It is now just 18 days until the highly anticipated 2010 World Cup kicks off in South Africa on the 11th of June, and as anticipation builds, and the final bout of friendlies takes place – all eyes turn to South Africa.
Although there is still more than a fortnight to go, and teams are still working out their top line up or scrambling to deal with injuries, SportsBet are currently offering some great odds for punters not able to wait until the action rolls around.
With more than just head-to-head markets on offer, Sportsbet are also offering specials including top goal scorers, top regional teams, who will claim the golden ball and many more!
Group G is set to provide some thrilling soccer with the appearance of South American powerhouse of Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, Korea DPR and Portugal – all vying for a spot in the next round.
Below is an outline of all the Group G Matches making up the group stage of the 2010 World Cup.
Côte d’Ivoire V Portugal
On the 15th of June, the Group G fixtures will kick off at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, when Côte d’Ivoire takes on Portugal at 4pm.
Côte d’Ivoire are one of the more inexperienced sides heading to South Africa this summer, having only appeared in a world cup tournament once before in Germany, and they did not make it past the group stage.
Portugal will be attempting to win the world cup this year for the fifth time, after finishing fourth in the last tournament.
The pair have not met previously in international competition, although will both realistically be playing for the second spot behind Brazil – which makes this an incredibly important fixture for both nations.
Having to start the campaign strong and on full form, the pressure is on the duo and at this stage of the lead up to the tournament Portugal are inching their way into the favourite spot at $2.38, while Côte d’Ivoire are at $3.
Brazil V Korea DPR
Johannesburg’s Ellis Park Stadium will see five-time winners Brazil debut in the 2010 World Cup when they play Korea DPR on the 15th of June at 8.30pm.
This is most likely going to be a one way affair, with Brazil in search of their sixth title, as they return to the tournament for the 19th time.
In contrast, Korea DPR has not appeared on the international circuit since 1966.
The duo have never met before during international circumstances, and having caused an incredible shock by making it South Africa, will need to do even more to beat the South American powerhouse.
Therefore it is no surprise to see the Brazilians dominating the odds at $1.10, while Korea DPR are at a hugely lucrative $21 if they manage to upset once again.
Brazil V Côte d’Ivoire
Brazil will stay in Johannesburg for their second fixture when they take on Côte d’Ivoire at the Soccer City Stadium on the 20th of June at 8.30pm.
With huge difference in experience on the international stage between the two, Brazil certainly boasts the advantage on paper having appeared in 17 more world cup tournaments than the Ivory Coast team.
Brazil have dominated in their recent three fixtures with three wins, and qualified for the tournament top of the group with nine wins, seven draws and two losses.
On the other hand Côte d’Ivoire could make their mark as the underdogs of the tournament, billed as Africa’s biggest hopes to influence this summer.
The South American’s are currently going into the match as favourites at $1.67, while the Ivory Coast are at $5.
Portugal V Korea DPR
On the 21st of June, Portugal will play Korea DPR at Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium with a 1.30pm kick off.
The duo have met just once before, with the Europeans claiming a 5-3 win, in what was a thrilling match in the 1966 World Cup competition.
Portugal recently only managed a draw against what was expected to be an easy win over Cape Verdean with the competition so close to kick off, and struggled early on in their qualifying campaign.
Korea DPR also struggled in qualifying, only cementing their spot in the 2010 World Cup with a draw in the final game – although to give the Asian nation their due, it was a long and gruelling campaign.
Portugal are currently dominating the odds at $1.20, while North Korea will have to pull off one of the tournament’s upsets as they head into the match at $12.
Portugal V Brazil
To round off their group stage of the 2010 World Cup, Portugal face Brazil at the Durban Stadium on the 25th of June at 4pm.
The duo have met 18 times previously, with Brazil claiming 12 wins, Portugal four, and two draws apiece.
Portugal have still got two friendlies to iron out any kinks among the team before the competition kicks off, facing Cameroon and Mozambique to open them up to styles of soccer playing they are less experienced with.
The South Americans on the other hand will not have played together since early March before their opening game, which may cause issues among the squad.
However the dominance the Brazilians have over this tournament is undisputable, and so they head into this game as favourites at $1.80, while the Europeans are at $4.
Korea DPR V Côte d’Ivoire
Rounding off the fixtures for the group G matches, the Mbombela Stadium will see Korea DPR play Côte d’Ivoire at 4pm.
Having only played in one world cup tournament before, both sides have equal footing on the international stage, and as they have not met before could provide an exciting finisher for the group stage.
North Korea have lost two of their last three fixtures, and managed to hold South Africa to a nil-nil draw, however do have three friendlies before the tournament kicks off to find their top form.
The Ivory Coast have won just a single match in their last three fixtures, and have two friendlies against Paraguay and Japan to expose themselves to some varying techniques before the 2010 World Cup begins.
Côte d’Ivoire are currently heading into the game as clear favourites at $1.22, while North Korea are at $11.
2010 World Cup Group G Matches
No. |
Date |
Match |
Location |
Kick-Off (Local) |
Kick-Off (AEST) |
| 13 | 15.06.10 | Côte d’Ivoire V Portugal | Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth | 16.00 | 00.00 (16.06.10) |
| 14 | 15.06.10 | Brazil V Korea DPR | Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg | 20.30 | 04.30 (16.06.10) |
| 29 | 20.06.10 | Brazil V Côte d’Ivoire | Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg | 20.30 | 04.30 (21.06.10) |
| 30 | 21.06.10 | Portugal V Korea DPR | Green Point Stadium, Cape Town | 13.30 | 21.30 |
| 45 | 25.06.10 | Portugal V Brazil | Durban Stadium, Durban | 16.00 | 00.00 (26.06.10) |
| 46 | 25.06.10 | Korea DPR V Côte d’Ivoire | Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit | 16.00 | 00.00 (26.06.10) |
