World Cup
2012-09-07 - Moldova vs England
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : Internationals : World Cup Qualification
Friday 7th September - Kickoff 7:45pm
Moldova
The hosts open their 2014 World Cup qualification at home in the
Stadionul Zimbru as they host England in a very difficult opener.
Caras's side come into this campaign having never qualified for a major finals and this looks like being another struggle for them. The side has won just 1 of the last 12 games, a 4-0 win over normally whipping boys San Marino. This result was last October and their previous win before that was back in February 2011.
The bonus is that both wins have come at home but Andorra and San Marino are a few leagues below England's level. In games against stronger nations this side has struggled losing the last 5 games as Holland twice (1-0), Sweden twice (2-1 and 4-1) and Poland (1-0) have recorded wins over Moldova.
The 2 defeats to Holland were impressive given it was 1-0 both times but they are still defeats and it's hard to see them taking anything from this one.
England
The Three Lions enter qualification on the back of a quarter final exit to Italy in the Euros this Summer. Hodgson's side will fancy their chances in this group and will be seeking a win on Friday night against Moldova.
England didn't lose a game at the Euros in 90 minutes as the Italians knocked them out on penalties. The side recorded wins over Ukraine (1-0) and Sweden (3-2) whilst they were unable to hold onto a 1 goal lead against France in a 1-1 draw.
This side has a decent record in qualification games having qualified for the Euro's without losing a game. In fact it's been some 3 years since England last lost away and that was to Ukraine. Fortunately Moldova are not in the same bracket and as mentioned above they struggle against the superpower sides.
The squad looks good ahead of this game, Cole and Rooney are missing injured but there's still plenty of talent in the squad. Defoe or Welbeck will lead the line up top but with the likes of Lampard and Gerrard in midfield supporting goals shouldn't be a problem.
Betting Verdict
The sides last met in 96 and 97 with England winning 4-0 at home and 3-0 away. Similar scoreline wouldn't surprise me in the two games this time around as Hodgson's men are just too strong for Moldova.
England are odds on in this one and many will add them in their acca's this Friday night for sure. I'm going with a England to win to nil bet which I think is fairly priced at evens with Ladbrokes.
England have won in Wales, Slovenia and Bulgaria to nil in previous qualification games and rather than take them to win by at least 2 I'll take this bet knowing a 1-0 win is suffice.
Moldova are no pushovers and contained Holland 1-0 twice but given this defensively frail side kept 2 cleans sheets I see no reason why Hodsgon's side wont. Away win.
Good Luck
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Moldova 0-2 England
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take England to win to nil at 2.00 with Ladbrokes
