Special Edition: The Golden Nuggets World Cup 2010 - Second Round Part 1

By Sports magician

URUGUAY v SOUTH KOREA SATURDAY JUNE 26TH 15.00 (GMT)

Diego Forlan was the difference between Uruguay winning Group A and not even qualifying at all. Forlan is likely to be the difference again at the weekend as the knock-out competition gets underway. Playing in a front three behind Edison Cavani and long time international strike partner Luis Suarez - the ex-Manchester United forward is pulling the strings and looking lethal in the danger zone. Forlan and Suarez are always Uruguay’s greatest source of goals, and both, if not one or the other have a great chance of finding the back of the net.

PICK: 2*DIEGO FORLAN TO SCORE ANYTIME @ 2.50 (PADDY POWER)

PICK: 2*LUIS SUAREZ TO SCORE ANYTIME @ 3.00 (SPORTINGBET)


GHANA v USA SATURDAY JUNE 26TH 19.30 (GMT)

Ghana saved Africa by reaching the last sixteen in what would have been a horrible anti-climax had no African side reached the knock-out stage. At the time of writing the Ivory Coast still have a mathematical chance of qualification, but it will require a mammoth victory against North Korea coupled with a Portugal defeat to a Kaka-less Brazil. The USA came within a couple of minutes of going home in the group stage but Landon Donovon struck just when time was running out. The US deserved to qualify from Group C and that late winner ended up putting them on top of the group. With all of Africa behind Ghana the Americans will find it difficult to finish off a side that has a number of players in their squad who helped Ghana win the World Youth Cup last year. It should be tight and it may need more than 90 minutes to separate them.

PICK: 3*GHANA TO QUALIFY @ 2.10 (WILLIAM HILL)


GERMANY v ENGLAND SUNDAY JUNE 27TH 15.00 (GMT)

Well look at what we have here? Before the tournament I’d have said England would be better placed to come through a match such as this; but not anymore. England have been woeful at the World Cup, once again in a major tournament they look abysmal in possession and unable to carry the burden of expectation bestowed upon them by an unrealistic public. Germany, on the other hand, came into the tournament with a series of injuries that robbed them of their captain and instilled uncertainty as to what to expect from them. What has transpired is a fluid German side that looks confident and should have the opportunity to outplay England. It should be a great tussle, but Germany have the greater quality on the ball, and at anything above odds-on are a good bet to make it through.

PICK: 3*GERMANY TO QUALIFY @ 2.00 (LADDBROKES)


ARGENTINA v MEXICO SUNDAY JUNE 27TH 19.30 (GMT)

Lionel Messi has been stunning at this World Cup, but that’s hardly a surprise, he is the best player in the world. Messi hasn’t scored yet as Argentina banged in 7 goals during the group phase. “Pulga” hit the woodwork against South Korea and did so again against Greece, it’s just a matter of time before he strikes and the Mexicans, who aren’t great defensively, are liable to be the first victims.

PICK: 3*LIONEL MESSI TO SCORE ANYTIME @ 2.25 (CORAL)

Sports Magician