the ben identity

Australia used their physical size to intimidate the Japanese early on. Japan scored a fluke goal, and managed to keep the Aussies at bay. Until...the 80th minute when they were clearly tiring. The Japanese failure to capitalize on the counter attack proved costly when they collasped after 80 mins for th 2nd time in 2 matches.

Tim Cahill(Aus)... Not fully fit, but came on and scored twice to turn the game around. Well taken goals.

The Czechs took an early lead through a bullet header from the giant Jan Koller. But unlike England and Portugal didnt take the foot of the pedal and scored twice more. The Americans had no answer for the classy Czechs. On this form, expect the Czechs to go far in this World Cup. Also, probably would win Group E.

Jan Koller(Cze)... Showed how a big striker should play with his expertly taken header. Led the line well and was a gd target man until succumbing to injury. Peter Crouch(Eng) and Nikola Zigic(S&M) should follow his example.

Tomas Rosicky(Cze)... The new light of the Czech Republic, with Pavel Nedved's international retirement imminent. Best player of the WC so far, showed great teamwork and individual skill. Also scored the goal of the tournament so far, bending the ball away from the keeper into the side netting. Watch out Chelsea, Man Utd, Liverpool... This guy is playing for Arsenal next season.

Italy looked strong defensively, with the world's best goalkeeper hardly having a save to make. A superb goal by Pirlo gave the Italians the lead at Halftime... but they struggled to score a second until a mistake by Samuel Kuffour allowed Iaquinta to score late on. An injury to playmaker Totti however dampens the spirit.

Andrea Pirlo(Ita)... Wonderful goal 5 mins before halftime, excellent through balls to the flanks were however squandered by the wingers. Probably the driving force in the Italian midfield if Totti is to miss games through injury.

Told u to hang in there didnt i? ha! finally a profit! overall still in the red. but with some luck we will be outta red soon!

Current Balance: -$37

French victory $20

France-France(HT-FT) $10

Brazil to overcome handicap(-1.5) $20

Holland got off to a good start scoring through Arjen Robben. S&M had no attacking ideas throughout the game other than pinging long balls to the 6ft8 Zigic. Unfortunately, their long passes werent accurate at all.

Arjen Robben(Hol)... Speedy and tricky, constant threat to the S&M defence.

Both teams started the match attacking each other at high pace. In the end, the Iranians' laspes in concentration caused them the match.

Ali Karimi(Ira)... Showed why he was a mainstay in Bayern Munich's midfield last season with his close control and excellent dribbling.

Omar Bravo(Mex)... Showed composure to score both his goals.

Antonio Zinha(Mex)... Substitute who turned the game around after coming on. Made 1 goal and scored another. Scored with his head although he was clearly one of the shortest on the pitch.

Portugal scored a good excellent goal with a wonderful through ball from Luis Figo. However, failed to build on it and struggled at times against Angola. In the end, they barely hung on to their single goal for the victory. With that, strike them off the favourite's list.

Nil. No one really stood out. No one did particularly well.

No 3rd day lucky. lost almost all thanks to the inept Portugeese. Well, hang in there folks. The tides will change. Apparently those i suggested but didnt bet were more accurate.. Eg, Holland not being able to overcome the handicap.

Current Balance: $61.50

Japan to win $20

Czech to win $10

Italy to win by 2 $20

England scored before i could sit down. then, they bored the hell out of me. both teams couldnt pass, must less shoot. Eriksson's strategy was to defend the lead all the way, against Paraguay they succeeded. I dun see them succeeding against better attacking teams. Paraguay looked extremely nervous at the beginning. Looks like they wouldnt survive the group stage.

Aldo Bobadilla(Par)... substitute goalkeeper who kept Paraguay in the game with good stops from Frank Lampard.

Steven Gerrard(Eng)... played well in a defensive role, providing a protective screen in front of the defence. Broke up numerous dangerous Paraguayian attacks.

Sweden controlled the match, but failed to score even after T&T were reduced to 10 men early in the second half. Sweden could not make their chances count. T&T were just content to defend the clean sheet, even when they had 11 men.

Shaka Hislop(T&T) 2nd choice goalkeeper who was not expecting to start until the 1st choice keeper was injured in the warm up. Made some gd stops to keep the clean sheet.

Shamsul Maidin(Sin) haha. singaporean referee who showed that singapore could perform on the biggest stage of world football too. Fit and fair, though the sending off was a little harsh, but to the letter of the law.

The Ivorians started the match at great pace and put the Argentines under great pressure. But their defensive woes showed when goalkeeper Tizie fumbled the ball over the line but was lucky the linesman tot otherwise. Argentina look quite organized in defense and dangerous at set pieces. A pity the Ivorians did not manage to battle back and secure a deserved draw.

Roberto Ayala(Arg)... Organized his defence well, and led by example, snuffing out the Ivorian threat on many occasions.

Kanga Akale(Ivo)... Dangerous and speedy down the left for the ivorians.

So close yet so far. Almost strike the jackpot there. argh. england should have gotten another and ivory coast should have equalize and we would be smiling all the way to singapore pools.

Current Balance: -$28

Iran and Mexico Draw $10

Mexico-Draw(HT-FT) $5

Iran-Draw(HT-FT) $5

Portugal to win by 2 goals(-1.5) $10

Portugal-Portugal(HT-FT) $10

Portugal to win 4 nil $5

Portugal to win 5 nil $5

Germany 4 - Costa Rica 2...

Match Analysis...

Germany's attack look dangerous, especially down the left. However, the defense was suspect. Most notably, right back Arne Friedrich, who possibly played Paulo Wanchope onside for the first goal. Also, he was often caught out of position. Central defensive pairing look shaky at times too.

Costa Rica's game plan was to attack, however, let down by poor defense as in last world cup. Tactics were spot on to attack the slow-footed German defense with defence-splitting passes and well timed runs. Defence looked like it would concede anytime opponents attacked.

Star men...

Bastian Schweinsteiger. Creative, tricky down the left. Combined well with left back Philip Lahm. 2 assists already to his name. All over the Costa Rican backline.

Miroslav Klose. Proved he could score with his feet also. In the last world cup, scored 5 goals with his head, and 0 goals from any other part of the anatomy. Now, 2 goals scored with the feet. Threat in the air as well.

Paulo Wanchope. Showed why he is Costa Rica's all time leading goal scorer with 2 well taken goals. Composure and gd timing of runs to stay onside.

Poland 0 - Ecuador 2

Match Analysis...

Poland was disappointing despite hitting the post twice late on. Star man Maciej "Magic" Zurawski was almost non existent. Chances to emerge look bleak now.

Ecuador, good attacking strategy, sufficient defence. Saved by the offside flag and the woodwork, but no denying them the victory. Strong chance to qualify. Key game would be against Costa Rica... Goal difference is important.

Star Man...

Agustin Delgado. 1 Goal, 1 Assist. Probably the difference in the game.

BETTING UPDATE

So we got off to a bad start. but no worries. we werent far off. Saved by Torsten Fring's late goal.

Current balance: -$17.40

TODAY'S MATCHES

England vs Paraguay

England's Steven Gerrard is troubled by injury, but likely to play. Game is too early for Wayne Rooney. Robo-Crouch is on top form despite missing a penalty last week. Take England to win. $3.70 for every $10 bet. England like to score in the first half. Likely to score first and hold the lead to halftime. Take England England on the halftime fulltime ticket. $9.70 for $10 bet. Can try England to win 2 nil. $45 for $10 bet. If u have money to spare try 3-0 $80 for $10 bet.

Trinidad & Tobago vs Sweden

I'm sure Sweden will win this. $2 for $10 bet. Odds too low to bet really. Probably Sweden-Sweden on the half time ticket too. $5.50 for $10 bet.

Argentina vs Ivory Coast

The most exciting game of the night. Messi's Argentina against probably the best African side in this World Cup. Argentina's midfield is formidable, but the Ivorians are that bad either. I worry for the Ivorians goalkeeper though. Jean-Jacques Tizie aint the best keeper around. With some luck the Ivorians can come away from this game with something... Possibly the draw at $25.30 for $10 bet. Try Argentina- Draw on the Halftime Fulltime ticket. $140 for $10 bet.

TODAY'S $50 BET

England-England(HT-FT) $20

England to win 2 nil $20

Argentina to draw $5

Argentina-draw (HT-FT) $5

Before we start with the matches themselves... An overall world cup betting plan.

Group Winner Specials..

Group A Winner: Germany. No 2 ways about tis. Put Money, Take Money(PMTM). Win $3 for Every $10 u put.

Group B Winner: England. Slight risk here. but shouldnt be a problem. $5 for every $10 bet.

Group C Winner..Likely to be Argentina... but being the regular chokers there are.. i wouldnt bet on them.. not yet probably. so stay out.

Group D Winner: Probably Portugal. Mexico in with a shout. Iran and Angola.. haha. Not a good bet though.

Group E Winner: Italy. injury hit, but shouldnt be a problem. Mean defense, Potent attack. $7.50 for $10 bet

Group F winner: Brazil. Everyone's favourite and the best attacking side. suspect goalkeeping though. but nevertheless..PMTM. $1.50 for $10 bet. not really value for money...

Group G winner: France. ONe reason. Thierry Henry. $3.80 for every $10 bet.

Group H winner: Spain and Ukraine both with a chance. Wad does that mean? Ben stays out.

BEST BET

How Far Would Brazil Go Special

I dun see brazil losing before the semi finals. so take them to reach semi final, runner up and win. odds are $5.40, $5 and $3.10 respectively. Hence, by betting eg $10 on each, if brazil is a losing semi finalist, profit is $24, runner up $20 and winner $1. i dun see how i can lose tis. haha if u think $1 is too little... bet $100 on each la hahaha...

LUCKY PICK

How Far Would Japan Go Special

My crystal ball tells me japan will scrape through in group F(Brazil, Croatia, Austrailia)... However... they meet...ITALY in the 2nd round. So take them to reach the Round of 16. $27.50 for $10 bet.

TODAY'S MATCHES

Germany vs Costa Rica

Germany look to be without captain Michael Ballack. A huge lost to the team.. but home support should see them through. Germany to win, $2 for $10 bet. Also take - 1.5, $6.30 for $10 bet. Can take.. Correct score, 2 nil($4.80), 3 nil($6.20) and 3-1($8.50).

Poland vs Ecuador

Looks like a close match. Poland look impressive, Ecuador is a bit of a mystery. Keep the money in the wallet. If u really must bet, go for score draw(1-1, 2-2), or poland to edge it by a single goal(2-1).

DAILY $50 BET

Germany to win 2 nil, 3nil and 3-1($10 each)

Germany to overcome the handicap -1.5 ($20 each)

ha. thats all for today. happy betting folks! hahaha. gd luck!