In soccer betting more than in any other sport, conceding a single mistake can prove costly for any team. Leading in to the finale of the group stage matches, that fact is no more prevalent for any other team as much as it is for England, whose goalkeeper’s gaffe in the opening game against the United States now has them looking up at the top two spots in Group C heading in to their final contest. If the goal that bounced off Robert Green and in leading to England drawing in their opener rather than securing maximum points never happened, England would be sitting comfortable atop the standings in their division, three points ahead of the U.S.. Instead, England is trailing the Americans for second place, with goal differential being the difference.
June 23rd – 10:00 AM ET
Nelson Mandela Bay / Port Elizabeth
Group C
Team England: Betting Preview
For the team that many 2010 World Cup predictions had coming out of Group C on top of the standings, the English have somewhat disappointed heading in to the finale of the opening round. The result against the US wasn’t as shocking as the way in which it was achieved, and since head coach Fabio Capello’s squad has looked very much vulnerable. Their most recent result, a draw against Algeria, allowed them to keep pace with the United States for second spot in the group. However, following the U.S. comeback against Slovenia, England will now be forced to fight for maximum points to avoid the embarrassment of not making it in to the round of 16.
Team Slovenia: Betting Preview
After opening the 2010 World Cup betting tournament with a 1-0 win over Algeria, Slovenia was very fortunate to escape their second game with even a single point. Despite opening the scoring with a pair of first-half goals to take the 2-0 lead to the dressing room after 45 minutes, Slovenia allowed the United States back in to the game with goals in the 48th and 82nd, barely holding on for the 2-2 draw. Despite the result, Slovenia still holds the edge atop the division with four points, two more than the U.S. and England who are tied for second with two each. However, anything less than a draw against the Three Lions’ side will leave Slovenia vulnerable.
Who Will Win It?
For all of the bet on sports talent the Three Lions’ squad boasts, it is an absolute mystery to many how they consistently end up in this position at major international tournaments, that is, when they do qualify for them at all unlike the 2008 Euro Cup. Slovenia had played excellent football until the final 45 minutes against the U.S., which may have in fact been just enough weakness revealed for Capello and his men to smell the blood in the water heading in to their group stage finale, with a victory their only option.
England Slovenia Pick: England