Yeah, definitely.
There's a great analysis on the Vietnam/Iraq match here:
http://forum.bettingadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=66294
Sums it up better than I could. Big part of taking Iraq and the Over is that the game will be played in Bangkok. Vietnam won't have the terrific home support. That is arguably one of the reasons why they have performed above expectations. Add to that a spate of losses through injuries, and their main playmaker leaving the squad to GET MARRIED... Iraq have performed really well, and from all the reports/forums I've read, they play a very good passing game. I hope they get the big win. I took those lines early because they presented very good value, and I was expecting them to move soon. The Iraq -1 line is now at - 1,-1.5 and the odds for the over 2.5 are decreasing.
Having said all that, anything can happen in this crazy tournament.
incidentally, this is an article from FIFA's site regarding yesterday's incident w/ the Chilean squad.
All 21 members of Chile's U-20 squad were detained but later released by Canadian police in the wake of their 3-0 defeat to Argentina in the semi-final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Toronto last night, a FIFA spokesperson told a press conference today.
"There was an incident between the Chilean players and the police in front of the stadium, which is currently being investigated by all the parties involved. The 21 players were detained and later released," said John Schumacher, FIFA's spokesperson at the tournament.
The spokesman for world football's governing body did not give any details of the altercation, which happened as the players were making their way to the team bus after a semi-final defeat that ended with Chile reduced to nine men, which left them aggrieved.
"The incident is being investigated by FIFA, the (local) Organising Committee, the police and the Chilean Federation. It will take some time for the different parties to prepare their versions of events, and for these to be examined," added Schumacher. The spokesman also stated that the police are in the process of preparing a report on the incident, but that, at present, no charges have been brought against any of the players.
"We're not in a position to offer any more details. The 21 players were taken to a room in the stadium so the situation could de-escalate. Later the entire Chilean delegation were there. All I can say is that they were there and the situation was under control," said Schumacher
All 21 members of Chile's U-20 squad were detained but later released by Canadian police in the wake of their 3-0 defeat to Argentina in the semi-final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Toronto last night, a FIFA spokesperson told a press conference today.
"There was an incident between the Chilean players and the police in front of the stadium, which is currently being investigated by all the parties involved. The 21 players were detained and later released," said John Schumacher, FIFA's spokesperson at the tournament.
The spokesman for world football's governing body did not give any details of the altercation, which happened as the players were making their way to the team bus after a semi-final defeat that ended with Chile reduced to nine men, which left them aggrieved.
"The incident is being investigated by FIFA, the (local) Organising Committee, the police and the Chilean Federation. It will take some time for the different parties to prepare their versions of events, and for these to be examined," added Schumacher. The spokesman also stated that the police are in the process of preparing a report on the incident, but that, at present, no charges have been brought against any of the players.
"We're not in a position to offer any more details. The 21 players were taken to a room in the stadium so the situation could de-escalate. Later the entire Chilean delegation were there. All I can say is that they were there and the situation was under control," said Schumacher
hm2.0, two players have missed the tournament because of their wedding... It was too soon to cancel. The player never thought Vietnam would get out of the group stage, and now the coach doesn't want to call him back as he'd have to cancel the wedding, and uninvite all the guests...
That Chile U20 thing is pretty crazy... Anyone see the match? Were they completely screwed?
Jdigae, I've gotta go... but just to quickly add, Australia have been awful this tournament. The team is apparently in very bad shape, and the coach is getting slated by the Aussie public and press. I hate the Aussie team, and seeing them lose is even better as I get to insult the shit out of the Aussie mates I have. Particularly after that loss to Iraq. They were pretty much schooled. But that's my emotions getting into it. Japan are probably the most talented side in the cup. Do a couple of searches on Australia Asian Cup on Google News, and you'll probably see some of the criticism or backlash against them in the match reports/articles. These tournaments are always funny though because teams playing badly like the Aussies can sometimes start to find form, and end up winning the whole thing...
That Chile U20 thing is pretty crazy... Anyone see the match? Were they completely screwed?
Jdigae, I've gotta go... but just to quickly add, Australia have been awful this tournament. The team is apparently in very bad shape, and the coach is getting slated by the Aussie public and press. I hate the Aussie team, and seeing them lose is even better as I get to insult the shit out of the Aussie mates I have. Particularly after that loss to Iraq. They were pretty much schooled. But that's my emotions getting into it. Japan are probably the most talented side in the cup. Do a couple of searches on Australia Asian Cup on Google News, and you'll probably see some of the criticism or backlash against them in the match reports/articles. These tournaments are always funny though because teams playing badly like the Aussies can sometimes start to find form, and end up winning the whole thing...
1-1 (-0.1)
2007 YTD: 212-190-31 (+19.04)
Iraq win 2-0, but the over loses. I saw the last 15 minutes of the match and read a bit more about the rest. Vietnam were so terrible that Iraq got pretty arrogant. They didn't play well as they got selfish attempting spectacular backheels/flicks/long shots when they had perfect chances to create an opening through a simple pass. Their two goals came through set pieces.
