Confederation Cup Matches 18/19th June

[Kiko]

[Kiko]

No real value in backing Argentina or Germany. I fancy both to win but i can see them scraping through like in their last games.

Brazils odds are quite short but i will be on them. They took Greece apart 3-0 and put in a top performance also with Adriano showing his worth up front, scoring a goal and holding up and linking play very well.

Mexico's style will suit Brazil much more as with Greece, they sat back and let Brazil come onto them whereas Mexico are quite an attacking side which will expose space for the Brazilians to break into and cause problems.

They have played 32 games with Brazil winners 19 times, 6 draws and 7 wins to the Mexicans. Mexico have had a decent record in recent years with Brazil and did beat them 4-3 in the 1999 final. They have beaten Brazil 3 times in the last 3 years, and all in competitive games in the Copa American and ConCaf cup.

I dont look into stats too much like this though - especially with international teams as they are chopped and changed more times than not. Big loss for Mexico though is they are still missing some key players who are playing for their club sides in the Copa Libertadores although they do welcome back their influential defender for Barcelona Rafael Maquez.

Brazil it looks will field the same starting 11 according to reports.

Brazil to win @ 15/8 10pts

[runtcrab]

Both Mexico and Brazil go into Sunday's tie in similar positions: both having deservedly won their opening game in Group B and knowing another victory would put them on the brink of the semi-finals.

Mexico should be able to welcome back captain Rafael Marquez, who if selected will be asked to neutralise the threat of Ronaldinho, his club colleague at Barcelona. Both players are central to their countries' fortunes, and the winner of their individual duel will have a good chance of leading his team to success on the night. It promises to be an enthralling evening. Mexico coach Lavolpe insists the key to victory will be "keeping the ball – if you give it to the Brazilians, they will kill you, so you have to keep it for as long as possible". His opposite number, Carlos Alberto Parreira, has similar sentiments, saying: "Mexico are a dangerous team, because they know how to use the ball."

Could Mexico pull of suprise? 9/2 is a big price

[runtcrab]

Confederations Cup. Germany v Tunisia

After struggling to cope with Argentina's otherworldly technique, Tunisia must now steel themselves for a challenge of another kind in their second FIFA Confederations Cup 2005 encounter.

Faced with the imposing physical approach of their German hosts, the Carthage Eagles will be relying on their technical assurance, pace and tenacity to see them through. Tunisian eyes will be on Jaziri and Santos in particular, the strike duo fans hope can shake things up.

Brought on during the Argentina game, Jaziri and Santos soon carried most of Tunisia's attacking threat. With their constant movement and clever runs, they stretched an albiceleste defence that was already starting to tire, and as a response to Germany's bulky, physical back-line, they could be devastating.

Hitzlsperger (1m83, 77 kg), Mertesacker (1m96, 85 kg), Huth (1m88, 88 kg) and Friedrich (1m85, 78 kg) were the men entrusted with the task of containing Australia in the Mannschaft's opening FIFA Confederations Cup 2005 match, and Tunisia coach Roger Lemerre spies an advantage for his team.

"Our next game will be totally different from the first one," said the Frenchman. "The Germans have got their big, physical 'hulks', but I've got my mosquitoes. And Jaziri and Santos are ready to bite."

Speed and technique

Tunisia's strikers certainly do not compare with the daunting home defenders standing between them and victory. At 1m72, Santos is a centimetre taller than his team-mate from Gaziantepspor, but both of them concede more than ten centimetres to the smallest player in the German rearguard.

The contest ought to be anything but one-sided, though. While Tunisia will undeniably be up against it in one-on-one situations, they will be on the lookout for any opportunity to exploit their frightening pace.

"We're going to focus on our strengths, namely our speed and technique," warned midfielder Adel Chadli. "We'll have our two Roadrunners up front and we'll be trying to release them from deep. We're here to show what we can do and this match against Germany is a great chance for us to do it."

Having scored 24 goals between them in 68 games, Jaziri and Santos already boast a worthy record. Many of those strikes have come from rapid counter-attacks and Germany will have to keep the pair within their sights at all times. A single lack of concentration or a marker too slow out of his blocks and neither one of them will stand around waiting for a written invitation. The Mannschaft may be famous around the world for their discipline, but they will need a little bit more than usual in Cologne on Saturday.

Fuk it, i'm going for Tunisia at 15/2

[Kiko]

I dont think Mexico are worth a bet Runt. But i did have second looks at Tunisia and Austrailia both at 15/2 as like i said i think they will both be tight games - be interesting to see how the Germans would cope with conceding an early goal with the crowd being on their backs.

Might leave it for in running and see how it starts.

[runtcrab]

Aye, the Australians did score three against them, they are a big price

[runtcrab]

Aye, I'm leaving the Brazil game alone now

[Kiko]

Austrailia got 3 and played pretty impressively. Deserved at least a draw out of the game. I wouldnt avoid Brazil - they are a bit of a banker mate! Im going to quite happily take then -1 handicap when i see it aswell and the correct score of 2-1 just incase.

[kompressaur]

these games on c5 chaps?

Brazil/argentina/Germany treble pays about 5/4. what you think? Easy way to the poor house?

[Kiko]

Pretty safe bet Komp if im being honest with you. Brazil should take care of Mexico - Argentina the same should do alright. My only worry is Germany and which side shows up. Worth the risk though, im going to stick on just now

Not on Channel 5 tonight, i am sure the Brazil game will be tomorow as they are an attraction compared to the others and would get in some viewers!

[raven]

Brazil @ 8/15 is a silly price to take imo.

Mexico are unbeaten in something like 19 internationals now (i think), the vast majority of Copa Lib players are with the team as well - certainly not a big loss.

btw, h2h's have brazil only winning 1 of the last 6.

Sure, they have the favs chance but just cos they are 'brazil' they are 8/15? I'd leave alone or lay brazil if the bf prices are around that; haven't checked yet.

Easy way to the poor house

It's the likeliest set of results, komp, but it's also negative value.

[runtcrab]

Aye I agree, Mexico not to be taken lightly.

[runtcrab]

I fancy the Overs in the Australia v Argentina match.

Judging by the past games these two have played (finishing 4-3 and 2-1) i fancy there to be some chances. Games have been pretty open, some good attacking players.

8/11 at sportingodds. Im getting on

[runtcrab]

2-0 32mins

[runtcrab]

tidy ends 4-2 the Argies.