James Moore: Losing Streak (26/06/10)

Today's bets

Lampard to miss a penalty against Germany, 5-2. US to beat Ghana, 7-4. Landon Donovan to score first, 15-2.

I said yesterday that I thought England could win. I still do. But the doubts have been creeping in so there's something here for those who back the opponent in key matches.

Then there is the fact that we have Germany and (probably) Argentina en route to the semi-finals. Still, there's no point crying over spilt milk or spilt balls that bobble into the back of the net. Having highlighted Ladbrokes' 11-1 on Germany to win on penalties and the 12-1 on England (now 11-1), William Hill has a hatful of penalty specials in anticipation of what could be the most gambled-on football match of all time.

This World Cup has seen plenty of dodgy penalty kicks being taken, but for optimists they are offering 3-1 that England will score all of their first five penalties in any shoot-out they take part in. That's a little too hopeful for me, but the 5-2 on Lampard to miss is more like it.

William Hill have actually opened a market on every likely penalty taker. Surely it's worth the 1-3 on Rooney to score his? Rooney is actually 6-4 to score during the 90 minutes, not good value given his recent form, but Defoe at 2-1 might be worth an interest.

The 7-4 (with the Tote) on the US to beat Ghana in 90 minutes is worth taking. Landon Donovan to hit the net first at 15-2 has to be worth a punt, too.