WORLD CUP BETTING: England are through to the knockouts but the USA pipped them to top of the group meaning Germany await the Three Lions at the next stage.
England went throught to the last 16 last night after a 1-0 victory over Slovenia. It was a huge improvement on the shambles against Algeria but still far from World Cup winning stuff. Despite that, England were knocked in about 2 points at most firms; Blue Square 11/1 to 9’s, Betfred 10’s to 8/1 and so forth. Sportingbet still maintain 11/1 as best price.
Germany’s narrow victory over Ghana meant they also qualified and as fate would dictate now face England in the last 16. Germany drew mixed reaction but no major change. Blue Square contracted to 9/1 from 10/1, Will Hills went the other way on those odds and 888sport didn’t shift from 9/1. Had England finished top, they could have faced Ghana in the last 16 and the winner of Uruguay v South Korea to reach the semi, but now they have Germany and possibly Argentina, such is football.
Elsewhere last night, USA’s injury time winner propelled them to the top over England in Group C and down to 40/1 with Paddy Power in the betting. If they keep confidence up there’s no reason why they shouldn’t progress further, possibly to the semi’s.
Ghana made it on goal difference to be the 1st African nation to qualify at this World Cup but they looked a little loose at the back at times. 50/1 at Bet365 puts them on just about equal footing with USA and they will face the Americans come Saturday.
Still no Rooney goal has him floating out to 50/1 for top goalscorer and Landon Donovan drops dramatically to 50/1 with Ladbrokes after he increased his tally to 2.
England v Germany
Germany 15/8 (Totesport) and England 17/10 (William Hill)
England are 12/1 to progress on penalties, Germany are 11/1 to do likewise (Ladbrokes).
Rooney 1/2 to play 90 minutes against Germany(Stan James)
Capello picks same 11 that faced Slovenia – 9/4 (Victor Chandler)
Joe Cole to start – 7/4 (Victor Chandler)
Defoe to start – 1/4 (Ladbrokes)
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