LATEST BETTING PREDICTIONS FOR JULY 7

As soon as the 2010 World Cup semi-final line-up was confirmed football fans of a certain age were salivating at the prospect of a repeat of the 1974 World Cup final between Netherlands and Germany. Holland kept up their side of the bargain yesterday with a thrilling 3-2 win over Uruguay, now the Germans must see off European Champions Spain if they are to complete the deal.

Back in ’74 it was Franz Beckenbauer and Johan Cruyff who took centre stage as the Dutch creation of ‘Total Football’ took on the pragmatic efficiency of West Germany. 26 years later and Germany look to be shedding that ‘efficient’ tag, scoring four times in three of their five World Cup matches to date and playing a fast and exciting brand of football.
Spain on the other hand have been winning games by the narrowest of margins – they have only beaten Honduras by a margin greater than one goal – and have yet to hit top gear in the tournament. For all the possession that they have controlled in their matches they have struggled to break down defences and their style of play could play right into the hands of the Germans who look their most dangerous on the counter attack.
The betting suggests an evenly matched game but slightly favours the Spanish. However, my scales have things tipped slightly the other way making Germany to win the match at 2/1 and to qualify for the final at 20/19 stand out bets with Coral.
Elsewhere, the post-World Cup fall outs aren’t confined to English shores as Dunga was given his marching orders from the Brazil hot seat following their quarter-final exit from the tournament. So far William Hill are the only online bookmaker to offer odds on the 1994 World Cup winning captain’s replacement as the conductor of ‘Samba Football’.
Former AC Milan manager, and teammate of Dunga in that 1994 World Cup winning side, Leonardo is the betting favourite to take the job. Leonardo’s attacking style as a player may see him more endeared to the Brazilian public than Dunga ever was and could he could to be a popular choice. Back him at 2/1 with William Hill.
The two other names at the forefront of the next Brazil manager betting markets are 2002 World Cup winning manager Luiz Felipe Scolari and a manager making a name for himself in the Brazilian domestic league Mano Menezes.
In cricket news, Sri Lankan spin bowler Muttiah Muralitharan – the leading wicket taker in Test Match and ODI cricket – has announced that he will retire from Test cricket following the conclusion of his country’s upcoming Test match against India in Galle, which begins on July 18.
He has, however, confirmed that he will still be available for selection if required for the forthcoming 2011 World Cup, which Sri Lanka is co-hosting. It would be quite fitting of the man if he were to sign off from international cricket with the ICC World Trophy under his arm, Sri Lanka are 6/1 third favourites with Paddy Power to do just that.