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Spain did not score in open play and the penalty did not
come from a foul on a player who was likely to score. They
ran out of steam in the second half whilst the French did
not. I backed France just before the penalty and my only
regret is that I would have got a bigger price if I had
waited a few more minutes because I would have still backed
them even one goal down. Given the uncertainty surrounding Patrick
Veira's future at Highbury and doubts that I still have
about goalkeeper Jens Lehmann I have to be against Arsenal
and think that the 3/1 on offer about MANCHESTER UNITED
is too big to pass up.
Most of Sir Alex's purchases last pre-season seemed to
take most of the season to really show what they are all
about, and I think that with a season behind them to settle
in Eric Djemba-Djemba and Kleberson will be better suited
to taking prominent roles in the United midfield.Also
with Alan Smith able to take some of the pressure off
the shoulders of Ruud Van Nistelroy and allow him to play
with a bit more freedom a return to form for the Dutchman
is in the offing.
For a while last season it seemed that if Ruud didn't
score then there was no-one in the Old Trafford ranks
who was able to step up and being counted in goalscoring
terms.Louis Saha will also be able to chip in with a few
goals this season as well.I don't expect them to come
flying out of the blocks exactly but I think Fergie's
game plan will be to make sure they are sitting in just
behind the leaders come October time when he will be able
to have the services of Rio Ferdinand back to bolster
the defence and push on from there. It should be a close
run thing but I see Manchester United winning the league
with Arsenal and Newcastle United fighting out 2nd and
3rd places as I am expecting an improved showing from
the Magpies in Alan Shearer and Sir Bobby Robson's final
season with the club. - Trainbairn
This represents very sound Value. France are past it,
England aren't up to it and in the Final, the price is
unlikely to lengthen but could shorten dramatically should
Italy or even Ukraine be the opponent, so you're getting the
option value on that outcome for nothing. Brazil may not
have played as well as some people hoped, but it's unfair to
compare them to your selective memories of past Brazilian
teams. They have not had an unduly hard tournament, have
only let in one goal and have no meaningful
injuries/suspensions. They have also improved with each
game.Argentina ARE the best team, but they don't have the
easiest path.
Argentina: Germany, then Italy
Brazil: France, then England
Which is easiest now that you look at it? Beating the hosts,
and then perennial WC power Italy?
if you think playing germany at home, then a fresh italy and
then brazil in final if they get that far is easy youre
either watching netball or dont understand the basics of
international football. if arg win they will have done it
the hard way and will have thoroughly deserved it.
Brazil have Argentina and Argentina have Brazil.
Italy have been far from good and Argentina will give them a
lesson once they have beaten Germany. Time will prove me
right. ghana really impressed me with keeping posession and
running at players, IF they had any sort of cutting edge
they really could have raised major eyebrows.Good result for
france but spain caused their own downfall with poor
defending, more risks need to be taken to beat brazil.Is it
the same henry playing for france and arsenal, where's the
blistering pace and willingness to take anyone on.
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