WORLD CUP BETTING: Live on ITV1: Tue 19.30: Day 26 (Tuesday) of the World Cup and on to the semi finals: Netherlands v Uruguay. The Dutch should have too much for La Celeste.
Despite their presence in the semi-finals of the tournament, albeit following a controversial penalty shoot out victory over Ghana in the last eight, Uruguay are a massive 12/1 with William Hill to win the World Cup. The South American outfit are also a chunky 6/1 courtesy of Betfred to reach the final in normal time at the expense of Paddy Power’s 4/6 favourites; the Netherlands, however, while Oscar Tabarez’s men do appear a touch overpriced; it’s the Dutch that have a slight edge ahead of this contest.
Bert van Marwijk’s men have won all five of their World Cup matches so far, the only semi-finalist to have done so and four of those wins have been by a solitary strike. This, allied with their tendency to keep things tight, point to a close encounter and a Dutch victory by one-goal at 12/5 (Partybets) is arguably the best bet in Cape Town. More specifically, Stan James post 5/1 against a 1-0 Netherlands success and Betdaq quote 17/2 for them to finish on the right side of a 2-1 scoreline and covering both of those results offers similar value to that flutter on the margin of victory.
Of course, with little to separate the pair it’s hard to not be tempted by Ladbrokes’ 12/5 chalked against the tie requiring extra time and indeed draw fanciers might also like the look of Totesport’s 11/1 for the Netherlands to prevail from the spot or Jaxx.com’s 12/1 for Uruguay to do likewise.
Nevertheless, following the latter’s disappointing showing against Ghana, it’s van Marwijk’s charges that look in slightly better shape and Wesley Sneijder, who became the first Dutch player to score a World Cup brace since Johnny Rep in 1978 as his side saw off Brazil, can again play a pivotal role. The Inter schemer is a tasty 13/5 (Paddy Power) to get on the scoresheet at some stage and 888Sport’s 7/2 favourite to be named as man-of-the-match.
At the other end, former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan is 11/4 with bet365 to register while the likelihood of a cautious opening points to a drawn first period (11/10, bet365), which is a tasty 6/4 at Victor Chandler to finish goalless.
Compare all World Cup odds for day 19 and bet at the best prices.
Recommended Bets:
Holland to win by a one-goal margin – 12/5 (Ladbrokes)
No goals in the first half – 6/4 (Victor Chandler)
Wesley Sneijder to be named man-of-the-match – 7/2 (888Sport)
