International
2009-06-17 - Spain vs Iraq
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
Football: International, FIFA Confederations Cup
Wednesday 17th June 2009 - Kickoff 15:00 GMT
Spain (FIFA Rank 1)
Spain were very impressive in the first twenty-five minutes of their game against New Zealand powering to a 4-0 lead at the break, and then scoring again early in the second half. It was a cake walk for the European champions who could easily have scored more.
Iraq (FIFA Rank 85)
Iraq's battling defensive performance against South Africa - and the fact that they successfully earned a point was no surprise to me - especially with master tactician Bora Milutinovic in charge.
But there is a limit to Bora's magic, and in the past we've seen that even superb tactics are no match when facing a side that is totally domiminant.
Possible Line-up :
Casillas
Ramos, Albiol, Puyol, Capdevila
Fabregas, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Riera
Torres, Villa
Iraq
Kassid
Kareem, Abbas, Majeed, Shaker
Jassim, Akram, Sadir, Karim, Hawar
Mahmoud
The Betting Verdict
Look for Iraq to defend in numbers, that 4-5-1 formation will turn into a 4-6-0 pretty quickly as Spain will dominate possession.
This will not be as easy as the match against New Zealand, as Iraq are quicker, and more talented and will be seeking to keep the scoreline low from the start as goal difference may be the key to qualification.
I could easily see Spain sitting back after going two goals up.
The Pick :
Spain 2-0 Iraq (maybe 3-0)
BEST BETTING TIP :
Sure SPAIN are obvious favourites to win but the prices are very low as the bookmakers seek to minimise payouts. Not a recommended bet.One angle may be to snap up Bet365 odds of 1.57 on Fernando Torres to score anytime - but who knows how long he will be on the park with other games to come.
I see no other obvious betting angle unless you favour an X/1 HT-FT bet at 6.00 at Victor Chandler beleiving that Iraq might hold out until HT? It's a risky play.
