by Tom Allen
Very few major shocks at World Cup 2010 so far and I don't expect the
tournament favourites to have any problems in booking a semi-final spot on
Friday.
Brazil versus Holland is unquestionably the pick of the last eight matches
and, even if the goals don't quite flow as frequently as many are predicting,
this should make for excellent viewing.
Having jostled with Spain and then Argentina for outright favouritism since
the 32 teams landed in South Africa, a 3-0 defeat of Chile in the second round
confirmed Brazil as very much the team to beat and I was really impressed with
them against their fellow South Americans.
There was never any doubt that Brazil would be a threat going forward this
summer, with the excellent Luis Fabiano feeding off Kaka and Robinho, but
rarely, if ever, have the five-time winners ever looked this strong at the back
and they also possess the tournament's leading goalkeeper.
Julio Cesar is protected magnificently by Lucio and Juan while raiding
fullbacks Maicon and Michel Bastos are right up there among the very best, too.
Maicon, in particular, has just about everything and while there may be some
doubt about the energy left in Gilberto Silva's legs in midfield these days the
ex-Arsenal man will be ably partnered by either the tireless Felipe Melo or the
impressive Ramires.
The latter created Brazil's third and final goal against Chile, his wonderful
run setting up Robinho, and it typified the strength and power of Dunga's 2010
team.
Brazil face a Dutch side that will certainly be no pushovers but while they
possess just as much ability in attack, with Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben
teeing things up for Robin van Persie, the physicality of Brazil is tipped to be
the deciding factor in a clash of two of the very best sides on show at these
finals.
My other concern for Holland ahead of this last eight showdown is that they
have yet to face a side capable of giving them a true test and low-key wins over
Denmark, Japan, Cameroon and Slovakia are unlikely to have them well prepared
for an encounter with the mighty Brazil.
The selection are now 9/4 chances with the likes of 888sport to lift the
trophy but the bet to be had at this stage of the tournament ahead of Friday's
game is them simply to reach the final.
I think it could require longer than 90 minutes for Brazil to battle past
their European opponents, putting me off getting involved in the Match Odds
market, but I've no doubt they'll get the job done and surely the showpiece
beckons for the victors with Uruguay or Ghana, who play on Friday evening,
awaiting in the semi-final.
Given Brazil are just 2/5 shots to qualify with Ladbrokes, the 10/11 about
them contesting the final on July 11th should be snapped up and it will surely
be one to savour with any one of Spain, Argentina or Germany probable opponents.
3pts Back Brazil To Reach World Cup Final @ 10/11 (Paddy
Power)
