England

It has been a somewhat troubling experience, but FIFA have settled on Russia to host the 2018 World Cup. Ironically, the Russian cry for their World Cup bidding was “Ready To Inspire” which “inspiring” is what the voting process from FIFA has been anything but. The build up to the final decision from FIFA was abound with allegations of corruption, bribery and other nefarious business doings. There was mud slinging and accusations from both England and Russia, the two strongest competitors in the race to host the 2018 World Cup. England, after successful inspections of facilities were announced to have had the best technical bid of all the nations and looked strong favourites. The infrastructure of a sporting nation was already in place, along with large capacity stadiums which could easily cope with the demand of a world cup. England’s bid was “exceptional and remarkable” led by David Beckham, the Prime Minister and Prince William. Clearly it wasn’t remarkable enough as they only got two votes from members, the lowest out of the final shortlist of Russia, Spain/Portugal and Netherlands/Belgium. It is this bewildering stat which has thrown up a lot of distrust and hurt from the England camp. However, all that counts for nothing now. FIFA are steadfast in their resolve, amidst the calls for investigations into the proceedings and future operations, that they will not change their voting system for the future. So, with all the dust settling, Russia are the 2018 World Cup hosts, and it really is a great opportunity for the nation to inspire themselves and eastern Europe in holding a Premier world sporting event. The final decision has been over a year coming from FIFA, from the time the first bids were officially placed in March of 2009. Now we look forward.

So what will Russia offer to the world for the 2018 World Cup? Well, there is their strong culture which is actually quite diverse, which should bring a lot of colour to the world cup. Hopefully there are no Vuvuzelas in Russia. As a territory, Russia is so broad in size that it spans eleven time zones. The plan from the Russian bid was to break up the organisation of the World Cup fixtures into five main zones, embracing thirteen main cities for the World Cup. Russia, far out east in something of a European footballing wilderness, needs to get building in order to deal with high capacity crowds. Russia’s main stadium is the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, with will have just under a 90,000 capacity when updated, but all of the rest of the proposed Stadiums are between 40,000 and 50,000. That hasn’t worried the Russians though, as they plan to renovate and completely rebuild thirteen of the sixteen stadia from scratch. The plans are to construct new arenas for the world’s greatest football tournament, ones that are modern, updated and will breathe fresh air through Russia’s domestic football scene as well. This is actually inspiring and exciting times for Russia and their football demographics, so the chance to inspire is really in their hands now. It could really drag Russia up by its heels and inject some life into what really should be a powerhouse in international football.

It will be the first time that Russia have hosted a World Cup, only two decades after the fall of the Soviet Union. The thirteen hosts cities from the successful Russia will have 16 Stadiums spread out across the western section of the vast nation in this format:

Manager: Fabio Capello
Captain: John Terry
FIFA Ranking: 8
World Cup appearances: 12
World Cup Winner: 1966 

England Article: Squad

England Team Profile

England, sometimes referred to as ‘Three Lions‘, are a nation of which big things are always expected of them. Their loyal followers back home in what is a football mad country, always raise the expectation levels whenever a major tournament passes by their doorstep, and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will be no different.

The English are well renowned for their big fan base and the news is there will be over 100,000 English supporters in South Africa cheering their team on to what they hope will be World Cup glory, and they head to South Africa in high spirits after the English sailed through qualification. However, the ease at which England bypassed what seemed a pretty competitive Group at the time, will only add to the demand of the English public back home in a nation which expects a Golden delivery.

It used to be Spain who held the mantle for being the biggest underachievers in World football, but then the Spanish claimed the 2008 European Championship and the tag fell onto England’s shoulders, as the English haven’t lifted a major International trophy since 1966 when they won the World Cup on home soil. It’s been an absolute age without anything to celebrate, and what hurts the English supporters the most is England have rarely even looked like going close to winning either a World Cup or a European Championship. That should hopefully change in South Africa but England have a knack of disappointing.

Manager

It’s fair to say that Capello‘s appointment at the England helm wasn’t exactly met with open arms by every England fan, although everyone knew changes were needed after their failure to even qualify for the 2008 European Championships. Fabio Capello, a manager with a seemingly flawless and impeccable managerial CV, was brought in to restore some English pride that was previously lost through their failings to reach the last major tournament, and Capello’s honesty about England’s chances of reaching South Africa was like a breathe of fresh air, as Capello claimed England would definitely make South Africa’s show-piece. The Italian was to be right as England stormed through qualification, becoming one of the first few teams in the European sector to book their plane tickets to South Africa, to the relief of a football hungry nation.

Fabio Capello has been a revelation for England, installing some Italian discipline into the England camp which was certainly missing during Steve McClaren’s and Sven Goran Eriksson’s reigns as England coach. The players now respect the coach and feel privilege to be a part of the England set up once again, something that was also missing from the England camp before Capello’s appointment. The players know no-one is safe from Capello’s sharpened axe, and that everyone’s place is up for grabs should they not perform. Capello’s disciplined manner and approach has greatly improved how the England team operates and they are arguably entering into a World Cup in the best form of any of the recent England teams, so the expectation levels back home are rightly high, and it’s all down to one man – Fabio Capello.

With England having gone nearly a decade without a World Cup, Fabio Capello could etch his name into English folklore should he mastermind a successful campaign in South Africa. With the English fans, though, he’ll simply be known as a ‘Legend’ forever.

England Key Players

John Terry

It’s been a turbulent year for the former England skipper, who only this year relinquished his hold of the captain’s armband thanks to his infidelity issues, a subject we will try to avoid for now. Some were hoping it would make John Terry stronger, Terry against the world they hoped, but it did have a big affect on the Chelsea defender, and for all the wrong reasons. Thereafter, however, Terry’s performances for Chelsea declined and he was no longer seen as the rock at the heart of the Chelsea defence.

Nevertheless, there’s an immensely talented defender within John Terry waiting for it’s rebirth. At his best he can take the form of the world’s best centre back, commanding his defence in his authoritative manner, reading the play with precision and never afraid to get stuck in with a bold but fair tackle. He’s been a little off form before the World Cup finals, but England fans will be hoping John Terry quickly bounces back to his reliable self in time for a successful World Cup challenge.

Steven Gerrard

The Liverpool skipper didn’t have the best of seasons for his club as they endured one of their worst campaign for some time, while Gerrard has had his fair share of England critics down the years, so Gerrard, who will be making his third apperance in the finals of a World Cup, will have something to prove in South Africa. His commitment in an England shirt has been brought into question on more than one occasion, as the Liverpool born midfielder seemingly doesn’t play in the same forceful and constructive manner for his country like he does for his club, Liverpool.

Steven Gerrard is arguably the very best at what he does and his game is about several aspects, all of which he does to a very high standard. The accuracy of his passing is second to none; switching the ball from flank to flank isn’t a problem for the Merseyside star, tracking back and helping out in defence he does to a more than satisfactory level, while the standard at which he creates chances for everyone else, and the regularity of them, are both outstanding and admirable. However, the one crucial factor you get with Gerrard that you don’t with most Midfielders is this unique ability to defy adversity time and time again. Granted he’s only really produced something wonderful and spectacular for Liverpool and not for England, but the simple fact he’s saved Liverpool from the pits of despair on half-a-dozen occasions in his illustrious career is a huge positive for every England fan as the Three Lions could be in a position where exit from the competition looks imminent, but when you have a player in your team which you know can pop up with the goods when everyone else’s luck is out, it’s priceless and that’s the best word to desribe Steven Gerrard, regardless of whether or not he’s having a bad game or a bad tournament, Gerrard’s winning mentality is priceless and he can win any game of football at any given time.

With Steven Gerrard in your team, you can never be out of a game until the final whistle rings. If Gerrard has a big tournament this summer, then so do England!

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney was pushing Lionel Messi, the kid some are saying is looking more and more likely to be the greatest ever, all the way for Europe’s biggest player accolade before injuries spurred his chances of personal glory with the FIFA Player of the Year award. Rooney isn’t all about winning awards though, although he does enter into the World Cup in the knowledge that he was rated the Premiership’s best player for the 2009-2010 season. No, Rooney is a team player and he will strive to ensure England enjoy a good run in South Africa.

Within a year Wayne Rooney has seemingly been transformed into the complete striker, almost the perfect player in many respects. Sir Alex Ferguson has added versatility to his game, boosted his temperament and and converted the former play-maker into a goalscoring machine. Rooney always had goals in him but he was never scoring them with the alarming regularity that he is now. He’s been playing in a more central role up front for his club and it’s paid dividends, with Rooney ending the campaign with 26 league goals, while England were reaping the benefits of Rooney’s new found lease of forward life as the Manchester United striker finished a successful qualifying campaign as England’s most prolific forward with 9 goals in 9 qualifiers; averaging a goal every game for his country.

Rooney’s fiery attitude has cost him and England in previous tournaments, but the Liverpool born star has matured significantly in recent seasons and is now in the shape and form of his life. South Africa could be a huge tournament for Wayne Rooney as he looks to show the rest of the world what everyone in England has been talking about.

Strengths

The support England will get from their travelling fans will be amazing throughout their time in South Africa, and so long as the Three Lions keep progressing, the support will grow and grow. There will be over 100,000 English fans in South Africa to watch their team take on some of the World’s greatest football teams aiming to get a glimpses at perhaps the first England side to win the prestigious tournament since 1966. The fans will be in full voice at their games, and in plentiful supply, so whoever comes up against England will need to quieten the crowd if they wish to thwart England’s bid for glory.

The strength is depth is also a massive plus. England have genuine world-class quality in every position, while their back up is also first class. However, it’s the strength of their starting line up which will leave many nations in awe. Their defence consists of two of the World’s best defenders in John Terry (Chelsea captain) and Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United vice-captain), while Ashley Cole is rated as one of the World’s best left-backs. The midfield looks very solid yet full of creative spark and guile, with Gareth Barry sat in that holding role while Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard dictate the play just in front of him. The latter two also have goals in them, Lampard especially as he takes England’s spot-kicks. Gerrard can strike a ball from just about anywhere, and if England need a piece of magic at some stage, don’t be surprised if Steven Gerrard steps up to the mark. Up front we of course have Wayne Rooney – One of the World’s best on current form. 

Weaknesses

England do lack an out-an-out striker and as a result, means the Three Lions aren’t as danger from an attacking point-of-view as one might wish for. That may sound a tad amusing considering England finished with one of the higher goal returns during qualifying from the European sector, but the English were dominant in their group and often strolled through their qualifiers against the lesser nations. Against those with stronger defences, England will need more fire-power up top to break them down and could be found wanting if Wayne Rooney, a man upon the nations hopes are resting, doesn’t perform to the high standard we’ve all come to expect, or if he isn’t found a suitable striking partner. Fabio Capello has tested several forward partners for Rooney, and it would seem Emile Heskey is set to lead the line alongside the feisty Scouser.

Also, more than ever before perhaps, we rely heavily upon the displays and performances of one man – Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United forward was in scintillating form for his club during the 2009-2010 season and finished as the club’s top goalscorer, but he’s let his country down in previous tournaments, while injuries have also played havoc with his International progress on the big stage. Without him, England aren’t as threatening or intimidating, and that’s a huge concern.

England Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: Europe

Group: 6

Position: 1st

Win-Draw-Lose: 9-0-1

Goals Scored: 34

Goals Conceded: 6

World Cup Potential: 5/5

Will 2010 be the year England’s dreams become a reality? The expectation levels are always high with the England supporters, and it’s to be expected as rarely do they take a weak squad into a major tournament. 2010 will be no different and it will in fact be one of the stronger squads England have ever had in South Africa, so a big tournament should beckon for the Three Lions.

There are expected to be somewhere around 150,000 English fans in South Africa by the time the finals kick-off, so every English game should be packed out with English supporters. The support will be tremendous, as it always is, but once again there is tonnes of pressure on the England squad to perform and to deliver the goods in the form of the FIFA World Cup,after so many years of heartache and empty promises. We all say it every World Cup but this could be the year when England end the wait with their first World Cup victory since 1966.

England World Cup Betting Odds

England to win the World Cup:         8/1 – William Hill

Before the World Cup the odds on England were 8/1 

Official England World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart (Birmingham City)

David James (Portsmouth)

Robert Green (West Ham United)

Defenders

Jamie Carragher (Liverpool)

Ashley Cole (Chelsea)

Michael Dawson (Tottenham Hotspur)

Glen Johnson (Liverpool)

Ledley King (Tottenham Hotspur)

John Terry (Chelsea)

Matthew Upson (West Ham United)

Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa) 

Midfielders

Gareth Barry (Manchester City)

Michael Carrick (Manchester United)

Joe Cole (Chelsea)

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur)

James Milner (Aston Villa)

Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City)

Strikers

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

Peter Crouch (Tottenham Hotspur)

Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur)

Emile Heskey (Aston Villa)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 England Fixtures – Group C

27/06 – 15.00 – Round of the last 16: England – Germany: 1-4

World Cup 2010 Group C - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

2010 FIFA World Cup Winner:- Spain

Us punters needed not turning up in fairness as Spain, the ante-post favourites to land their first World Cup crown, clinched the 2010 FIFA World Cup and justified why so many, although us not included, fancied their chances before the tournament kicked off at Soccer City on June 11th. Many believed the best team won of which I’m not of the same opinion as I felt every single one of their games were dull and boring, while their slow build up play had us switching over to watch Eastenders at times. However, while we were never a fan of the Spanish, they way in which they manoeuvred the ball was remarkable and their tactic of retaining the ball at all costs was very effective, so credit were credit is due especially as they had to defy an early setback when losing 1-0 to Switzerland in their opening game of the tournament.

Our Team of the Tournament:- Germany

We don’t think there’s even room for debate as the Germans were scintillating from the word ‘go’. They began with a four goal romp of Australia but little did they or anyone else know that they would later go on to match their four goal feat against both England and Argentina in two games Germany were never favourites in. Joachim Low’s mixture of experience and youthful exuberance almost brought home their fourth World Cup title only to be denied by the ball-hogging Spaniards. They did, though, still have enough in reserve to slam another three goals past Uruguay en route to securing another third place finish, their second in succession, taking their scoring tally for the tournament to 16, four more than their closest pursuer Holland (12).

It’s difficult to pinpoint any one stand out player as the Germans played magnificently throughout the tournament as a team, which is a lot more than I could say for some. Manuel Neuer was a huge presence in the German goal and had Germany not be denied a place in the final, probably would have taken home the Yashin Award for best Goalkeeper. A normally fragile and suspect German defence had conceded just twice before losing to Spain in the semi-final, with full-back Phillip Lahm filling in admirably for the injured Michael Ballack as captain and certainly led by example. It was, however, the quartet of Bastien Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muellar and Lukas Podolski which fired Germany into the last-four and, somewhat ironically, into the hearts of many neutrals. Schweinsteiger has the tournament of his life in the centre of the park, marshalling that midfield like a pro as he continuously supplied Podolski and Mueller out on the wings. Podolski’s vigorous work rate out on the left was commendable and he remained a threat whenever Germany went forward, but it was two of their youngest players who had the biggest impact in Ozil and Mueller. Ozil was a constant nuisance for every opponent, swivelling in and out of tight spots while some of his through balls were sublime. The same could be said for Mueller, who despite being just 20 years-old. Shown absolutely no fear as he continued to bombed forward and aid the German attack.

It says all you need to know that when FIFA selected ten nominees for the 2010 FIFA Golden Ball, two were German while Thomas Mueller collected the Best Young Player award for his efforts.

Our Player of the Tournament:- Diego Forlan

Another ‘without a shadow of a doubt’ scenario, as Diego Forlan was rewarded for his industry during the finals with the 2010 FIFA Golden Ball. Despite playing in an unfamiliar role just behind the strikers, Forlan still managed to stand out amongst the crowd and almost single handily steered Uruguay in the last-four. His five goals in seven games so nearly earned him the FIFA Golden Boot as well only to finish fourth by virtue of pouring his heart and soul into Uruguay’s cause, as he played more minutes than anyone else in contention and so had a worse goals per minute ratio. He wasn’t just about goals though, as his ability to encourage Uruguay to burst forward and attack, as well as ding the majority of the forward construction work, was a joy to behold at times and his efforts through the tournament endeared him to the majority watching. I defy anyone to claim another played deserved the Golden Ball more than Diego Forlan.

Biggest Flop:- England

You could argue France or Italy should be considering those two contested the 2006 final, but England got the nod simply because they were a far shorter price before the tournament and were so abysmal in the finals throughout their short stay. From Game 1 right through to a humiliating Game 4, where they were embarrassed by Germany in a 4-1 hammering, England were well below par and at times appealing to watch. The hype beforehand was incredible, with the entire nation expecting a colossal effort from Capello’s men after the ease at which they qualified for the finals. Quite simply, the big names didn’t turn up. Frank Lampard, John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, all household names and all paid top dollar, were dreadful. Whether they didn’t acclimatise fast enough we don’t know, but we put it down to there being too many ego’s in one camp. Whatever the case, England were a huge disappointment and certainly didn’t match up to their pre-tournament billing of being third favourites to win the competition.

Goal of the Tournament:- Giovanni Van Bronckhorst versus Uruguay (Semi-Final)

Up till the semi-final’s, we were a big admirer of Carlos Tevez’s stunner against Mexico – A thunderbolt from 25 yards which beat Mexico keeper Oscar Perez all ends up. We didn’t think that would be beaten by Van Bronckhorst, who played his last professional games at these finals, stepped up and scored one of the most outrageous goals in World Cup history. From what must have been a good 35 yards out, Van Bronckhorst sprinted down the left flank and leathered the ball straight across the face of Muslera’s goal, smashing the right-hand post before nestling into the goal. Absolute stunner!

Game of the Tournament:- Italy V Slovakia

In a tournament where exciting games were few and far between, this match between Italy and Slovakia stood out amongst every single one of them. It was a match Italy needed only a draw to progress from Group F but only a win would have done for Slovakia, who began the day bottom of the group. Few gave Slovakia any chance of making the impossible possible but when Robert Vittek prodded home from close range, the non-believers were quickly beginning to turn. Just when the game appeared to be dwindling out into a narrow Slovakia win, the game exploded into life when the Slovak’s doubled their lead through Vittek again. However, if anyone through the Italians were dead and buried for one moment they were about to be given a dose of true grit and determination, as Antonio Di Natale reduced the deficit on 81 minutes only to have a potential leveller ruled out for offsides minutes later, with Quagriarella adjudged to be in an offside position by English officials. If the Italians felt hard done by then they were fuming at the next piece of action, substitute Kopunek running onto an Italian throw-in before lifting the ball over a despairing Marchetti. Slovekia looked home and hosed at that point, boasting a two goal lead with just injury time left to play, but when Fabio Quagriarella cutely chipped the ball over Slovakia keeper Mucha in the second minute of injury time, doubts were beginning to surface. Great champions now how to defy adversity and with the last kick of the game, Pepe was the man who will forever be remember for spurring a glorious opportunity which would have seen Italy through and saved their bacon. His loss was Slovakia gain though as the Slovak’s celebrated group progression for the first time in their history only to be knocked out in the next round by Holland.

Funniest Moment: Gabriel Heinze

Known for his dirty on-pitch tactics and even uglier spells of diving, we all had a jolly good laugh when one cameraman went in for a closer look following a goal scored by Carlos Tevez against Mexico only for Heinze to look up and walk straight into the camera, with the Argentine falling back as though he’d been hit by Mike Tyson. Heinze’s reaction was of disgust and quickly thumped the camera for daring to get anywhere near such a hideous face. Cracking stuff.

In terms of actual football, you can’t go far wrong with Yakubu’s open goal miss from two yards out against South Korea in a game which had he scored probably would have seen Nigeria qualifying from the group. No-one knows how he missed, not even Yakubu.

Granted the football at times wasn’t the best, while it did take a while to get going, but it was an enjoyable tournament even though in probability it will not be held in high regard as like previous World Cup’s. Even so, the South Africa atmosphere was something to saviour, even if the Vuvuzela’s weren’t, and we did at least see a new champions crowned king of the world, with Spain becoming the eighth individual winners of the FIFA World Cup. I’ll see you again in four years time

Englishman Takes Charge for Spain v Holland Final

England will have one major representative at the World Cup final at least. Referee Howard Webb has been selected to take charge of the final between Spain v Holland in Johannesburg on Sunday. Webb, who is a former police officer, has been an international referee since 2005 and is a popular figure in the English Premier League. Spain may not be relishing having him in the middle, as one of Webb’s three games at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, was the match between Spain v Switzerland which the European Champions lost. He also took charge of the group match between Italy and Slovakia and then the last sixteen match between Brazil and Chile. It is the first time since 1974 that an Englishman has taken charge of the World Cup Final, the last time it did happen, Holland lost in the final. World Cup Betting at online bookmakers are not going to let this one slide as the cream of English refereeing rises to the top, and naturally there are plenty of opportunities for you to have a punt on.

Howard Webb Special Bets
Howard Webb to not give a goal that crossed the line: 25/1 at Paddy Power
Howard Webb to allow a goal that was offside: 5/1 at Paddy Power
The ball to hit Howard Webb at any point during play: 6/4 at Coral
Howard Webb to award a penalty during normal time: 5/2 at SkyBet
Howard Webb to send off any player: 5/2 at Ladbrokes
Howard Webb to award a penalty: 5/2 at Coral
Any player to be booked for simulation: 4/1 at Ladbrokes
Howard Webb to fall to the ground at any point during the game: 6/1 at Coral
Howard Webb to order a penalty to be retaken at any time: 20/1 at SkyBet

What Will Happen First at SkyBet?
Award a yellow card: 10/11
Blow for half time: 11/4
Award a goal: 10/3
Award a penalty: 10/1
Award a red card: 20/1

After finishing second in Group C, the England squad knew they had to do things the hard way to reach the World Cup final, although the same applies to Germany even though Die Mannschaft finished top of Group D. Victory over the Three Lions on Sunday was comfortable enough, although they now face Argentina on Saturday afternoon before a potential semi final against Spain and final against Brazil or Holland!

It means that Germany are still 7/1 (Sporting Bet) to win the 2010 World Cup, although this young team certainly have the potential to go all the way. While they are without captain Michael Ballack for this tournament, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira have stepped up to the mark and midfielder Mesut Ozil has been a revelation in a free role behind the strikers.

The main concern would probably be in defence, with Schalke’s Manuel Neuer inexperienced between the sticks, while the same applies to the 21-year-old Jerome Boateng in central defence. However, Phillip Lahm and Arne Friedrich are excellent full-backs, with the former regularly getting forward in this World Cup to support the team’s attacking players.

It was something of a surprise to see them as outsiders to beat England and the bookmakers are happy to take on Klose, Podolski and Co when they meet Argentina at Greenpoint Stadium. Ladbrokes offer 5/2 that we see another German victory in ninety minutes, although La Albiceleste have not been convincing in defence either.

Meanwhile, Argentina are now no bigger than 7/2 (bet365) to win the 2010 World Cup following their 3-1 win over Mexico. There was an element of fortune about the way the team took the lead after Carlos Tevez’s offside goal was allowed to stand, although they are certainly an attacking force who have racked up nine goals so far.

Uruguay have been the biggest market movers on the outright betting since beating Mexico to finish top of Group A last Tuesday. Paddy Power originally installed them as 25/1 to go all the way, although the way that the draw has worked out in addition to their 2-1 win over South Korea now means that La Celeste are 12/1 (Ladbrokes) to win the World Cup for the third occasion.

Despite also making the quarter finals, Ghana are given less chance of glory by the bookmakers. The Black Stars are now just three games away from becoming the first African team to win the World Cup, although firms are still regarding this as a remote possibility and Sporting Bet offer 33/1 that Milovan Rajevac steers them to success. Then again, they will regard a quarter final match against Uruguay as winnable and don’t forget that this team reached the final of the African Nations Cup in January.

Bet365 continue to run with their World Cup penalty payback promotion, where you will get your stake refunded if the team you have backed on the outright loses on spot kicks. With Germany beating Argentina on penalties in the 2006 World Cup, it’s worth considering!

England’s exit from South Africa 2010 in such disappointing style has sparked a whole debate about the u se of video technology in football. It is not a new subject for discussion, as FIFA and Sepp Blatter have always played down the idea, citing cost and the inability to introduce it all levels of football across the world. The fury was sparked after England’s Frank Lampard saw a shot hit the cross bar and bounce clearly behind the line, in England’s last sixteen defeat to Germany at South Africa 2010. Had the goal have stood, it would have drawn England level at 2-2, but instead England were left chasing the game. The referee missed it and the linesman missed it, and had technology been in place, nothing would have been left in doubt. Lampard’s goal that never was, is just one of a few decisions that have been costly at the World Cup. America were deprived two good goals in their matches, and Mexico were furious after a lineman missed a clear offside decision. The debate will rage on as to what kind of technology could get introduced. Whether it is just goal-line technology or extra help to aid in off-side and handball decisions, there is a floodgate waiting to be opened. FIFA’s defence is that they don’t want to take the human factor out of the sport. But when so much hinges on human error, is it time to embrace technology? Of course, this is something you can have a bet on….

Video Technology Special Betting Odds

Euro 2012? Yes 2/1 at Paddy Power
The Premier League 2010/11 Season? Yes 7/1 at Paddy Power

Fancy a risk free bet on the 2010 FIFA World Cup? Well here is your chance with BetClic, who are offering a no lose first bet promotion on new accounts. When you place your first bet on a new account and that bet goes on to lose, then the online bookmaker will refund your lost bet. So whatever happens with that first bet on a new account, then you will win either way. Your bet wins, and you win. Your bet loses and you still win, with the refund on that first stake. This is applicable to new accounts only, and is genuine real money cash back offer

So, for example, if you place £20 on England to beat Germany at 8/5 then you stand to win a £32 profit. However, if England cannot get the better of their old foes, then Betclic will refund your £20 to your new account. This means you will have enjoyed all the thrills and spills of the game, but knowing that your bet is a completely risk free one, with nothing to lose.

BetClic provide good coverage on the World Cup, on a well designed website. Ex-France star Marcel Desailly is at the centre of the BetClic £20 FreeBet promotion, and the home page covers all the current, most popular and forthcoming sporting events. Of course the World Cup is at the centre of attention at the moment, and England take on Germany on Sunday as the two old international rivals battle it out for a place in the quarter finals. There is nothing bigger than an England v Germany fixture at the World Cup, and all of the hype and wars of words are starting already. Will Wayne Rooney finally get off the mark at this crucial time? Will England finally win on penalties? Yes, it is Germany once again for England and it is the clash of the last 16.

BetClic provide a good, clean website for your online betting needs, and they provide live stats on ongoing matches. As well as their extensive sports book, you can find poker rooms, casino and games to while away your time in between the World Cup matches. This Free £20 no loss bet is the perfect introduction to get your World Cup betting under way, if you have not done so already. Head on over to BetClic today and make the most of this no risk first bet on a new account.

England to win: 8/5
Draw: 11/5
Germany to win: 33/20

Here are some examples of what you can do with you Risk Free Bet!

England to Finally win on penalties: Bet £20 and win £220
England to beat Germany 2-1: Bet £20 and win £200
Wayne Rooney to score the last goal: Bet £20 and win £120

888Sport are offering a £20 no lose bet when you open a new account with them. This perfect chance to get behind England as they take on Germany in the last 16 at South Africa 2010. This a win-win situation for your World Cup betting, which means that if your first bet on a new account loses, then 888Sport will give you a refund up to the value of £20 matched. With the 2010 FIFA World Cup underway this is another ideal chance to take advantage of a no risk bet. The maximum refund on this first bet is £20, but you are safe in the knowledge that you are not going to lose out if you play up to the maximum. Either your first bet on a new account wins and you keep your winnings, or the bet loses and you will get your first stake refunded. Simply put, you have nothing to lose!

England are 5/6 at 888 Sport To Qualify against Germany
 

The bookmakers are expecting Sunday’s clash in Bloemfontein to be the biggest betting match of all time, with nothing getting the juices flowing more than a Germany v England contest during the World Cup. It’s a brilliant time to be opening a betting account or two, considering some of the excellent new customer offers that are available right now, while firms also have a number of great match offers available.

Bet365 continue to offer up to £200 in free bets to new customers through their 100% Match Deposit Bonus promotion. Simply make your first deposit and this popular bookie will match this with a free balance which can be used on any sporting market, including the hundreds that are available for the 2010 World Cup.

Bet365 also have a ‘Penalty Payback’ promotion for the World Cup, which means that if you back a team on the outright market and they lose on penalties, you will get your stake refunded. Since it emerged that England were playing Germany, there’s been lots of talk about extra-time and penalties, so it might be worthwhile backing the Three Lions at 10/1 to go all the way. Joachim Low’s team are 11/1 with bet365.

Finally, bet365 have their 0-0 cashback offer for England v Germany and every other football match in the World Cup and beyond. That means that all losing First / Last Goalscorer, Anytime Scorer, Correct Score and HT / FT bets are refunded if the game ends goalless. We’re expecting a tight contest!

Over at Paddy Power, you can always be sure of a good promotion for the big World Cup matches and England v Germany is no exception. They have a bore war promotion running which is similar to bet365 in that they will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast singles on this match if it ends 0-0. There are also £30 in free bets available to new customers when you register for the first time.

Ladbrokes are determined to make a splash for new and existing customers that visit their website this weekend, with anyone opening an account getting a £25 free bet just for depositing £5! This 500% deposit bonus is available during the World Cup and has proved immensely popular, with many people winning with their free bet last Wednesday by backing England. Perhaps you can do the same on Sunday, with the world’s biggest bookmaker offering odds of 5/1 that the match goes to a penalty shoot-out.

Sky Bet like to offer customers lots of extra value for the big England matches and some of their odds for the game at the Free State Stadium are very attractive. You can get odds of 12/1 that England win in extra time, with £10 staked landing you a nice profit of £120. Apparently Wayne Rooney has been looking sharp in training and is available at 20/1 to get his team off to a blinder by scoring in the first ten minutes, while the Manchester United forward is 14/1 with the same firm to score in both halves.