World Cup
2010-06-25 - Switzerland vs Honduras
A Sports Betting Pick by Shady
Football : FIFA World Cup 2010 : Group Phase
Firday, 25th June 2010 - Kickoff 7:30pm BST
Switzerland
Ottmar Hitzfeld has been one of the more eye catching managers in this year’s World Cup compared to some other big name compatriot. With Switzerland level on points with Spain, a win here would almost certain put Switzerland through but a 2-0 win would guarantee them qualification.
With Switzerland having the easier game compared to Chile and Spain, they must fancy their chances winning the group in order to avoid playing Brazil who are likely to win their group. Therefore goals must be what Hitzfeld are going for.
Switzerland did absolutely well in their first game by winning against Spain while credits have to be given to them despite losing to Chile in their second game. Switzerland were down to 10 man midway through the first half and despite playing with a man short, Switzerland limited Chile’s chances.
Ottmar Hitzfeld will be going into this game without Valon Behrami as he was sent off in the last game while Sanderos is out injured and Frei is struggling for match fitness. Hitzfeld is likely to recall Traquillo Barnetta into the starting line up and this is no weak replacement by any means.
Switzerland Probable Line-up :
Diego Benaglio, Lichtsteiner, Von Bergen, Grichting, Ziegler, Tranquillo Barnetta, Inler, Huggel, Gelson Fernandas, Nkufo and Derdiyok/ Frei.
Honduras
Reinaldo Rueda has urged his players to win the final game and to regain some pride in their last game. As i see it, Honduras not only need to level up their game, they need to change their players as the starting 11 just lacks quality.
Rueda will be banking on Suazo to get him the much needed goals. Suazo has the pace and experience in getting Honduras the goals they need as he has spend his last 10 years playing in Seria A.
However, since he left Cagliari in 2007, Suazo have been unlucky with injury and have struggle for goals. Therefore he will be the key player for Honduras should they get anything out of the game
Maynor Figueroa who plays in left back for his club plays in central defense in international level and knowing that he is likely to be marking Derdiyok, this could be some problems for the Figueroa as Derdiyok stands at 6’3”.
Honduras Probable Line-up :
Valladares, Mandoza, Chavez, Figueroa, Izaguirre, Guevara, Palacious, Turcios, Martinez, Espinoza and Suazo.
The Betting Verdict :
Honduras have been simply disappointing in this World Cup. Out of the 32 participating teams, I believe that Honduras have been one of the weakest. Despite North Korea losing heavily to Portugal, the Koreans did fairly well in first halves as overall against brazil.
Honduras has not offered any attacking threat in their first two games and in both games, they were chasing the ball around without possession.
Ottmar Hitzfeld will be going for goals and this what im concerned is IF Switzerland do not get the goal they need early on, they might just over commit and leave the back door open for Honduras to exploit.
Having said that, my money is still on Switzerland to win the game as Switzerland has definitely the better players on the field and a better manager with better tactics.
The Pick :
Switzerland 2-0 Honduras (or 1-0)
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Switzerland to win the game. (Main Bet)
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Consider trying Switzerland to cover the -1 goal head start.
