WORLD CUP BETTING PICK - IVORY COAST V NORTH KOREA

World Cup

2010-06-25 - Ivory Coast vs North Korea

A Sports Betting Pick by Shady

Ivory Coast v North Korea
Football : FIFA World Cup 2010 : Group Phase
Venue : Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Friday, 25th June 2010 - Kickoff 4pm local / 3pm BST

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Chances of Ivory Coast making it to the next round faded as Portugal demolished North Korea 7-0 the day after the Africans lost to Brazil.

What Eriksson and his side have left to play is pride. I have no doubt that they will win the game but surely not by a 7 goal score line?

Match Analysis :

Ivory Coast will walk into this game knowing they need to match the score Portugal against North Korea and hope for Brazil to do them a favour if they wish to progress to the next round. However, getting Kaka sent off in the dying seconds of the game did not help at all.

To be honest Ivory Coast did not do badly at all against Brazil. The first goal by Fabiano was pure brilliance while the 2nd goal should never have stood as Fabiano had touched the ball twice with his hand.

What Ivory Coast have to do know is to get as many goals as possible. Eriksson will have to be a little more offensive in this game than his previous two. Eboue starting in midfield will not offer much going up front therefore a switch have to be made here. Kalou have been largely disappointing throughout the WC and something have to be done.

North Korea did well in the first half as they limit Portugal’s chances but the flood-gate opened as soon as Portugal scored the second goal and when the players fitness level dropped. It is likely to happen here again as North Korea will struggle to match Ivory Coast physical strength.

As Group G is still wide open, Spain, Chile and Switzerland can top their group and both Brazil and Portugal would surely want to avoid Spain.

However with Group G still open it is difficult to predict who would top their group BUT should Spain win against Chile, it is likely Spain will top their group and finishing runners up in Group H would not help at all.

Therefore it is likely Brazil and Portugal will go all out to avoid facing Spain. So this gives Ivory a glimmer of hopes if Brazil can beat Portugal by a big score line.

Team News :

Probable Ivory Coast Line-up :
Barry, Deme, Kolo Toure, Zokora, Tiene, Yaya Toure, Tiote, Eboue, Dindan, Gervinho and Drogba.

Probable North Korea Line-up :
Ri Myong Guk, Cha Jong Hyok, Pak Nam Chol, Ri Kwang Chon, Ri Kwang Hyok, Pak Sung Hyok, An Yong Hak, Mun In Guk, Hong Yong Jo and Jong Tae Se.

The Betting Verdict :

The fitness of the players will be key factor. As seen in the previous game, North Korea’s players were totally out in the second half of their previous game. What the manager needs to do is to give some of his starting 11 a rest but he does not have the depth in the squad.

Kim Jong Hun’s side started the World Cup well by holding Brazil out for the first half. This shows his side are capable of playing football BUT clearly lacks match fitness compared to their opponents at this level.

In addition With Ivory Coast being a very physical side, I do expect North Korea to struggle. Gervinho will be key down the flanks as his dribbles have been eye catching so far. Drogba will make his presents felt as the North Koreans will find it difficult to win the long balls played to him.

This World Cup have been full of upsets and many are not willing to take the risk by giving North Korea the headstart. I’m going to be brave and back Ivory Coast to win by 2 goals or more.

As seen in the past two games, North Korea tends to let in more goals in the second half. Therefore, consider taking more goals in the second half as a side bet.

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Take Ivory Coast to win (maybe by as much as 3 goals or more)