Can Holland and Argentina follow suit with plenty of goals?
Published:Brazil is still in a state of shock after Germany ripped through the host nation to score seven as Die Mannschaft reached the World Cup final for the first time since 2002.
Described as “the disgrace of all disgraces” in the Brazilian press, the Germans went 5-0 up in just 29 minutes in Belo Horizonte as Thomas Muller, Miroslav Klose, Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira and Andre Schurrle all found the net to land Brazil’s first competitive defeat on home soil in 39 years.
But while the Seleção mourn one of the heaviest defeats in their history, the World Cup moves swiftly on with the second semi-final: Holland v Argentina.
And in reaction to last night’s 7-1 drubbing, Ladbrokes are now offering customers 50/1 for the second semi-final to produce seven or more goals in the game.
Louis van Gaal’s side came flying out of the traps at this World Cup scoring five against reigning champions Spain and three against Australia.
While the Oranje’s goal scoring touch has deserted them somewhat if they can rediscover their free-scoring form from earlier in the tournament the goals could flow again for the Dutch against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Messi has been key to Argentina’s progression, firing four goals in Brazil so far and with the World Cup the only major trophy missing from his CV he will be desperate to produce the goods against Robin van Persie’s men.
With attacking talent such as Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero and Arjen Robben joining Messi and Van Persie on the Arena Corinthians pitch goals could be the order of the day in Sao Paulo.
Elsewhere, England’s involvement in the tournament has reached the final week with the news Howard Webb has been asked to stay on for the few remaining games.
The Englishman, who refereed the World Cup final four years ago, has been retained in a group of 15 referees for the final three matches and is in contention to make another appearance in Brazil alongside assistants Mike Mullarkey and Darren Cann.
No referee has ever be in charge of two World Cup finals and Ladbrokes go 8/1 that Webb gets the nod for Sunday’s final at the Maracanã. Just don’t miss the kung-fu kick this time, Howard!
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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