The vuvuzelas will be buzzing their last in the Group stage of the 2010 World Cup very shortly. Unfortunately, they'll probably just go on to buzz throughout the Round of 16, starting in 3 days time! At least that means there are far fewer matches to catch up with, and we have more opportunity to get emotionally involved with the upcoming matches, and far more sleep. Here are the expectations from 3 of the fascinating or home-grown matches in the last 3 days of the World Cup soccer Group Stage.
Match of the Day June 23rd : Australia vs Serbia
The Aussies haven't before met the Serbians in a World Cup match, and given that some betting agencies are putting the Aussies odds of winning at better than the Serbs, there'll be some hope here.
Top match comment:
"Serbia has an awesome defence and nicely proportioned attacking force. Australia is a tough opponent, though their team is very old and not competent to make the same miracle as 4 years ago."
Betting odds(to win the Cup):
Australia: 3.3 - 4.6
Serbia: 1.8 - 2.0
Draw: 3.2 - 3.8
Match of the Day June 24th : Denmark vs Japan
Another fascinating match coming up today ... Denmark and Japan are pretty much even in the bookies' opinions, they don't have a World Cup record to taint our opinions, and both have lost at least two out of their last 3 matches. Neither side might be going through - but this will still be fascinating to watch!
Top match comment:
"1-0 for Japan on this one. It may be a little harder than the Cameroon match but I'm sure the Samurai Blue's got this one"
Betting odds:
Denmark: 2 - 2.28
Japan: 3 - 3.75
Draw: 3.05 - 3.45
Match of the Day June 25th : Portugal vs Brazil
Both Portugal and Brazil are coming off the backs of quite a few wins into this, one of the last matches of the Group Stage. It's likely that whichever way this match goes, both teams will advance ... so you'll always be rooting for a winner. Chgeck the odds if you're looking to be a winner though!
Top match comment:
"It was a bad idea to pair up these two teams. One mother, the other their child. Nevertheless, both will play so damn well!"
Betting odds:
Portugal: 3.5 - 4
Brazil: 1.8 - 2.38
Draw: 2.75 - 3.3