World Cup Football - Saturday

By Nishant Joshi

South Korea vs Greece



12th June 12:30 GMT
ITV1 (12:00-14:35), ITV HD (12:00-14:35), STV HD (12:00-14:35), RTE Two (12:00-14:35)

Arguably the two most defensive sides in the tournament start off Saturday in what is likely to be the cagiest match of the World Cup group stages. Both sides will probably quite happily settle for the draw, but this should really be a low-scoring affair. Take under 1.5 goals at odds-against. Expect either team to park the metaphorical bus if they go ahead.

England vs USA



12th June 19:30 GMT
ITV1 (18:15-21:45), ITV HD (18:15-21:45), STV HD (19:00-22:00), RTE Two (19:00-22:00)

England
Algeria
Slovenia
Yanks

This was the red-top headline when the draw was announced in December. USA will not roll over for England, and in my opinion they could actually be huge dark horses for this tournament. They nearly won the Confederations Cup in South Africa last year, beating Spain in the semi-final but squandering a 2-0 lead against Brazil at the last hurdle. They are a force to be reckoned with and have an abundance of Premier League experience. In terms of team spirit and organisation, I can't see many teams bettering USA - including England. USA are a very resolute team under Bob Bradley and are bursting with heart with players such as Landon Donovan, who sounds like he should be playing the role of an extra on Beverly Hills 90210.

Losing Rio Ferdinand will be a blow to England but it really shouldn't affect their chances too much. Ledley King has been one of the best defenders in the country for a long time anyway, so as long as his knee holds up I can't see it making a great deal of difference. I expect this match to start pretty tight, and would be surprised if either team pressed in the first half. England know that a draw against USA wouldn't be a terrible result, but from a betting point of view they just don't seem to send a message to the other teams during the group stages. Remember that insipid 2-0 victory over Trinidad & Tobago courtesy of two late goals?

0-0 at half-time is certainly the play here.

NJ's Bets:

Under 1.5 goals South Korea/Greece - 2pts @ 2.3 (Betfair)

0-0 Half-time England/USA - 3pts @ 2.98 (Betfair)

Nishant Joshi