World Cup Quarter Finals 4th Jul

FRANCE v GERMANY, Friday July 4th, 17:00, BBC 1

Just eight teams remain in the World Cup and the quarter-finals get underway Friday as European rivals France and Germany do battle in the first game.

Both these sides struggled to see off African opponents in the second round with Germany needing extra-time to beat Algeria 2-1 while France grabbed a couple of late goals to defeat Nigeria 2-0. bet365 make Germany the 6/4 favourites for the game with France 21/10 while a 90 minute draw is a 23/10 chance. The draw might be a popular option as five of the eight games in the previous round needed extra time and penalties. Germany have a slightly higher FIFA ranking and they won their most recent game with Les Bleus when seeing them off 2-1 in a February 2013 friendly.

That being said their opponents have a dangerous style of play that might be perfectly suited to attacking the German high line at the back. In that regards I could not put anyone off backing the French though would steer them towards the double chance market.

Bookmakers think this game will be tight with under 2.5 goals the favourite at 8/13 while over 2.5 goals is 5/4. I think it might be worth an interest in the overs despite the second round suggesting the games have become tighter. The Germany v Algeria game was a wide open affair with the Africans presented with a number of scoring chances that they failed to take advantage of. Benzema is likely back through the middle and as such Les Bleus should carry a strong scoring threat on the counter attack. Germany meanwhile will always create chances and this might just be the high scoring thriller the knockout stages is looking for.

RECOMMENDATION: Over 2.5 goals 5/4 bet365
Over 3.5 goals, 3/1 bet365

BRAZIL v COLOMBIA, Friday July 4th, 21:00, ITV 1

The neutrals favourite (Colombia) meet with the team who once held that title (Brazil) as both sides seek to win the only title that matters, the World Cup.

BET365 have Brazil as the 5/6 favourites which looks a bet that I would not recommend anyone get involved with. The Selecao can consider themselves very fortunate to get through against Chile in the last round needing penalties to see off their South American opponents. This time around they face another team from their continent, Colombia. Los Cafeteros have been the standout team in the World Cup so far having netted 11 goals in their four games so far, conceding just twice. They can be backed at 15/4 for victory while the draw is 11/4.

I think you have to side with Colombia in the double chance market which pays out on the draw and their victory at evens. It is worth having the draw on side as five of the eight second round matches ended all square while the last four meetings between the pair have finished tied. This seems a remarkably generous price based more on reputation than performances in this World Cup so far. Los Cafeteros also have the advantage of having won their game in 90 minutes so should have fresher legs. Throw in fitness concerns over Neymar and players in better form and it is clear why you should take on the hosts.

Also I would recommend the evens that both teams score as this would have paid in three of the four games Brazil have played so far while Colombia are blessed with attacking talent.

In terms of goalscorers we tipped up James Rodriguez at 33/1 before the second round to finish as top scorer and he is now out in front with five goals. He can be backed at 8/1 to score first or 3/1 to net at anytime. Neymar meanwhile is 7/2 with bet365 to score the opening goal and just 6/5 to net at anytime.

RECOMMENDATION: Colombia/draw double chance, evens (bet365)
Both teams to score Brazil v Colombia, evens (bet365)

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04/07/2014     © Frixo 2024