World Cup 2010 : European & International Football

World Cup Betting: Unorthodox coaching methods but Nigeria have qualified

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:07:27 +0000

Jonathan Wilson tells us why the Nigeria class of 2009 isn't a patch on the side that featured the likes of Kanu, Okocha and Oliseh. But despite some strange methods by coach Shaibu Amodou, they have booked their place in the World Cup draw.

World Cup Betting: France and Portugal through as Irish run out of luck

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:49:44 +0000

All the in-running prices from tonight's European play-off second leg matches....

World Cup Play-Off Betting: Bosnia v Portugal

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:05:39 +0000

It was first blood Portugal as Carlos Queiroz's side secured a 1-0 win in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and that lead is a priceless one, specially given that three Bosnian players picked up suspensions in the process. Either way, goals are on the cards second time round says Richard Aikman.

World Cup Play-off Betting: Bosnia are sensational value to see off Portugal

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:50:12 +0000

If you think the English press are hard on their footballers, try going to Portugal or Italy or Spain or just about anywhere. Or ask Carlos Queiroz, who is under fire despite his team's success in the first leg of their World Cup play-off.

World Cup Play-off Betting: Ukraine v Greece

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:49:51 +0000

The first leg finished 0-0 and two cautious coaches does not make for a goal-fest in Ukraine on Wednesday either. Ben Lyttleton reckons it could be a long night.

World Cup Play-off Betting: Slovenia v Russia

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:26:58 +0000

Slovenia pulled one back on Saturday to make Wednesday's match in Maribor interesting. Could Guus Hiddink's side be in any danger of not qualifying for South Africa 2010? Ben Lyttleton selects the bets.

World Cup Play-offs Betting: Portugal v Bosnia

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:43:57 +0000

One of the most improved teams in Europe takes on one of the biggest disappointments in qualifying on Saturday night, in a game which is desperately important for both countries, for very different reasons, writes Dave Farrar as he selects the best bets.

World Cup Playoffs: Greece v Ukraine

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:05:54 +0000

Ukraine are the favourites to go to South Africa 2010, but they might slip up in Greece, warns Tobias Gourlay.

World Cup Playoffs: Russia v Slovenia

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:55:27 +0000

Tobias Gourlay never likes betting against Guus Hiddink, and he won't be doing so this weekend.

World Cup Betting: Uncertainty and indecision surrounding France's rear guard

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:54:05 +0000

As Raymond Domenech's France prepare to face Ireland in the play-offs, his back five remains a huge problem with indecision surrounding his best keeper and endless combinations being tried out in the centre of defence, says Ben Lyttleton.

FIFA World Cup Draw: Sepp Blatter makes the rules

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:47:49 +0000

December 4th is an important day for the diary as that's when the FIFA World Cup draw takes place. Alister Morgan tells us about the seedings controversy ahead of the play-offs and how Sepp Blatter keeps moving the goalposts.

World Cup 2010 Betting: Blazevic can fire-up Bosnia to see off Portugal

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:46:59 +0000

Bosnia's attacking flair provided the feel good story of qualifying but a rejuvenated Portugal now stand between them and South Africa. It's going to be close but we should expect goals, says Ben Lyttleton.

World Cup 2010: Trouble in the Rainbow Nation as Parreira's tactics fail to please

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:14:33 +0000

Things aren't looking so good for the host nation with the World Cup just a few months away, says Jonathan Wilson, despite the presence of a record-breaking Brazilian in the dugout

World Cup Betting: Comparing Lionel to Diego is a Messi business

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:46:16 +0000

The similarities between Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi are many and only time will tell if Barcelona's current number 10 can achieve what "El Pibe" did. They will join forces as Maradona coaches Messi in the upcoming World Cup and that might give us a clue, says Paul Moon.

World Cup Betting: Parreira's South Africa will be ready when the real action starts

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:18:02 +0000

Despite being in terrible form, Ben Lyttleton believes that when the World Cup comes around, the host nation will be ready to have a decent run. Specially if the re-appointed Carlos Alberto Parreira is able to recall a certain Benni McCarthy.