Didn't paste the beginning
World Cup Overall Record: 26-9 (1-2 with official plays)
After a string of successful picks I manage to drop my two biggest plays in the tourney. I have to be honest (as I'm known to do) and say those were very square takes not only in the sense of handicapping but betting 101. I pride myself as a pretty darn good money manager and those two picks were anything but. Both Brazil and Argentina came in with too many uncertainties for me to lay vig such as I did. Brazil had most of their midfield out and lacked the fire power in previous campaigns. Dunga brought a more European touch and not enough flair to a team that is used to run and not play defense (see Phoenix Suns). Argentina was a team also without many innovators (Messi was the only midfielder that scared anyone).
In conclusion while Holland may have gotten a lot of breaks (Brazil heading the ball in their own goal, calls going Holland's favor for the most part (see ejection), etc.) it was still a very poor play in terms of value. As for the other Germany is simply a team seemingly playing with men (even though their younger than everyone else) while others play with boys. They're filled skill, strength, enough speed, and plenty of wit. So props to them for proving me and the world how good they really were and that their previous rout was no fluke.
Enough with the past lets move on to tomorrow's match up:
The Uruguayans can be without up to 4 of their starters with Suarez, Fucille, and Lodeiro being certainties. Captain midfielder Diego Lugano is also suffering from ligament problems and may also miss the match. Note: defender Diego Godin is said to be back with the team from the latest reports I've read (he missed the Ghana game). With all these pieces out Holland becomes the predominate favorite going into this encounter. Now many may overlook the missing pieces of Uruguay but I think the Netherlands have some concerns as well with both their winder De Wiel out and their enforcer holding midfielder De Jong out. I'll make a decision on this game once I see the lineups, will Holland get "offensive" with Huntleear (forgive the spelling) or put someone like Van der Vaart or Elias.
World Cup Overall Record: 26-9 (1-2 with official plays)
After a string of successful picks I manage to drop my two biggest plays in the tourney. I have to be honest (as I'm known to do) and say those were very square takes not only in the sense of handicapping but betting 101. I pride myself as a pretty darn good money manager and those two picks were anything but. Both Brazil and Argentina came in with too many uncertainties for me to lay vig such as I did. Brazil had most of their midfield out and lacked the fire power in previous campaigns. Dunga brought a more European touch and not enough flair to a team that is used to run and not play defense (see Phoenix Suns). Argentina was a team also without many innovators (Messi was the only midfielder that scared anyone).
In conclusion while Holland may have gotten a lot of breaks (Brazil heading the ball in their own goal, calls going Holland's favor for the most part (see ejection), etc.) it was still a very poor play in terms of value. As for the other Germany is simply a team seemingly playing with men (even though their younger than everyone else) while others play with boys. They're filled skill, strength, enough speed, and plenty of wit. So props to them for proving me and the world how good they really were and that their previous rout was no fluke.
Enough with the past lets move on to tomorrow's match up:
The Uruguayans can be without up to 4 of their starters with Suarez, Fucille, and Lodeiro being certainties. Captain midfielder Diego Lugano is also suffering from ligament problems and may also miss the match. Note: defender Diego Godin is said to be back with the team from the latest reports I've read (he missed the Ghana game). With all these pieces out Holland becomes the predominate favorite going into this encounter. Now many may overlook the missing pieces of Uruguay but I think the Netherlands have some concerns as well with both their winder De Wiel out and their enforcer holding midfielder De Jong out. I'll make a decision on this game once I see the lineups, will Holland get "offensive" with Huntleear (forgive the spelling) or put someone like Van der Vaart or Elias.
