THERE are just five days to go to the start of the Euros – and that's the good news.
The bad news is we've still go to wade through a few friendlies before the serious action begins.
It's been hit and miss on the friendlies over the last week or so with some good and bad results. Last night for example there was money to be made on Holland against a seriously-weakened Northern Ireland.
There are a couple of games to look at on Sunday and the obvious one is Spain v China (9pm) in Seville. Euro 2012 favourites Spain open against Italy and will look to hit the ground running early on.
Vicente del Bosque's men have notched friendly victories over Serbia and South Korea and should make it three in a row against China.
But with Spain coach seemingly decided on his starting 11 he is likely to rest many of them.
Athletic Bilbao stars Javi Martinez and Fernando Llorente will start after missing the first two friendlies and Llorente is a decent shout for first goal if you can get a price.
Backing Spain to win at a best 1-9 at Betfred won't make you rich and even minus one at 2-7 is pretty unattractive. So go for the world champions to win by three or more at 4-5 with Ladbrokes and Skybet.
China have already been eliminated from 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign after missing on the second place in the group to Jordan.
Boss Jose Camacho was given a voice of confidence to continue rebuilding the squad and his team will be as strong as possible.
But for me it looks like a convincing Spanish win as they have a fiesta in Seville.
USA lost 4-1 to Brazil after battering Scotland 5-1 and will hope to get back on track in Canada (12am). The USA clearly have the stronger squad and I'll be on them at 11-10 with Ladbrokes and William Hill if they're starting most of their main men.
Brazil have won their last three friendlies 2-1, 3-1 and 4-1 so there is every chance they'll defeat Mexico but not keep a clean sheet in Texas (8pm). Instead if backing Brazil at 8-13 (various) take over 2.,5 goals at 17-20 with BetVictor.
Recommendations
Spain -2
(4-5, Ladbrokes, Skybet)
USA
(11-10, Ladbrokes, William Hill)
Brazil v Mexico over 2.5 goals
(17-20, BetVictor)
In December 2020 we sadly 
Would you say Spain -3 is pushing it a bit too far? I might take a punt on it
James, it might be asking too much for Spain to win by four. You might get a better feel when the teams are revealed but probably not be busting a gut in their final warm-up game.
Just finished watching the Argentina game. Thanks for the advice Paul. I cleaned up on minus 2 and ended the day strongly. I think I will leave Spain alone as there isn’t much value to be had. I backed the Americans on Thursday night at odds of 6/5 to beat Canada on Sunday night.
Hopefully the yanks will prevail and round off what has been a good weekend for us ahead of the Euros.
CHRIS GUY TIPS
Spain vs China
Spain should cruise through this game to be honest. Many punters will be all over the handicaps and rightly so. One bet that sticks out for me is Spain to be winning afters 30 mins which is available at 10/11 with Ladbrokes. I think this represents excellent value considering ht Spain ft Spain is 2/7 with the same firm. Also look at Spain to win both halves which is available at 8/11 with Paddy Power.
Recommendation –
Chris, the 10-11 looks good. Have you seen anytime scorer or first scorer bets? I’ve read Llorente will definitely start and has something to prove to del Bosque who isn’t convinced the striker can plan the style he wants.
Hi Paul prices ain’t today good to be fair. Llorente to score anytime is 4/11 and first scorer 11/5 with paddy power. Too short for me so think I’ll just bet big on Spain winning after 30 mins
one more international accumulator before the euros
brazil
angola
mali
niger
togo
nigeria
£4 returns £106.68 william hill
Hi, Anyone any team news on usa?? I do around the even money betting most times, so thinking of using my £225 winnings from yesterday on usa/spain, just over evens.
Doing the evens betting that was trending on here the other day, £10000 here we come, lol.
Andy, Chris Guy has put up some info. If the US team is comfirmed as strong with Dempsey or Donovan starting I’ll be on them.
Andy how about finland even money, small wager for a little sunday interest kickoff in half hour? Anyone looked at this fixture?
McGart, sorry was at the boy’s football this morning so didn’t get to reply to the Finland query. To be honest Finland v Latvia is a game I would have looked at.
Small side bet out my so called evens challenge. Might still have a punt on finland at betfred evens? Anyone?
Finland @ 10/11
(Match Betting)
USA @ 17/20
(Match Betting)
Brazil @ 8/13
(Match Betting)
Spain – Spain @ 1/4
(Half Time / Full Time)
Multiple Type: 4 fold
Stake: 6.48
Possible Return: 46.20
USA at 10/11 looks a great bet get on
Really fancy the brazil – Mexico game over 2.5 goals.spain should win easy but I’d wait to see the line up before betting.
spain to win to nil 4/9 cant c china realy doing anything does any1 no any canadian players?
Kev, again have a look at what Chris Guy has put up but they don’t have any stars.
Has anyone got any team news on usa game at all? Tempted to have them as my 7th bet in evens challenge but would rather know some team news first! Can’t see many other bets around evens worth considering
anybody know where the Canada v USA game is being played ?
Wee double for fun today. Most goals in first half in spain game @ 15/8 ( i’ve noticed some of the friendlies fizzling out second half with lotta subs coming on) and 4 or more goals in brazil game @ 13/8. Good luck all :)
USA are an outstanding bet tonight against Canada.
Kev, Junior Hoilett is the most recognisable Canadian player but he doesn’t actually play for them as he KB’d a call up. Atiba Hutchinson is the biggest name for them.
Also going for Spain 30mins at 10/11
Stumbled accross this. Mite be of some interest.
http://mobile.wakingthered.com/2012/6/2/3059838/canada-v-usa
Dwayne De Rosario is Canada’s biggest striker
Looks like Canada have a few injury problems.
TORONTO – Ask Canada head coach Stephen Hart about Sunday night’s World Cup qualifying tuneup against the mighty Americans and he’ll tell you where his mind is at.
“It’s a preparation game for Cuba,” Hart said before playing down the result in tonight’s friendly at BMO Field. “We want to be totally focused on going away from home and playing Cuba. The players deep down want to come out and perform … but we have to be realistic.”
After hearing confirmation Saturday that influential midfielder Atiba Hutchinson will likely sit because of a re-occurring knee issue, the Reds are set to approach the U.S. friendly with a bit of caution following devastating injuries to left back Marcel de Jong and winger Josh Simpson that have severely limited Canada’s width.
The first and only test for Canada before jetting off to Havana on Wednesday, the U.S. enters Sunday’s match on opposite ends of exhibition results. The Americans thoroughly outclassed Scotland in a 5-1 tuneup a week ago before getting smashed 4-1 by Brazil four days later.
With both sides set to open CONCACAF’s third round of qualifying on June 8, Sunday night represents a final chance for Hart and U.S head coach Jurgen Klinsmann to whittle down their lineups.
Drawn into Group C alongside Panama and Honduras, Hart knows Canada desperately needs a good result against a side both Panama and Honduras are expected to earn maximum points against this fall.
“We’re going to focus on our tactical approach,” Hart said, continuing to shrug off the mystique surrounding what’s being billed as a border showdown. “As I said, everything is going to be geared towards (Cuba). I don’t want any distractions.”
But as he continued to drop expectations to an all-time low with the Americans in town, despite the underlying injuries to multiple key players, Hart reaffirmed his stance that his side is poised and prepared to progress past CONCACAF’s third round for the first time since 1998.
“Outside of injury, we have the best (Canada) squad here,” he said. “The objective is to qualify, suffer, fight and play good football … Get the country into a World Cup. I will never lower expectations.”
Currently No. 29 in the world and obvious picks to finish atop a third-round group containing Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica and Guatemala, the U.S. presents a stern test the Canadians failed to meet in a 2-0 loss during last summer’s Gold Cup.
“If you look at the U.S., they’re playing regularly at a very high level,” Hart said. “It makes a difference physically and mentally.”
To that degree, Canada also has its fair share of players currently impressing worldwide, including Quebec’s Olivier Occean, who single-handedly lifted Greuther Furth into the German top flight for the first time in club history this year.
“It’s a good feeling for him,” Hart said of the added pressure Occean faces after scoring 17 times in 30 league appearances. “If you want to qualify, you have to beat the best teams, you have to beat the best defenders and you have to score goals against the best goalkeepers … He has done it in Germany and needs to come out and do it at the international level.”
With Canada’s midfield the only remain question mark, after naming Lars Hirschfeld Canada’s starting ’keeper on Saturday, every indication from training is that Hart will go with a back four consisting of David Edgar, Kevin McKenna, Andre Hainault and Ante Jazic — a veteran defence capable of withstanding the mental demands of a gruelling four-month qualifying period.
“The starting 11 looks good,” Hard said. “I’ve seen a sort of focus from them going into the (U.S. game) to get prepared. I think they’re well prepared to go into Cuba.”
Canada vs. USA – International Friendly – 7ET on Sportsnet
THINGS TO WATCH
FOR THE U.S.: Clint Dempsey has played just 30 minutes through two World Cup qualifying tuneups for the Americans. Look for the Premier League standout to come back in convincing fashion as he seeks fitness ahead of next weekend.
FOR CANADA: Head coach Stephen Hart’s back four might be the most important element of this team. Lacking goals for the past few years, Canada’s defensive unit will receive a stern test from a side that’s top-heavy with offensive talent.
International Friendly Preview: Canada – USA
The USA holds a 14-match unbeaten streak against Canada, with the Canucks trying to break the spell on their Centenary.
By Zac Lee Rigg
http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/1206557-canada-vs-usa-team-usa-must-build-momentum-heading-into-world-cup-qualifying
Everything looks to be pointing towards a USA victory. Apparently USA have everything to play for
CHRIS GUY TIPS
USA vs CANADA
Clint Dempsey to score anytime 15/8 @ Bet365.
USA -1 goal 11/4 @ Ladbrokes.
SPAIN vs CHINA
Spain to be winning after 30 mins 10/11 @ Ladbrokes.
Good luck everyone.
got usa at 10/11 now 4 /6 any1 no teamnews ireland game
If you go to Stan James’ home page you can have a special treble on Spain, Brazil and USA all to win tonight 3/1. Excellent value. Get on!
James, got to fancy all three. Spain latest team news suggests they’ll play four or five first-choice players so should be strong to win by two or three against China. Canada look as though they will be second best against USA but haven’t got much news about Brazil’s starting line-up.
Brazil vs Mexico – both playing 433. Brasil with Hulk, Leando and Neynar. Thiago Silva in defence too. Guess its a strong lineup.
Roland, got to fancy Brazil having seen the line-ups. Hulk or Neymar to score first and over 2.5 goals.
Brazil just had a goal disallowed. Following odds in-play with Hills. Over 2.5 is now 13/8.
Link for match text commentary:
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/80427/brazil-vs-mexico/play-by-play
Over 2.5 looking good now although it’s Mexico who have scored.
Mexico 1 up. Sounds like Brasil more in control by Mexicans are dangerous on the break. Glad I covered Overs like you advised rather than backing a winner.
Roland, watching it and it’s all Brazil but keeper wasn’t too clever at the goal.
Ha ha, two chances 2-0 Mexico.
any1 no spain team
Spain -1 1st half is 17/20 at WH. Good bet? Afew friendlies lately provided afew 1st half goals. Also Brazil Mexico is almost evens for Over 3.5. Yay or nay?
Roland, quite like the over 3.5 for Brazil v Mexico. No sure about Spain as we may see some of their top strikers after the break.
3 up top for Spain – Negredo, Cazorla & David Silva. Midfield – Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso & Xavi. Seems strong enough.
Roland i took 15/8 for more goals in first half in spain game
Over 2.5 goals looking good Paul. Now for Spain to be winning in 90 mins
No Llorente for Spain but pretty strong. Spain (4-3-3): Casillas; Arbeloa, Albiol, Sergio Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Xavi; Cazorla, Silva, Negredo.
Is usa canada on tv by anychance? Cant be bothered with internet at 12am
McGart, pretty sure it’s on ESPN.
I put my £218.88 on USA tonight after seeing all that’s been.said on here! If they win, I’ll be up to £401 with one more bet to go before banking! If they lose, I’ve only lost £3.
Luke, good luck with that. I might have waited until teams were announced but you should be OK looking at the two squads.
lost a fair we bit on that spain first half there paul! any good priced bets on the canada game you see? 7/2 looks tasty for usa to win both halfs, what you think?
As I said won’t be having a bet until I see the Canada v USA teams. It’s not worth taking too many risks with these friendlies.
Pretty poor display by Spain
Chris, typical friendly fare. Got to hope subs such as Llorente come on and make a difference. Can’t imagine they’d be happy to draw with China.
Thanks Paul! I was tempted to hang around and wait for line ups, but wouldn’t have backed them if price was to shorten again! Gutted I missed out on the 11/10 that was available in some places a few days ago! But I’ll be happy with the 5/6 so long as they win! I’ll try to watch the game online I reckon.
No not on espn paul?
McGart it seems to only be on NBC Sports Network (USA) and Sportsnet (Canada).
any team news on usa yet??
Howard, Cherundolo, Bocanegra, Goodson, Johnson; Bradley, Jones, Torres; Dempsey, Donovan. Gomez. Happy with that,
Usa team- Howard,Bocanegra,Goodson,Johnson, Cherundolo,Torres,jones,Bradley,Dempsey, Donovan,Gomez
Seems Stong Enough.
Only canada players i recognise are De Rosario, De Guzman and Oceean.
Usa 2-1 seems to be a popular scoreline between these teams.
Paul I tried for ages to get team line up to no avail. Dempsey anytime 15/8 and USA -1 goal 11/4. Get on my friends
A reckon donovan first scorer and anytime is a good bet. He always turns on the style for the usa
Chris guy if u have an iphone downloa ESPN soccernet app, really good for info and team news. Jus needy go into settings and pick ur leagues n stuff. If theres a specific team u wanty see set them as a favourite and itl show u recent and past results. Top App
Thanks David I checked all the regular sites ie Eurosport goal.com etc. I’ll download the app. Cheers mate
Thought this may be of interest usa v canada is available to watch if u have a funded bet365 accout on there live stream.
So how many are watching tonight? great streams to be had. if there is a stick out bet in play i would be happy to hear.
So how many are watching tonight? great streams to be had. if there is a stick out bet in play i would be happy to hear.
Best places to watch footy online are firstrowsports and adthe.net
Usa started brightly. Donovan out wide and taking corners. Dempsey 19/4 looks good
even money now for usa.
Yeah Luke I use firstrowsports too. Paul what happened with Thompson. I heard it was due to his lifestyle. Think he may be an alcoholic. It’s a shame for anyone to lose their job, especially if through an illness which alcohol addiction. In one website it claims he quit but I think that’s far from the truth. Another website states he was sacked and he was demanding to know who made the decision wether it was Neil Lennon himself or the Celtic board. I always thought Lennon and Thompson had a great relationship so it will be interesting to find out who made the decision. After all it was Lennon who brought him back to Celtic. I didn’t think for a minute that Lennon would leave to go to Norwich but at the same time I’m just thinking, if he’s not happy with Thommo getting the sack and with the turmoil at Rangers at the moment, this could be a perfect opportunity for him to leave
Chris, you can read about it in the Record tomorrow but I think this one will run for a bit. But still don’t see Lennon going to Norwich, not even sure if they want him.
13/10 usa in play better than the 6/5 on offer midweek
McGart, it’s amazing how that happens. You try hard to get a price and then hey presto it’s right in front of you inrunning.
only 1 real chance for usa tho! and canada got what looked like a perfectly good goal chopped off. hope for a huge improvment second half. friendlys!
McGart, poor stuff but as you say that’s friendlies for you.
Never really have liked Americans anyways so serves me right backing them!! Never mind, evens challenge was fun whilst it lasted