Confederations Cup 20th June – Spain Set To Massacre Tahiti – Nigeria To Meet Their Match

Brazil have just gone 1-0 up against Mexico as I write, so I’m hoping tonight’s bets are going to go well. However we look forward to Thursday’s games, and in particular the complete mismatch that is Spain vs Tahiti. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this game if you want to see hatfuls of goals. It has potential to be one of the highest scoring games ever broadcast live.

The other game for Thursday is between Nigeria and and Uruguay. Nigeria disposed of Tahiti 6-1 in their opening game, although the Nigerian team left a lot to be desired when it came to the team ethic. Here are my thoughts on both games…

Spain v Tahiti – 8.00pm BBC3

You really have to feel sorry for Tahiti here. They battled their hearts out against a young and greedy Nigerian side last time out, and I’m very pleased that they managed to get their name on the scoresheet.

However, they tired drastically in that game, and what do we really expect them to be able to conjure up against the European and World Champions?

The result of this game largely depends on how the Spanish approach it. They have taken a very strong squad to Brazil for this tournament, so even if they decide to have a big shuffle about with their starting line-up, their ability will simply not drop. If they decide to go for the throat and make the game a spectacle, I can realistically see them scoring at least 14 goals (I can confirm I am not drunk). However, what we have seen of the Spain team is that they are in no rush to do anything, and could spend a large part of the game simply playing keep ball.

That said, Spain should score at least 8 or 9 goals without reply. I can’t quite believe I’m expecting this scoreline in the Confederations Cup, but fairplay to the tiny nation of Tahiti on winning the OFC Nations Cup and booking their place.

Tahiti boss Eddy Etaeta remains hopeful that Spain won’t run Tahiti into the ground: “Spain are not interested in finishing the game at 10-0,” he said. “Spain are very respectful and they respect the small teams. I do not think we will lose by an historic scoreline.” I’m afraid I beg to differ.

From a betting angle it simply has to be a case of betting on how many goals Spain will win by. Paddy Power are offering 8/15 for Spain -6 Handicap which means that they’d have to win by a clear 7 goals or more for the bet to win. Sounds crazy I know, but Spain are more than capable of achieving this, therefore I’m going to recommend this as my bet.

Advised Bet: Spain -6 handicap 8/15 Paddy Power

Nigeria v Uruguay 11.00pm BBC1

Nigeria’s 6-1 win looks good on paper, but that’s about it to be honest. The young squad they took to Brazil looked one dimensional, greedy, and lacked any kind of team ethic throughout their defeat of Tahiti. If they don’t approach this game any differently they are going to be taught a footballing lesson by Uruguay.

The Uruguayans went down 2-1 to Spain in their opening game, a game in which Spain held 91% of the possession for the first 9 minutes. Uruguay weren’t really given the chance to shine that day, very similarly to most of Spain’s opponents.

Luis Suarez’s 88th minute free kick to make it 2-1 made the game look a lot more even than it actually was. Spain were typically glued to the ball in what was a rather boring match to watch. Uruguay will be chomping at the bit to get involved in a game, and I’m of the thinking that Nigeria could be on the end of a bit of a hiding here. Hiding might be too strong a word, but definitely a beating.

The 5/6 Paddy Power are offering for a Uruguay win here looks a great price to me. I considered them to be around 4/6 – 8/13 chances so I have to advise the straight win.

Advised Bet: Uruguay win 5/6 Paddy Power