Another impressive win for Colombia but in every game they have scored early and then been able to attack on the counter where they are very very good.  However, surely that group is the most mediocre of the lot. Japan were very poor and just looked soft. Ivory Coast were a disappointment and not dynamic enough and fair play to Greece for getting through. Held on with 10 men v Japan and then deservedly beat the Ivory Coast, hitting the woodwork 3 times in the match and probably the more positive team.

Interesting the amount of late goals there have been in this tournament and how the team chasing the game has been punished. Uruguay really should have scored again against Italy at the end or at least created a better chance when they had a  break late on. Suarez made the wrong decision which you would not normally expect. Italy were down to 10 men but they seemed utterly out on their feet. In about the 88th minute they were attacking but their was no-one in a remotely attacking position. Is this all down to the heat?

I think teams are much much better on the counter attack now than in the past and this could be one of the reasons why there is a low draw count and why there have been so many late goals. I do expect the football to completely change in the knockout phase as games mean far more and their be no chance to recover.

Just one draw in 4 matches yesterday and missed it completely

Yesterdays results

24.06.2014 – Italyv Uruguay– DRAW @ 3.48 with Pinnacle LOST -1

24.06.2014 – Colombia v Japan– DRAW @ 3.87 with Pinnacle LOST -1

24.06.2014 – Greece v Ivory Coast – DRAW @ 3.64 with Pinnacle LOST -1

1/14 :: -10.5

Todays bets

25.06.2014 – Bosnia v Iran – DRAW @ 3.8 with Pinnacle

So Brazil go through topping the group level on points with Mexico and I think that says it all. There was a point when it looked like Mexico had a shot at the top spot but that went with the Brazil 4th goal and Croatia scoring. Cat your mind back to the first match and that awful penalty decision against Croatia that helped Brazil win that match alongside some poor goalkeeping.  Not convinced by Brazil and Fred, Hulk, Paulinho and Luis Gustavo are good players but nothing more. The full backs are completely exposed and you hardly see them attacking which is a shame as they are both good attacking forces. Marcelo looks a bit low on confidence which could also be down to this and unless they can get a better balance they will really struggle. Chile will give them a good test.

Where have all the draws gone? Could do with all 3 coming in today.

Yesterdays results

23.06.2014 – Netherlands v Chile– DRAW @ 3.55 with Pinnacle LOST -1

23.06.2014 – Croatia v Mexico– DRAW @ 3.44 with Pinnacle LOST -1

1/11 :: -7.5

Todays bets

24.06.2014 – Italyv Uruguay– DRAW @ 3.48 with Pinnacle

24.06.2014 – Colombia v Japan– DRAW @ 3.87 with Pinnacle

24.06.2014 – Greece v Ivory Coast – DRAW @ 3.64 with Pinnacle

Glad to see the back of that really late match in the World Cup and two games a day is much easier to deal with and a two hour break between them to get on with normal life. Belgium again eeked out a late goal and a win against Russia. They’ve looked decent at the back but Russia were disappointing and it will be good to see them up against a decent attacking side.

USA were unlucky not to have made it through and hopefully make it out of that group and get involved in some interesting knockout matches. Algeria looked lively in the first half and Korea were abysmal but that completely changed in the second half and Korea made a game of it and suddenly realised they could be first to the ball if they tried.

Team spirit and balance looks to be very important in this World Cup and definately will triumph over a team of stars not working together. Brazil just need to not lose tonight but also their fans will expect a decent performance from them. Before the start of the tournament the talk was of Spain and Brazil both winning their group so they avoid each other but whoever Brazil get out of Chile and Netherlands will be very tough. The possible draw has completely changed now with some of the big guns out and when you see that Germany and France is a likely quarter final their route looks tough.

Chile and Netherlands have a big match today as you want to top that group. Topping it means you play Mexico/Croatia and then one of Italy/Uruguay/Costa Rica/Greece/Japan/Ivory Coast to reach the semis.

Yesterdays results

22.06.2014 – Belguim v Russia – DRAW @ 3.46 with Pinnacle LOST -1

22.06.2014 – South Korea v Algeria – DRAW @ 3.42 with Pinnacle LOST -1

1/9 :: -5.5

Todays bets

23.06.2014 – Netherlands v Chile– DRAW @ 3.55 with Pinnacle

23.06.2014 – Croatia v Mexico– DRAW @ 3.44 with Pinnacle

Just a look at bets today

Yesterdays results

NONE

1/7 :: -3.5

Todays bets

22.06.2014 – Belguim v Russia – DRAW @ 3.46 with Pinnacle

22.06.2014 – South Korea v Algeria – DRAW @ 3.42 with Pinnacle