World Cup Quarter Finals Preview by JAMES

Goals were in short supply in the second round matches of the World Cup 2014. Only 11 were scored in normal time during the 8 games with 3 of the matches actually finishing scoreless within the 90 minutes. However, there is a perfectly good explanation for this and I think that the Sports Spread betting firms have over reacted and set their Total Goals markets too low for the World Cup Quarter final matches.

If you look at the second round matches the underdog in every match (with the exception of Chile) tried to keep the game tight and stifle the opposition. With the exception of Belgium who are well organised and difficult to break down, there is no team left in the competition who is capable of playing this way. Germany will struggle to contain the French attack and Germany themselves are more than capable of scoring goals.

Colombia will hold absolutely no fear of Brazil, having been one of the most impressive sides in the competition so far. They have scored 11 goals in 4 matches and also have the tournament’s top scorer in James Rodriguez. There is a fitness doubt over Neymar who has starred so far for Brazil. However, Brazil have plenty of match winners in their side and they will need them, because you feel they will need to score more than once to win this one.

Argentina have been heavily reliant on Messi so far. With the injury to Aguero this looks set to continue. Belgium have looked more organised than any other side at the tournament so far. They also have flair players in Hazard, Januzaj and Lukaku. This will be the biggest test of the World Cup so far for Argentina and the only game I’m expecting to be miserly on goals.

The Netherlands have been a bit of a mixed bag. They have gone from looking like potential World Cup winners in one match, to pretty ordinary the next. However, from a spectator as well as a spread betting point of view they have been nothing if not exciting. Coming from behind to win matches. Late goals making and in some cases ruining Match performance and goal related bets. You either love them or hate them. Costa Rica won England’s group but their performance against Greece shows they’re nothing to write home about. I’d be expecting the Dutch to progress from this tie.

Bets
Buy Total Goals France v Germany @ 2.5 with Star Spreads
Sell Time of First Match Goal Brazil v Colombia @ 37 with Star Spreads
Buy Netherlands Goals @ 1.95 with Star Spreads
Sell Total Goal Minutes Argentina v Belgium @ 113 with Star Spreads

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• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.