International
2009-06-20 - Spain vs South Africa
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
Football: International, FIFA Confederations Cup
Saturday, 20th June 2009 - Kickoff 19:30
OK, if you don't like conspiracy theories then you might as well ignore this preview, as it will just make you angry. but be warned as I do not expect Spain to win their final group game.
Sepp Blatter's personal mission to bring the World Cup to Africa, and to insist that the cup will continue in South Africa regardless of facilities and security risks means that there is a lot of "political risk" invested in this tournament.
That means that the last thing that Blatter and FIFA want to see is empty stadiums for the Semi-Final or Final which is exactly what might happen if Spain turned up in a mood to thump the Bafana Bafana.
South Africa's performances so far have been mediocre at best, and a heavy defeat against Spain would mean that the hosts would risk elimination at this stage if Iraq beat New Zealand.
So, the solution has to be that South Africa will take a point from this group game against Spain - and thus ensure qualification for the hosts for the knockout stages.
I'm not sure exactly what Spain will get in return for this "favour", but I will be taking a close look at the draw for the 2010 World Cup finals - and I don't expect to see the Spaniards anywhere near a "group of death".
Already the press releases are going out on the FIFA website that Spain might make as many as EIGHT changes from the side that played against Iraq - softening up the public for the idea of a weak Spanish side.
The Betting Verdict
Football at the top level is about prestige and political power, and in situations like this where the game is "dead" for one side we often see a convienient result that suits the wishes of the ruling body.
Whether the players are in on the "arrangement" is a moot point, but I expect to see a significantly weaker Spain line-up, and I also expect to see both sets of teams play a casual game - quite happy to accept a 0-0 draw.
I do not beleive that Spain will accept a defeat here, and I don't think that they will push too hard to win either, so what result is left?
Ah - the DRAW.
The Pick :
Spain 0-0 South Africa (or 1-1)
