Bet Of The Day: Netherlands - Japan

Match Odds: Netherlands 1.42, Draw 4.10, Japan 9.50

Kick Off: Saturday, June 19, 2010. 13:30 CET
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

Both teams have maximum points going into this second group match. While they may be equal in Group E you won't find serious money being wagered on a second successive Asian upset.

The Netherlands' routine 2-0 win over Denmark maintained their impressive unbeaten run which now stretches to 20 games. Won 15 Drawn 5. All five draws came in friendly games so when it comes to the business end of things, the Oranje deliver. Expect them to do the same at lunchtime today.

Japan defied the form book to beat Cameroon in their opener. They were good value for their win but let's not get too excited with the Blue Samurai. Cameroon were wretched playing Samuel Eto'o out of position and gifted the win to their opponents. Keisuke Honda's winner was one of just three shots they had in the whole game where they didn't force a single corner.

Netherlands Tips
The Dutch were made to wait 45 minutes before turning over the Danes. In their last three games including the Denmark win they have scored 10 goals in the second half. Netherlands to win the second half today is well priced at 1.73. Dirk Kuyt, who added the second in Monday's game, is an excellent price at 2.75 to score at anytime. Robin Van Persie, tipped by many to win the Golden Boot, is 1.71 to score at anytime and 4.0 to grab the opener.

Japan Tips
Little to go on here as with three points on the board Japan can afford to lose this game and still have a chance of progressing. In fairness they did look solid against an out of sorts Cameroon and knowing Holland are more effective in the second half than the first, a half-time draw at 2.15 along with zero goals in the first half at 2.50 have potential. Match winner Keisuke Honda is 5.50 to score at anytime.

Betting Verdict
Be safe here and back the Netherlands. We know what they can do in the group stages and Japan are a limited team flattered by a woeful Cameroon. These sides met last September and the Dutch were comfortable 3-0 winners. Taking all this into account a decent bet is on the Dutch at -1 which is great value at 1.80. If you fancy a greater margin of victory the odds stretch to 2.06 with a -1.5 handicap.
Expert Eye
Robin Bairner, Goal.com International
"There shouldn’t be any problems here for the Dutch, though Japan did show in their previous encounter that they will not roll over easily and that they can form a defensive barrier tough to break down. The Netherlands, however, have already broken down one stern defensive unit, and they should be able to do so again."

Prediction: Netherlands 3-0 Japan

Odds on 3-0 Netherlands win: 9.0

Match Odds: Netherlands 1.42, Draw 4.10, Japan 9.50

* Having promised to pack England's bags if they didn't beat Algeria I'm on the way. Pass the hand luggage, Fabio, along with your P45.