U17 World Cup Finals Mexico

Australia U17 v Brazil U17
Australia U17 v Denmark U17
Uzbekistan U17 v Australia U17
Uruguay U17 v Uzbekistan U17



Sunday, July 3

Uruguay v Uzbekistan

Both sides have managed to reach this stage of the competition with a defeat and three wins respectively. Uruguay proceeded through to the knockout phase via Group C, where they finished 2nd on 6pts behind England. In the Round of 16, the South Americans went on to defeat Congo 2-1 after going behind. With the same number of points, Uzbekistan managed to win Group D, eclipsing the USA and New Zealand. In the Round of 16, the Uzbekis clinically brushed Australia aside in a 4-0 win.

Some say that Uruguay have not managed to reach their potential after some less than convincing performances. The defeat to England aside (0-2), where Uruguay arguably through the game to avoid Argentina, the 3-0 win over Canada was not a true reflection of the performance whereas the last gasp 1-0 win over Rwanda was not something to rave on about. In their most recent encounter, Congo was the better team but the Africans seemed to lose their composure after taking a deserved 53rd minute lead.
Following a dreadful start to their World Cup campaign with a 4-1 defeat to New Zealand, Uzbekistan has impressively managed to navigate their way past their opponents. Led by impressive captain Makhstaliev and the finishing prowess of Khakimov, the Asians deservedly accounted for the United States and Czech Republic with 2-1 wins. The result against Australia was coming as their expansive play through out the tournament has deserved the goals to show for it.

I was a bit surprised with the line here as I find these teams relatively even in quality with perhaps Uzbekistan slightly favoured on current form.

Pick: Uzbekistan +0.5ah @1.81 (pinnacle, 10 units)
Uruguay 2 - 0 Uzbekistan


Thursday, June 23

Australia U17 v Brazil U17


Verdict: Both teams opened their World Cup campaigns in perfect fashion, claiming 3pts from their respective encounters. Australia fought back after conceding early to defeat Ivory Coast, 2-1, whereas Brazil brushed aside luckless Denmark to win 3-0.

Australia were especially fortunate to come away with maximum points as Ivory Coast dominated possession and had numerous shots at goal, if a little wayward. Australia's star players in Makarounas and Tombides stole the limelight with well taken goals, and will prove hard to handle for any team in this tournament. Brazil can thank keeper, Charles, for arguably a MOM performance against an impressive Danish outfit. Denmark could easily had gone into half-time with a two to three goal lead, only to be repeatedly thwarted by the brilliant Brazilian stopper. The second half was a different story as Brazil found their rhythym, and two goals, to put the gloss on a flattering 3-0 scoreline.

Despite their wins, both sides looked vulnerable in defence so I expect goals here. Brazil is rightly favoured to win as Australia is technically inferior and over-reliant on the players mentioned above, though current 1x2 and AH odds present no value.

Pick: Both teams to score @2.15 (bwin, 5 units)
Brazil 1 - 0 Australia


Sunday, June 26

Australia U17 v Denmark U17

Verdict: In the final game of Group F, Australia is in the box seat to progress to the knock-out rounds as it sits in 3rd place on 3pts while the Danes are yet to register a point . Denmark's goal difference of -5 on the Aussies means that the Danes need to win by a margin of at least 3 goals to qualify to the next round. On Matchday 2, Australia suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to tournament favourites Brazil while Denmark were undone by Ivory Coast striker, Soulaymane Coulibaly, in a 4-2 defeat.

Despite Australia not necessarily needing to win this game to progress in the tournament, finishing second will ensure that the team stays in their current location of Querertero. I see no reason why they can't get the three points here after an encouraging performance against Brazil where they dominated the first half. In contrast, Denmark were completely outclassed by the power and speed of the Ivory Coast. The Danes actually led the game twice, totally against the run of play, so it was no real surprise to see the Africans win the way they did. One has to question Denmark's morale at the moment, having conceded an equal most 7 goals in the tournament in just two games. I don't think there's much separating the teams technically but the confidence and form is with the Australians.

Pick: Australia dnb @1.97 (titanbet, 10 units)
Australia 1 - 1 Denmark

Wednesday, June 29

Uzbekistan U17 v Australia U17


Verdict: Following the completion of Australia's re-scheduled game with Denmark, ending in a 1-1 draw, Uzbekistan could finally plan their tactics for their Round of 16 match. The Aussies finished third in Group F on 4pts with a battling 2-1 win against the Ivory Coast, in their opening match, proving vital in their progression. In contrast, Uzbekistan were humbled 4-1 by New Zealand, in their opening encounter, but regrouped to win their next two games (2-1 against USA and Czech Republic respectively) to top Group D.

The return of Uzbeki captain Abbosbek Makhstaliev from suspension proved vital for the Asian side after a listless performance in his absence, in the opening game. His two goals in the games that followed in addition to his combination play with impressive frontman, Timur Khakimov, has been a joy to watch. The footballing gods have been smiling on Australia in this tournament after their game against Denmark was postponed (due to bad weather) while losing 1-0 , and replayed in its entirety 14hrs later. In the re-scheduled fixture, the Aussies played 55min with a man less, on a heavy pitch, after midfielder Yianni Pertakis was shown his marching orders for a dangerous challenge. In the end, a goal on the counter-attack by substitute Luke Remington virtually sealed Australia's progression.

Even before a ball is kicked, Australia has a fight on their hands to recover from their re-scheduled game and lengthy journey to Torreon. It will be a big ask, considering that Australia will most probably concede possession to the opposition, as they have done in all three group games. Last year's U16 finalists, Uzbekistan, will be familiar with the surroundings of Estadio Nuevo Corona in addition to having well rested bodies to tackle the Australians. I also think there's a slight class/football maturity difference between the two sides in favour of the Uzbekis.

Pick: Uzbekistan +0.25ah @1.92 (sbobet, 10 units)
Uzbekistan 4 - 0 Australia