Bet on England

It’s Monday and there is another footballing feast to be had in Germany as Japan take on Australia.

There are quite a few Aussies staying in my hotel here in Frankfurt and they honestly believe a place in the knock-out stages is there for the taking. They can’t see any problems in their group fixtures and even fancy themselves against Brazil!

According to the Socceroos supporters, today’s game will be the easiest of the lot, but I’m not so sure.

In Mark Viduka, Tim Cahill and co they may just have enough to get them through but I am not convinced. There has only been one draw so far, that great performance by ten-man Trinidad and Tobago against Sweden (0-0), but I’m backing a draw this afternoon with Naohiro Takahara and Viduka on target.

The United States take on the Czech Republic a little later in the day and, while the Czechs have a fantastic side, there is room for improvement in America’s ranks. When you look at their team in the last World Cup, I’m convinced the States were fitter and stronger then than they are this time around and I reckon the Czech’s will be too strong.

Italy and Ghana complete today’s fixtures and the Italians have come in to the World Cup with a low key approach. There have been no predictions from their camp about lifting the trophy.

Franceso Totti’s timely return to fitness is a massive boost and could make a big difference for them, but bear in mind he has hardly played in eight months and it could be a big ask later on in the tournament for him to perform.

That said, I do think he will have enough in the tank to do some damage to Ghana and ensure Italy win by a couple of goals.

That’s all for now, I’ll be back tomorrow.