World Cup 2nd Semi Final Germany vs Spain

For those who followed my post last night and won on the DRAW-HOLLAND WIN and Holland to win in 90 mins you can afford it even if I am wrong tonight. A slight twist from last night's predictions.


It’s too late to bet at normal outlets but you can visit the live betting outlets if you believe in what I am tipping(caveat emptor clause applies).
Even though Spain are favourites in some markets I will stake my reputation that Spain will not win in 90 mins. The Asian market has shifted from level ball last night to quarter ball(ie level and half ball handicap but wiining $2.10 for Spain and only $1.80 for a German win. This is a sign that bookies are trying to entice and cajole the punter to put their money on a Spain win in 90 mins which I strongly suggest that this will not happen. Their service will be fantastic when they hear you want a bet on Spain and very tardy if they hear that you want a bet on Germany according to market rumours. The big.small market is 2.25 suggesting a zero goals to to 2 goals result at 90 mins. For the Newpaper Challenge I would take zero goals and 2 goals.

My recommendation is to take a big bet on Germany to qualify for the finals at $1.80 (not the same as Germany to win in 90 mins at $2.30(…Bet type 13 and match 3408 on Pools coupon).This is the safest best and should constitute more than 50% of your outlay...suggest at 60%

Medium bet on Draw at 90 mins at $3.40. This is also my official prediction for the Newpaper Challenge. Both Eric Ding and Gary Lim have tipped similar results leaving Brian Miller a clear outright winner if Germany wins in 90 mins. If the score ends at 1-1 it will be a 3 way tie between the 3 of us. I can only edge them if the score is scoreless.. While similar in my assessment to the Newpaper boys I hope my recommendation on the Germany to qualify for the next round bet gives STARSTATZRACING readers an edge over Newpaper readers and I will hit the jackpot in tipping by winning on 4 separate bet types if the score remains scoreless(equivalent of a hole in one for golf or tipping a direct quartet for a $2 investment in Horseracing)

Small bet on Draw-Draw for the HT/FT at $5.50. . This is also my offical prediction for the Newpaper challenge

Token $5 bet on 0 goals at 9-1 odds.

Token $5 bet(optional) on 1-1 result at 7-1 odds

In summary I expect a draw at 90 mins and Germany to win after that(possible Germany may win in 90 mins).

If you need serious soccer tactical reasons here are some for serious cosmetic reasons. I believe this World Cup has been affected by the Jabulani ball making dribbling and close control a problem especially for skilled players...try trapping a ball passed at pace and to keep it under control with one touch. The ball make distance shots, free kicks and bumbling goalkeepers commonplace. Germany I believe are more accustomed to the new ball (or at least have adapted better and faster to the nuances and characteristics of the new ball). The German coach is no slouch either and I heard he prepares the players with a full dossier on the opposition much like Mourinho. The Germans play for each other and run well into space and play as a unit although they will miss Mueller badly but have a solid defence and play on the counter attack. The German goalkeeper has made mincemeat of the Press saying he is suspect in the air but he is well protected by the central defence and courageous enough to come off his line when required and Spain strikers are not blessed with height to make it a serious issue. Past finalists have done well in subsequent World Cups.

I am well aware of Spain's winning record agaainst Germany but the actual players makes it a new ball game. Torres has been misfiring(due to the long English season and his niggling injuries which he has yet to overcome) and in poor form to date. Is the coach brave enough to drop Torres to the bench in favour of Dasilva? Although David Villa is in scintillating form he alone cannot finish the job with the German stoppers in close attendance. Iker Casillas despite his lack of height is a more distinguished goalkeeper compared to the German keeper but the edge will only be seen clearly if it reaches the dreaded penalty kicks but the Germans should complete the job before then but hopefully after 90 mins so we can get a chance to collect on 4 bet types.

I hope I can collect another couple of winning coupons to match my 2006 World Cup feat of 4 wins in the last 4 matches so do look out for my post(try to post early) in the Finals and I expect the Germans being the shortest price favourites to lift the Cup in t 2.20 to 2.60 range to make short work of the individualistic skills of the Dutch who have the flair but not so close knit teamwork as the Germans. Depending on the odds I will decide if they can do it in 90 mins(more likely but final decision later) or not. Anybody can be wise after the results are known but tipping is a thankless task if you do remain consistent(cannot avoid the odd lapse). An indication of our chances in the 1st half wild shots going wide and way over the bar or direct shots at goal will not be easy but let's hope for the best for a quiet 90 mins and reserve our cheering of Wunderbar after 90 mins. Good Luck! (Time posted 0030 hrs Singapore time 2 hours before the start of match).