International
2009-06-14 - South Africa vs Iraq
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
Football: International, FIFA Confederations Cup
Sunday 14th June 2009 - Kickoff 15:00
South Africa's on field preparations for the 2010 World Cup begin in earnest this weekend with the hosting of the 2009 Confederations Cup.
South Africa (FIFA Rank 74)
South Africa have a huge weight of responsibility on their shoulders, as they host Africa's first major football tournament, and prepare for the World Cup in a years time.
However, on the pitch doubts are being raised as to whether the Bafana Bafana can compete at this top level, and even with a very weak Confederations Cup "draw", there is significant doubt as to whether the side can progress.
Failing to reach hte 2006 World Cup in Germany, and the CAF African Cup of Nations Angola 2010, the feeling is that this South African team lacks the talent to compete well at top level.
So a good run here would boost confidence, and this first match holds the key to qualification for both Iraq and South Africa, with Spain looking to be too strong, and New Zealand likely to finish bottom of the group - so a win in this match for either side would be a huge step.
South Africa coach Joel Santana held a pre-match conference, and talked about all the hard work that has been done and that the team was enjoying "hosting the party".
It's as if he's trying to talk down expectations at this stage.
Previous Form
Jun 06 2009 - W 1-0 H v Poland (Friendly)
May 30 2009 - W 2-0 H v Mauritius (Friendly)
Mar 31 2009 - L 0-2 N v Portugal (Friendly)
Mar 28 2009 - W 2-1 H v Norway (Friendly)
Feb 11 2009 - L 0-2 H v Chile (Friendly)
Iraq (FIFA Rank 85)
Iraq's surprise win in the 2007 Asian Cup has earned the "Aces" a spot at the Confederations Cup, but Iraq remain an inconsistant side, and were eliminated from the 2010 World Cup qualifying before the final group stage.
Still, Iraq are a talented young team with the youngest average squad age at this tournament at just 24 years, and many of this team were in the Olympic side that surprised by reaching the last four of the Olympic Games at Athens 2004.
Recent poor results have resulted in a change of coach with the much travelled Bora Milutinovic taking charge in April. Mulutinovic has lead five different teams at FIFA World Cup finals and he has the skills to get the best out of his players to take the team to a level where they can compete against some of the regions best sides.
Previous Form
Jun 09 2009 - D 1-1 N v Poland (Friendly)
May 31 2009 - L 0-1 A v Qatar (Friendly)
Mar 28 2009 - L 1-2 A v South Korea (Friendly)
Mar 22 2009 - D 0-0 A v Saudi Arabia (Friendly)
Jan 10 2009 - D 1-1 N v Kuwait (Gulf Cup)
The Betting Verdict
A fascinating opening match, with South Africa desperate to impress, but still only looking like a half finished outfit.
In manager Mulutinovic, Iraq have an extremely astute football brain, and his presence will do a lot to counter balance the home advantage of the African side.
One element that MIGHT be a factor could be the weather. It's winter in South Africa and if it rained in Johannesburg then it could favour the home side. But the forecast is for four days of clear weather and temperatures of 17C-19C.
When Iraq won the Asian Cup they did it with several draws, and tight defending that only conceded two goals in six games, and I'm expecting to see a similar pattern this time too.
The Pick :
South Africa 1-1 Iraq
BEST BETTING TIP :
I see the DRAW as an extremely well priced option.Another good option is UNDER 2.5 GOALS.
