Soccer betting free picks: Australia vs. Germany
Added on Jun 12, 2010 by Jack Thurman in
Sportsbooks worldwide are busy with the first weekend of World Cup betting action, and we’ll take a look at Sunday’s Group D preliminary round game between Germany and Australia. Germany is expecting a deep run in the tournament, while Australia will be happy to just advance to the knockout stage. This game will go at 11:30 AM Pacific from Durban Stadium, in Durban, South Africa:
Germany vs. Australia
June 13, 11:30 AM Pacific
Based strictly on the talent of each team’s individual players, this is a mismatch. Germany has a deep roster full of superstars from the top European Leagues and are considered by many to be a ‘dark horse’ contender for the title. Australia just doesn’t have the same class of players throughout the roster, though they have some European League talent here and there including midfielder Tim Cahill who plays for Everton in the English Premier League.
Germany caught a tough break before the tournament began with the injury to team captain Michael Ballack. Despite his absence, they should have enough to get past the Australian team (who goes by the nickname ‘The Socceroos’) but don’t expect a blowout. Australia makes up for their relative lack of A-list talent by playing a regimented defense oriented style–they allowed only 1 goal in eight qualifying games. Granted, facing Asian teams in qualifying and taking on the best teams from all of the world is an entirely different deal but a 0.12 goals against average is pretty impressive no matter how you slice it.
Dealing in stereotypes is usually unwise, but Germany plays soccer just like you’d expect a German team to do it–they’re disciplined, well organized and efficient. Don’t be surprised to see them get an early goal and play possession football the rest of the way. That tactic would be especially effective against an Australian side that lacks playmakers and creators on offense.
The matchup does present a couple of good wagering values. Obviously in a matchup like this the Under is a strong position and at -125 its not unreasonably priced. We’ll also take a shot on the ‘exact score’ prop available at most sportsbooks. We can get +517 for a 1-0 Germany win and with both team’s tactical preferences this represents a very nice value.
Bet Australia/Germany Under 2′ -125
Bet Germany 1-0 over Australia +517