Football Tips 19/11/2013

The opening leg ended in a 6-1 thrashing of the Pharaohs and while the deficit is likely too huge to overcome we expect the hosts to try their hardest. This loss was Egypt’s only one in 10 games, a run which saw them win 8 of these, they are strong at home and should be able to grab at least a goal or two today. Ghana boast the likes of former Sunderland man Asamoah Gyan up front who has stated he is taking nothing for granted today. We can see this being a goal fest with both teams likely getting on the score sheet.

The first leg last week finished 1-0 and it really should have been more. Portugal really should have had a few more themselves. It’s in Sweden’s favour this week and their talisman up front is the big difference maker. Portugal can’t afford to sit back with only a 1-0 lead on aggregate and it’s all or nothing so both sides have to go for it. Portugal have won away games in qualifying but only against poorer nations. They came from behind to beat Luxembourg 2-1, beat Azerbaijan 2-0 & finally beat Northern Ireland after being 2-1 down. We also backed them to get a result against Israel earlier in the campaign which finished 3-3 after being 3-1 down. We really expect Sweden to attack from the whistle and get the early goal which will open the game up.

Japan fought back from 2 down earlier in the week to draw when they faced the Netherlands, they were major un-favourites in this game and showed what they are made off. Some of their passing was a sight to behold, they ripped through the Dutch defence and we expect them to pull off similar attacks today against an arguable worse side. Belgium come into this game off a 2-0 defeat to Colombia proving their defensive frailties. What Japan showed the other day no team can defend against and the odds for them to just score 1 goal are very generous.

Although this is titled “a friendly” in the eyes of both sets of fans, it’s far from it. It’s one of the best international rivalries to watch. Germany coach Joachim Loew has confirmed that goal keeper Neuer & star team mates Lahm and Ozil will take no part in the match. Khedira picked up an injury in his last game that may see him out for up to 6 months. From what we can gather Germany are not naming their strongest side and will be experimenting with a few fringe players. Whether England put their best men on the line, Germany will try and win this regardless. We’re going for an England goal with better players returning to action, Germany’s slighter weakened defence and the overall occasion inspiring both nations.