FIRST up on Wednesday it's team of the tournament Holland against Australia followed by what could be a thriller between Spain and Chile.
The Dutch lit up Brazil with their 5-1 mauling of Spain and there seems no way the Aussies can stop them.
I was impressed by the Group B underdogs even though they lost their opener 3-1 to Chile. They battled well and gave the South Americans a scare before conceding a late clincher.
But if Holland play anywhere near their best the Aussies don't have a hope and that's why they're as big as 14-1 with the likes of McBookie and Ladbrokes. Australia's defeat to Chile last time out was their seventh loss in their last 10 and the Socceroos have conceded 28 goals in their last nine matches.
The Dutch are 2-9 almost across the board and 4-6 with Betfred minus a goal. Loius van Gaal's men should win by at least two and if you fancy three or more consider minus two at 21-20 with bet365.
Other markets to look at include Holland/Holland HT/FT at 3-4 with McBookie and Ladbrokes and Holland to win both halves at 31-20 with Coral.
Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben did the damage against the Spaniards with two goals each so who will grab the opener? It's a toss-up really with van Persie 7-2 at bet365 and Robben 5-1 with the same firm. You could take them both to hit the target with van Persie 4-5 and Robben 13-10.
Van Persie has 10 goals in his last nine internationals and according to easyodds has been cut from 22-1 to 8-1 to be top scorer with bet365.
I flagged up Tim Cahill at 6-1 to net against Chile and the former Everton hitman will again be the Aussies' main hope of snatching a consolation. He is 9-2 with bet365.
How many the Dutch score is really up to them but three plus at 1-1 with Skybet looks decent value. Four or more is 11-4 and five plus again is 15-2.
Spain must beat Chile or are just about out and on the evidence of match one they are unbackable at a best 8-13 with Ladbrokes. However, it's worth noting they haven't won lost back-to-back games since 2006.
Vicente del Bosque is expected to make changes to a tired-looking squad but the pressure is on the world champions who know anything but victory will almost certainly put them out.
There were good and bad moments from Chile in their opener but they will be up for this one and can avoid defeat. Chile are as big as 5-1 with Betfred so you can have Chile or draw at 6-4 at McBookie.
I'm keen not to write off Spain after one bad game but they look past their best and if Chile play their normal game they can get a result.
Chile could have conceded more than to the Aussies so defence is an issue but Spain have their problems in attack with Diego Costa and Fernando Torres when he came looking out of sorts.
As long as Chile don't try to keep it tight and play for a draw that will suit them this should go over 2.5 goals but that's been cut to 4-6 and 4-7. Both teams to score is also likely but that is now a best 3-4 at 888sport.
I want to see some team news from Spain in the afternoon before deciding whether to put up other tips on the match.
Recommended Bets
Holland to win both halves
(31-20, Coral)
Holland -2
(21-20, bet365)
Robben to score
(13-10, bet365)
Chile or draw
(6-4, McBookie, BetVictor)
Tim Cahill gave that Chile defence problems in the air if Costa plays it’s a no brainer with the midget they have in defence..
As you say Mr f team news
Aanyone else fancy chile ?least to score a goal maybe double chance suggestions ?Sanchez anytime 13/5
Only a fool would write off Spain at this stage but they have to get that striker role sorted.Spain/Croatia/-1 Holland treb.
Spain & BTTS – YES
Croatia & BTTS – NO
Holland & BTTS – NO
Odds of 11.23,
£50 on! Good luck me!
Im with you on chile mr f. I placed my bets last night as i have been out all day. I done holland to score nore than two and chile win double pays just under 10/1.
Rooney is 1/5 to start against Uruguay on sky bet is that a sure thing mr f?
Biff, how can I say for sure? Everything I’ve read suggests he’ll start but only Roy knows for sure. Right, need to go – hunners of sports pages to fill again.