Confederation Cup Semi Finals
The Confederations Cup is being played in South Africa as a run through for the World Cup being held in the country in 2010. So far the tournament has thrown up a couple of surprises with Italy being the highest profile casualty failing to qualify for the semi stages. The tournament has now reached the semi final stages with matches taking place today and tomorrow.
In the first semi final taking place today the USA were the surprise qualifiers -at the expense of Italy on goal difference-despite being well beaten by Brazil and Italy in group matches. We think they may have used up all their luck in reaching this stage and it would be a major shock if they were to get to the final and defeat opponents Spain.
European champions Spain are on a fantastic run of form that has seen them go 35 games without losing and win their last 15 consecutive matches. They are a very short price at 1/4 (Ladbrokes) to beat the USA , but they could be a lot shorter given how well they are playing and the fact that their opponents look well short of the class needed to trouble them.
The USA lost three goals in their matches with Brazil and Italy and Spain are equally as good as these two teams (if not better) and so it’s no surprise the USA are big outsiders at 11/1 (Bet365). It’s difficult to see them keeping the strike force of Torres and Villa at bay and if they go behind there will be no way back for them. We can’t even see the USA “Parking the bus” and getting away with a draw 9/2 (Coral).
Having won their three games so far in the tournament, scoring eight goals without reply Spain look certain winners. They look likely to keep another clean sheet here and we’re having a bet on Spain to win to Nil at 8/11 (Ladbrokes)
David Villa has scored three goals so far in the competition and at 3/1 (Skybet) looks an obvious choice to be first goalscorer. We’re going to go for a player at a bigger price however and we’re going to take a little chance on Xavi 12/1 (Paddypower) to be the first goalscorer.
Betting on the 3-0 7/1 (Bet365) or 4-0 12/1 (Skybet) correct scores could pay dividends and we’re going for the 3-0 scoreline.
The other semi final is between Brazil and hosts South Africa and looks as if it could be another one sided match. Brazil have scored 10 goals in the three group matches they have played including a very convincing 3-0 win against Italy. They have lost three goals in their matches so far and it’s not beyond South Africa to grab a goal, but Brazil have been exceptional going forward and they should win comfortably.
Brazil are 3/10 (Paddypower) to win, with South Africa 10/1 (Coral). South Africa will want to put up a fighting display for their fans, but even if they put in a great performance we can’t see them stopping Brazil’s march to the final.
Our prediction is a 3-0 win for Brazil at odds of 15/2 (Bet365). Luis Fabiano at odds of 7/2 (Ladbrokes) is our pick to be first goalscorer in this match.