Round of 16 thoughts

[Ghostridah]

which site are you using to put parlays on teams to advance?

bodog doesnt allow it wondering which site you are using

[ImBen]

I always enjoy hearing from the people who pay my bills.

[rush66]

I haven't been paying anyones bills during this World Cup. But hey, I'm open to hear any of your picks besides commenting on other peoples posts.

[quickfetus]

I'm a huge soccer fan, but not a sports bettor. . . so take all this with a significant grain of salt. This is being written post Germany-Sweden and Argentina-Mexico.

Italy over Australia looks like a lock.
Netherlands vs. Portugal is almost uncallable, this should go to extra time. . . bet on that possibility if you can! I like Portugal; plenty of experienced players who know how to win. But again, it's terribly close.
Brazil over Ghana seems like a safe bet.
Switzerland-Ukraine is interesting; based on the form book, go with Switzerland. Sure, Ukraine can score goals, but this Swiss side has a proven track record dealing with adversity (playoff win over Turkey, several draws with France, etc.)
Spain vs. France should definitely go Spain's way; France has looked uninspired and static since Domenech took over. I can't fathom why Ludovic Giuly isn't at the World Cup, btw. Dittor for Pires. In contrast, Spain is in form, and all their stars are well-rested.
England vs. Ecuador could be close, but I don't see England blowing this one.

Hope this helps someone! What do you guys think?

[SumZero]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm a huge soccer fan, but not a sports bettor. . . so take all this with a significant grain of salt. This is being written post Germany-Sweden and Argentina-Mexico.

Italy over Australia looks like a lock.
Brazil over Ghana seems like a safe bet.

Hope this helps someone! What do you guys think?

[/ QUOTE ]

I think you are crazy if you think Italy is a lock over Australia and Brazil over Ghana is only a safe bet. Brazil over Ghana is much more likely than Italy over Australia. Australia > Ghana and Brazil >> Italy IMO.

[redsoxsalty]

what are people's thoughts on the england/ecuador game tomorrow? i, for one, am not convinced that the game is the mortal lock for england that some have made it out to be...

[SumZero]

I think England is the favorite, but certainly not a mortal lock. I probably would rate the most likely to win (going in to the round of 16) as:

1. Brazil
2. Germany
3. Argentina
4. Italy
5. England
6. Spain
7. Netherlands
8. Switzerland

But only the top 2 did I feel were near mortal locks.

[punter11235]

[ QUOTE ]
the mortal lock

[/ QUOTE ]

Is it something like "almost the nuts" in poker ? [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
EDIT: or rather "almost flush" or "almost straight"...

[Chuck_D]

[ QUOTE ]
what are people's thoughts on the england/ecuador game tomorrow? i, for one, am not convinced that the game is the mortal lock for england that some have made it out to be...

[/ QUOTE ]


I'm English, I think we'll just edge the game but as to whether this is a lock...questionable.

We are playing a new formation (4-5-1), Rooney as a lone striker (not match fit for 90min IMO), and apparently its searing 30degrees+ in Stuttgart today. Add to that England havent really overly convinced anyone yet of their quality.

I'm hopeful of us getting the victory but I see more value in the England HT/FT as I think with the heat and fitness we'll go for a quick start and hope to get a goal to defend. Ecuador dont keep possession well and we can use that to our advantage if we get the early goal to see us through.

[marbleman]

bingo.
if anybody believes in 'value' for a 5 game parlay they must also be funding the local psychiatric center