Special Edition: The Golden Nuggets World Cup 2010 - The Final Chapter

By Sports Magician

The 2010 World Cup is one weekend away from its conclusion and we will see a new champion for the first time since 1998. Before we take a look at the two remaining matches of a competition that started slow but gradually improved, let us take a brief overview of where the Golden Nuggets stand for the 2010 World Cup. The tournament has gone fairly well for us with a current 13.32% return over investment. That figure could have been vastly improved had Argentina and/or Brazil gone beyond the last eight, with various markets we had selected them in set for a healthy return had they been able to secure two more matches in the competition. Namely the highest scoring team handicap - which Germany now look likely to win.

At present we have six pre-tournament selections pending:

David Villa Top World Cup Scorer (Each-way)

Gonzalo Higuain Top World Cup Scorer (Each-way)

Fastest goal of the tournament to come after 97 seconds (Spread)

Robin Van Persie Top Arsenal Scorer

Spain FIFA Most Entertaining Team

Argentina FIFA Most Entertaining Team

David Villa is currently tied 1st for top scorer and we will hope he can separate himself from Wesley Sneijder in the final. Gonzalo Higuain is clinging on to an each-way place. Argentina conceded the fastest goal of the tournament thus far - 158 seconds - against Germany, providing us with what would be a 6.1pt profit as it presently stands. Robin Van Persie is also set to provide us with a positive return, but we need a goal from him in the final to stop a dead-heat with Nicklas Bendtner. FIFA’s most entertaining team award is still up for grabs. Should Spain win the World Cup that may well tip the balance in their (and our) favour, while Argentina were an early neutrals favourite but will probably not be in with a realistic chance of winning having not reached the last four. Germany may well be the favourites at this stage after they put four goals past England and Argentina in the knock-out stage, although it must be said that Spain completed dominated Germany and if they go on to win the tournament it would be harsh for the Spaniards’ wonderful passing game not to be given the nod by the watching public.

Third/Fourth Place Playoff

Usually no player wants to have to play this match, but for different reasons both sides have every reason to be proud of being involved in such a match. For Uruguay, a country with a population smaller than Scotland, this represents another achievement in their football history. Two World Cups and two semi-final spots is a healthy record in the breakdown of international football, and given that this Uruguayan side finished 5th in South American qualifying, goes to show the strength and depth that South America continues to bring to world football. It’s true that Brazil eventually fell before expected and that Argentina promised so much but ultimately collapsed, but all in all this was a strong World Cup for South America, with Chile being knocked out by Brazil and Paraguay pushing the best side in the world - Spain - to the limit.

For Germany, a nation so used to success and consistency at the top level of international football, a play-off match may not seem like anything to shout about. However, let’s remember how they came into the tournament - with major doubts about how they would cope with key absences and the potential for a tough group. This young German side impressed many and will surely be a force for the foreseeable future, with so many young players coming to the fore and gaining valuable experience at World Cup level.

Luis Suarez returns to the line-up after his one match suspension and he seems overpriced to find the net in a match that should be played with a greater degree of freedom.

PICK: 3*LUIS SUAREZ TO SCORE ANYTIME @ 4.00 (SKY BET)

Final

This has been a World Cup of firsts - it’s the first time either of these nations will win the World Cup, it’s the first time a European nation will win the World Cup outside its own continent and it’s the first time a World Cup final doesn’t involve any of Argentina, Brazil, Germany or Italy. And it’s also the first time a team that lost its opening game will go on to win the World Cup. Back in March, the Golden Nuggets identified Argentina, Brazil and Spain as three sides from which the two World Cup finalists would likely come from. Spain have made good on that statement despite not playing to the level they showed at Euro 2008, but signs of their suffocating passing game returned against Germany.

Xavi and Andres Iniesta were close to their best level and Pedro Rodriguez - despite costing Spain what should have been a second goal - had an excellent game in place of the off key Fernando Torres. Holland have done ever so well to reach the final, and their record is hard to argue against. They won every match in qualification - although in many respects we must take that with a pinch of salt, as the group was woefully poor - and more importantly, have won every match at the 2010 World Cup. However, if Spain continue in the vein shown against Germany, they will win their first World Cup and they can do so without the need for extra-time or penalties.

PICK: 4*SPAIN TO BEAT HOLLAND (90 MINUTES) @ 2.10 (BET365)

Sports Magician