Some may wonder why have this thread on a consolation game that appears on the surface to mean little. The reason is I believe today's match-up actually provides a rare opportunity that favors one side significantly at an absolute outstanding price. So here are my thoughts.
Germany comes into this game off a terribly disheartening loss to Italy in the semi-finals in the 119th minute in overtime. This team and country were emotionally poised and believed they would be in the finals in their home country with a excellent chance to win the World Cup. Now, they must play Portugal while still trying to get over that devastating loss. Not only that, but this team has been hit hard by injuries and coach Jurgen Klinsmann is hoping his team might respond in front of their home crowd. Klinsmann is also being pursued to coach team USA. Key injuries today must start with Captain Michael Ballack who is out. Ballack is critical to setting up Klose and Podolski as well as striking the ball himself and protecting the middle of the field and the box as well. His ball possession and lead point of the triangle will be sorely missed. Next, Klinsmann has decided to start Oliver Kahn as goalkeeper instead of Jens Lehmann out of respect and allowing him to play in the World Cup in front of his home country. Also out will be Arne Friedrich and Per Mertesacker.
Portugal comes into this game off a tough loss to France losing on a penalty kick. Throughout this World Cup, Portugal has done all that has been asked of them and more. They faced England without Deco and Costinha and held them scoreless and won in penalty kicks. They basically played France to a draw and performed better against the French defense then Brazil. They are blessed with tremendous talent and speed and will put pressure on the German defense without Ballack and Kahn in the net. They will be without Miguel due to injury. They have been stingy on defense throughout the entire tournament and expect that not to change today. As for their emotional state, although disappointed with not making the finals, they are very pleased with their performance in the World Cup and are very excited about playing Germany today and will be playing hard for the bronze position both for themselves and the supporters who have been outstanding as well.
So here we have one team that is emotionally spent and disappointed, has a critical injury to it's captain, is giving it's back-up goal keeper the honor of playing in Germany and a head coach rumored to be possibly leaving to coach the USA team but is "hoping" his team will put on a good performance today. Meanwhile, we have another team that has played exceptional the whole tournament, never gives up, and is excited about how they have played and are looking forward to trying to win the bronze.
Lastly, with all that being said, Germany is the favorite no doubt because they are playing at home, but with what type of crowd support in a consolation game. Meanwhile the price on Portugal is nothing short of excellent in this spot. I made my play yesterday and it was the moneyline on Portugal +375 as I am willing to take the risk that the game ends in regulation time. Portugal as a pick is another option. I know that many of you have been on Portugal a number of times. Today presents a great situation and price in my opinion. So there you have my thoughts. Feel free to share your own comments, picks, or anything.
Portugal ML +345 or Portugal Pk +240
Good Luck All.
Germany comes into this game off a terribly disheartening loss to Italy in the semi-finals in the 119th minute in overtime. This team and country were emotionally poised and believed they would be in the finals in their home country with a excellent chance to win the World Cup. Now, they must play Portugal while still trying to get over that devastating loss. Not only that, but this team has been hit hard by injuries and coach Jurgen Klinsmann is hoping his team might respond in front of their home crowd. Klinsmann is also being pursued to coach team USA. Key injuries today must start with Captain Michael Ballack who is out. Ballack is critical to setting up Klose and Podolski as well as striking the ball himself and protecting the middle of the field and the box as well. His ball possession and lead point of the triangle will be sorely missed. Next, Klinsmann has decided to start Oliver Kahn as goalkeeper instead of Jens Lehmann out of respect and allowing him to play in the World Cup in front of his home country. Also out will be Arne Friedrich and Per Mertesacker.
Portugal comes into this game off a tough loss to France losing on a penalty kick. Throughout this World Cup, Portugal has done all that has been asked of them and more. They faced England without Deco and Costinha and held them scoreless and won in penalty kicks. They basically played France to a draw and performed better against the French defense then Brazil. They are blessed with tremendous talent and speed and will put pressure on the German defense without Ballack and Kahn in the net. They will be without Miguel due to injury. They have been stingy on defense throughout the entire tournament and expect that not to change today. As for their emotional state, although disappointed with not making the finals, they are very pleased with their performance in the World Cup and are very excited about playing Germany today and will be playing hard for the bronze position both for themselves and the supporters who have been outstanding as well.
So here we have one team that is emotionally spent and disappointed, has a critical injury to it's captain, is giving it's back-up goal keeper the honor of playing in Germany and a head coach rumored to be possibly leaving to coach the USA team but is "hoping" his team will put on a good performance today. Meanwhile, we have another team that has played exceptional the whole tournament, never gives up, and is excited about how they have played and are looking forward to trying to win the bronze.
Lastly, with all that being said, Germany is the favorite no doubt because they are playing at home, but with what type of crowd support in a consolation game. Meanwhile the price on Portugal is nothing short of excellent in this spot. I made my play yesterday and it was the moneyline on Portugal +375 as I am willing to take the risk that the game ends in regulation time. Portugal as a pick is another option. I know that many of you have been on Portugal a number of times. Today presents a great situation and price in my opinion. So there you have my thoughts. Feel free to share your own comments, picks, or anything.
Portugal ML +345 or Portugal Pk +240
Good Luck All.
Great write-up OMT
