International
2009-06-18 - Egypt vs Italy
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
Football: International, FIFA Confederations Cup
Thursday 18th June 2009 - Kickoff 19:30
Egypt (FIFA Rank 40)
Sometimes after I've watch a game I am surprised to read what the "general public" and professional journolists think about a match.
Such it was with Egypt v Brazil, where Egypt did give a good account of themselves, but could hardly be described as "unlucky to lose", and the fuss being made over an obvious handball and penalty is absolutely crazy.
Egypt's "defence" that the 4th official must have used a TV replay to advise the referee and therefore the penalty is outside the rules is so hypocritical that it's funny. The defender cheated - the correct decision was made (via technology or otherwise) - and justice was done. And I'm not just saying that because I had money on Vrazil to win either.
As for the game itself, Egypt are naive at the back, defend poorly at set pieces, but counter attack well, with striker Mohamed Zidan showing the benefit of playing for four years in the Bundesliga.
Italy (FIFA Rank 4)
Italy made hard work of getting past a 10-man US side, and that foul on Gattuso that saw Ricardo Clark sent off was hardly worth a red card (perhaps another case for using a TV replay perhaps?).
However, in the second half when Italy regained their poise, it was clear that the Azzurri had the technique and skills to hold the United States at bay - and even extend their lead.
Sure, Italy's performance was not overly convincing, but when have the Italian national side ever start a tournament quickly?
I expect to see them improve with every game.
Possible Teams
El Hadari
H. Said, Gomaa, I. Said, Moawad
Shawky, Hassan, Fathi, Rabou, Treika
Zidan
Italy
Buffon
Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso
Gattuso, Pirlo, De Rossi
Rossi
Gilardino, Iaquinta
The Betting Verdict
Italy will not allow Egypt the time and space that a lack-lustre Brazil did - and I do not expect to see Italy allow any chances on the counter attack either.
On the flip side, the Azzurri are set-piece masters, and Egypt appear to have a significant weakness defending set-pieces ... so that seems a match-up sure to result in a goal or two.
The Pick :
Egypt 0-2 Italy (maybe 0-1)
