Special Edition: The Golden Nuggets World Cup 2010 - Second Round Part 2

By Sports Magician

Holland v Slovakia



Monday June 28th 15.00 (GMT)

The Dutch have eased their way into the competition and were able to win their group without ever needing to push through the gears. The return to fitness of Arjen Robben will provide them with that added spark and zest that was missing slightly during the group stage. Slovakia stunned the Italians 3-2 to knock the World Champions out of the tournament, but in truth, Slovakia have been disappointing in South Africa. They were devoid of ideas against New Zealand and comprehensively outplayed by Paraguay. Their victory over Italy said more about the demise of this Italian side than the emergence of Slovakia. Holland shouldn't have too many problems putting away inferior opposition, this is exactly the kind of team the Dutch have been beating for fun over the past couple of years.

PICK: 4*(ASIAN HANDICAP) HOLLAND (-1) BEAT SLOVAKIA @ 1.85 (BET 365)


Brazil v Chile



Monday June 28th 19.30 (GMT)

South America have dominated the 2010 World Cup and it's a shame these two sides have to meet so early in the knock-out phase. Chile could quite easily have made the last eight or better with a kinder draw but Marcelo Bielsa's side are likely to be carved up by the ruthless counter attack of the Brazilians. The story of the two matches they placed in qualification was as follows; Chile played the better football, Brazil converted a higher percentage of their chances. The same scenario looks set to repeat itself. Chile are also hampered by three suspensions, most notably to Gary Medel and Walter Ponce. The return of Carlos Carmona, and Argentine-born Matias Fernandez, will help matters but Medel's absence is vital. An entertaining match is in store, but Chile just don't make enough use of the chances they create and Brazil rarely need a second invitation to put the knife in.

PICK: 4*BRAZIL BEAT CHILE @ 1.57 (VC BET)


Paraguay v Japan



Tuesday June 29th 15.00 (GMT)

Paraguay pose a difficult challenge for Japan on Tuesday as the South Americans are so hard to break down. Of the South American sides left in the competition Paraguay are by far the most defensive minded. Due to the absence of Salvador Cabanas they effectively play without a playmaker and thus they have looked short on ideas going forward. That being said, this is the kind of match where Paraguay are noted for grinding out a low scoring victory and for that reason we will back the South Americans to move on to the last eight by virtue of either a one or two goal victory.

PICK: 2*(CORRECT SCORE) PARAGUAY BEAT JAPAN 1-0 @ 6.50 (VC BET)

PICK: 1.5*(CORRECT SCORE) PARAGUAY BEAT JAPAN 2-0 @ 9.50 (SKY BET / BODOG)


Spain v Portugal



Tuesday June 29th 19.30 (GMT)

Golazo, golazo, golazo. Statistically this match states that goals will be at a premium. Portugal have a wonderful defensive record over the past 18 months and Spain are so rarely troubled at the back by virtue of manipulating the ball for the majority of matches. That being said, Portugal haven't often come up against an offensive force such as Spain, and likewise Spain haven't often come up against a side who can keep the ball almost as well as them allied with searing pace down the wings. Sergio Ramos and Joan Capdevilla are the weak spots that Portugal will attempt to expose and they should have some joy in doing so.

The match should have a fluent tempo and if the referee is able to allow the game to flow then we could be in store for a wonderful game with plenty of chances.

PICK: 2*SPAIN/PORTUGAL TOTAL MATCH GOALS OVER 2.5 @ 2.75 (WILLIAM HILL)

Sports Magician