tournament which only takes place every four years is in my opinion the biggest sporting event which takes place. It means everything to all of the players taking part as well as to the supporters.
Potential winners of the football world cup
Germany
The hosts Germany are always a big threat in the world cup and have an outstanding record in the tournament. The team seems to peak at just the right time and as they are playing on home soil, they must have a great chance. I personally believe though that Germany will be knocked out in the quarter-finals. I think that their best player is Micheal Ballack.
France
The French team have had an outstanding decade and still boast some of the best players in the world. Players like Henry can turn a game in an instant and he is just one of a few players which I could mention.
France should do well but I do not believe have enough to win the tournament.
Holland
I must say that Holland are one team which I love to watch playing football. They approach the game in the right way and their supporters make it a very colourful occasion.
Despite having many top players, Holland always seem to flatter to deceive and this could well be the case this year.
If my home team of England does not win the world cup, I would love to see the Dutch lift the trophy.
Spain
Spain in a way are very much like Holland in that they always seem to fall short despite having many superb players.
On their day the Spanish team can beat the best in the world and should come close this year.
I personally believe that Spain will be knocked out in a penalty shoot out, this is what normally happens to them.
Portugal
After just failing to win the European football championship, Portugal with their Brazilian manager Scolari, will be hoping to go one better in the world cup. It came as quite a shock when Greece beat them in the Final two years ago and this defeat might play on their minds when the pressure is on.
England
Being from England myself, I am obviously hoping that my home nation can lift the trophy for the first time since 1966.
England certainly have enough talent in the team but something always seems to go wrong.
Wayne Rooney has the potential of being the best player at the world cup and if he can stay fit, England will have a great chance.
I personally believe that the English will be eliminated in the semi-finals.
Italy
The Italians have a number of superb footballers but my only concern for them is that they do not always play as a team.
I believe that they should have won a lot more tournaments over the last twenty years and I do not think that they will win this year either.
Brazil
Brazil are by far and away the best team in the tournament. This is my tip for the team which should win the Fifa world cup.
To win the tournament you require something a little bit special and Brazil certainly have that.
The only way I can see them not winning is if they have a bad run of injuries or a series of red cards. Both of these are highly unlikely.
I hope you all enjoy watching the world cup as much as I will, so lets sit back and enjoy this summer of football.
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