WORLD CUP BETTING: Live on ITV1: Sun 15.00 & BBC1: Sun 19.30: Day 17 of the WC and the last 16; England v Germany followed in the evening by Argentina v Mexico.
The country will grind to a halt around 3pm on Sunday as those greatest of footballing rivals meet once again in a World Cup. As England and Germany struggled to qualify from their respective groups, both will believe they have an opportunity to secure a place in the last eight, though it’s England, priced at 17/10 by Betfred, who are the favourites; the Germans are bet365’s 15/8 choice.
In fact, Germany have a slight advantage in these mammoth duels, having beaten England 12 times and lost ten in 27 meetings dating back to 1930; five have been drawn and the odds against it being level at 90 minutes are a tempting 11/5 (Partybets) – which would mean, of course, that the prospect of penalties was once again on the horizon…
With one glorious 5-1 exception, the last nine meetings of the pair have either been drawn or settled by a single goal, a record which appeal adds considerable to Victor Chandler’s 13/2 for Fabio Capello’s charges to secure a 1-0 win – as well as to 888sport’s hefty 10/1 posted against a 2-1 English success.
The Germans started the tournament well, with a resounding triumph over a leggy Australia, but they stuttered thereafter; England were average against the USA, dire against Algeria, but performed with spirit when facing Slovenia. If this form can be carried into Sunday’s encounter, they’re capable of overhauling a German side in transition and Jaxx.com offers 4/1 about them leading at the end of both halves.
In other markets, Ladbrokes rates the chances of England retaining a clean sheet at 2/1 and William Hill post 17/10 about the match yielding fewer than three goals.
We’ve learnt not to underestimate the Germans, hence the support given to Stan James’s 5/1 for it to finish 1-1 at 90 minutes, though Betdaq still price England as their 10/11 favourites to ultimately qualify. And to win on penalties? They’re 9/1 according to Totesport.
On Sunday night, bet365’s 4/1 tournament favourites Argentina face a determined Mexico side against whom they’ve scored 9 goals in their last three meetings. On paper, Argentina’s match win odds of 4/7 (Paddy Power) appear wholly justified, but it’s worth noting that Jaxx.com’s 11/2 underdogs Mexico have a history of making life difficult for their exalted opponents.
More than 50% of matches between the pair (there have been 33) have ended all square, adding great weight to Ladbrokes’ 3/1 odds for the match to finish drawn at 90 minutes. Indeed, almost one third of games involving the pair have ended 1-1 – making William Hill’s 7/1 for it to conclude at one apiece almost look like a nap.
In fairness, Argentina have been impressive and assuming they can get their noses in front, Betfred’s 5/1 for them to enjoy a 1-0 win cannot be overlooked.
Compare all World Cup odds for day 17 and bet at the best prices.
Recommended bets:
Argentina & Mexico to draw 1-1 at 90 minutes: 7/1 (William Hill)
England to keep a clean sheet: 2/1 (Ladbrokes)
Wayne Rooney to score: 11/8 (Victor Chandler)
