How did you all do last night - still people like to read our previews a day after the result ! Beats us - you do know if you email [email protected] - you can get all this weekends previews for free ! So here you go - heres last nights preview - enjoy ! Asian Soccer Ninja – 9th July – World Cup Semi-Final Preview Ok, hands up – who didn’t see Germany scoring 4 goals in 6 minutes and destroying Brazil 7-1 ! Personally, I was massively disappointed that after the first goal went in – no Brazil player stood up – clapped their hands and tried to rally the troops and get them focused. People tell me Fred was on the pitch – when ? How many touches of the ball did he have – he must have turned up in a different parallel dimension – as I never saw him touch the ball ! Anyhow, all joking aside – Germany produced one of THE best World Cup performances in the long history of the tournament and everyone should be proud that they witnessed the match. The problem with Germany now is everyone thinks they will be able to destroy their Final opposition – which may put too much pressure and expectation on them. It does make Argentina and Holland task easier – as when one of those teams goes through – they will be the underdogs. So will tonight be a repeat of the 1978 World Cup Final or France 98 and Bergkamp’s utter brilliance – anyone remember his goal ! Two quick stats about Argentina – that 1978 victory is the only time they have beaten Holland in 8 games. But for Argentina fans – these stats look good. They have progressed from all three of their World Cup semi-finals and lost just once in their last 16 World Cup games and the opposition has not been able to score first against them in this edition. Everyone is talking about Robin van Persie, Messi and Robben – but watch out for Gonzalo Higuain – he is now coming to form and has a record of 20 goals from 36 caps. Holland’s key is their Coach Louis van Gaal – always thinking – always trying to come from left field so he can win. Look at Costa Rica, it was a big balls decision to sub your goalkeeper in the last minute of extra-time and believe your new goalie will make the difference in the penalty shoot-out. But the next question has to be – why did Holland allow themselves to get into that position and not break down Costa Rica in 120 minutes of play. Believe us – Costa Rica is no Argentina – and if Holland cannot break Costa Rica in 90 minutes – how can they break Argentina with the dream prize of winning The World Cup in Brazil’s home of football on Sunday. Do not under-estimate the power of the Argentina – Brazil derby rivalry ! So, for us – we think Argentina will qualify. Here are the stats that matter: - Argentina have reached their first World Cup semi-final since 1990, when they went on to finish runners-up to West Germany. La Albiceleste have progressed from all three of their World Cup semi-finals. These teams have met four times in the World Cup, with Holland winning twice and Argentina once, with one draw. Argentina’s victory, in the 1978 final, is their only win against Holland in eight meetings overall (L4 D3). Argentina have lost just one of their last 16 World Cup games (W12 D3, not including penalty shoot-outs). Holland have lost two of their 12 World Cup games against South American teams, not including penalty shoot-outs (1978 final v Argentina and 1994 quarter-final v Brazil). 10 of Holland’s 12 goals in this tournament have come after half-time. Holland’s last four goals in this tournament have come after the 75th minute. Holland made 692 passes against Costa Rica, the most they’ve recorded in a single World Cup match (1966-2014). Lionel Messi (29), Arjen Robben and Angel Di María (both 25) are the players with most completed dribbles in this tournament. Messi has also created the most goalscoring chances in this World Cup: 19. Against Costa Rica Wesley Sneijder recorded the 10th instance of a player hitting the woodwork twice in a World Cup match (1966 – 2014). He is the first Dutchman to do so. Against Costa Rica, Holland recorded the 11th instance of a team hitting the woodwork three times in a World Cup match (1966 – 2014). Argentina have won both their knockout stage games in this tournament 1-0; they have twice before won by this scoreline in the knock out stages of the World Cup (1986 and 1990). Holland’s 0-0 draw against Costa Rica was their first goalless draw in World Cup knockout stages. This ended a run of 11 World Cup knockout stage matches for the Dutch without a clean sheet. This is the first time Argentina have reached a World Cup semi-final in a tournament when great rivals Brazil have also done so. Argentina are yet to trail for a single minute of the 2014 World Cup. Argentina have scored with 11 per cent of their shots from outside the box, the best rate at the 2014 World Cup. Argentina have made 86 unsuccessful crosses, more than any other side. Holland are the only team to concede more than one penalty at the 2014 World Cup. Asian money Home-draw-away – Asian money split – Argentina 55% - Draw 13% - Holland 32% Under/Over 2.5 Goals – Asian money – 64% is on UNDER 2.5 goals – but price is drifting Correct Score Radar – 90 minutes Draw 0-0 8.0 (decimal) – 7/1 (English) Draw 1-1 6.5 (decimal) - 11/2 (English) Argentina 1-0 8.0 (decimal) – 7/1 (English) Holland 1-0 9.0 (decimal) – 8/1 (English) Ok, don’t forget the schedule over the next couple of days: - Friday 11th July – Norway Tippeligaen, USA MLS Saturday 12th July - Finland Veikkausliiga, Norway Tippeligaen, Sweden Allsvenskan, USA MLS Sunday 13th July - Finland Veikkausliiga, Norway Tippeligaen, Sweden Allsvenskan, USA MLS Monday 14th July - Sweden Allsvenskan Talk to you all again on Friday 11th July.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 08:21:06 +0000