2010 WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS AND ODDS FOR THE OPENING WEEKEND PART TWO

We’re back with the second half of our betting rundown and predictions for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
England vs USA Predictions
This is more or less the biggest match of the opening weekend, in the English-speaking world at least. England are solid favourites with this one boasting identical odds to the Argentina-Nigeria fixture, what’s that tell you? England trade at 4/9 with the USA at 13/2. The draw is available at a 16/5 price, but I think this one will be all-England. The Americans aren’t the worst team and should qualify out of the group, but they will have to produce a world-class performance full of grit and guile. I have a feeling England can win this one on fourth gear.
I’ll be backing goals from Wayne Rooney at 10/3 first or last and Steven Gerrard anytime at 7/4. I would also keep my eyes on Ledley King, who has a tendency to pop up on corners or set-pieces. If the game is tight and the Americans are playing well, I think King is an ace up England’s sleeve and I like him to score last at a massive 33/1, or you can get him at 12/1 anytime.
Algeria vs Slovenia Predictions
I don’t expect this one to be a real barn-burner of a fixture, but both teams can play some tidy stuff. Slovenia get the edge from the bookmakers here and they’re at 5/4 to win while Algeria trade at 12/5. Personally, I’m all over the draw which is available at 21/10. I don’t see much between the two sides really and this one could be one for the in-play punters. If you’re looking to back Algeria, I wouldn’t wager any serious money until you’ve had a good 20 minutes to examine them.
Serbia vs Ghana Predictions
Serbia are the big favourites here with an 11/10 price over Michael Essien-less Ghana. You’ll find the Ghanaians at 11/4 and the draw trading at a 21/10 price. If Ghana pull this one off then I expect Matthew Amoah to be absolutely vital. He’s at 15/2 to open the scoring and 9/4 to hit the back of the net at any time. Sulley Muntari is your midfield anchorman here and he will need to be firing on all cylinders. The massive presence of Nikola Zigic makes him a major threat for the Serbians at a 5/4 anytime price, but I’m keeping my eye on the talented Dragan Mrdja at 7/1 to score first or last.
Germany vs Australia Predictions
Germany are the 1/2 favourites to win this match with Australia trading at a 6/1 price. The draw is at 3/1 and that would be music to the ears of Australian fans. They outperformed expectations last year and were cruelly beaten by a cheating Italian side. Tim Cahill is instrumental for the Australians and he’s trading at 11/4 anytime and 8/1 to score first or last. I will be expecting a performance from Scott Chipperfield, and he may sneak into the attack from time to time so his 25/1 price to score first or last is an enticing one. For the Germans, expect Mario Gomez to get the party started here. He’s at 4/1 to open the scoring and 9/2 to score two or more goals. I would wait until the team sheets come out though as the Germans have a number of different striking options.