International
2009-06-24 - Spain vs United States
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
Football: International, FIFA Confederations Cup
Wednesday 24th June 2009 - Kickoff 19:30
Spain (FIFA Rank 1)
Spain made several changes for the final group game against South Africa, with every member of the squad bar third goalkeeper Diego Lopez now having played, so manager Vicente del Bosque should field his strongest line-up once more.
Iker Casillas returns in goal, while Xabi Alonso and Xavi will reclaim the central-midfield reins. Up front the deadly strike pair of David Villa and Fernando Torres will continue.
Spain have not been pushed so far, that's not unexpected as the "draw" for the groups was quite uneven with South Africa, Iraq and New Zealand arguably the weakest three sides in this competition.
United States (FIFA Rank 14)
The United States pulled off an amazing turnaround in the final round of group games, overcoming a six goal difference in the standings with a 3-0 win over Egypt, while Italy were being beaten 0-3 by Brazil.
A goal by either Egypt or Italy at any stage would have been enough to knock the US side out, but somehow the American's managed their great escape and unlikely qualification - which at one stage was priced up at 700/1 on Betfair.
The US coach Bob Bradley is talking up the chances of his side, but given the 1-3 loss to Italy, and 0-3 drubbing by Brazil, this seems to me to be a lot of rhetoric rather than rational reasoning.
The Betting Verdict
The United States will work hard, they will chase and they will tackle, but it's likely that Spain will dominate possession and goal chances in this match.
At this top level it is very hard to beat the technical skill of the top sides, and frequently a side making so many tackles will eventually make a mis-timed challenge or two and the possibility of another red card for the US side is there.
In the end - I feel that the Spanish have too much talent - and they are very likely winners.
The Pick :
Spain 2-0 United States (maybe 1-0)
BEST BETTING TIP :
SPAIN should win - but the prices reflect the chances and are low.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
I'll take SPAIN to beat the -1.5 goal handicap.
