WEDNESDAY ......

SENT TO SUBSCRIBERS EARLY THIS MORNING

TOULON U21 TOURNAMENT

ARGENTINA - NETHERLANDS

The tournament gets underway today and we can probably expect a cautious opening in this game, with Egypt and UAE the other two countries in Group A, the two "bigger" name footballing nations, at least in world terms, will probably both fancy their chances to progress. That is one reason to side with the Netherlands who are getting a handicap start, but quite how Argentina have been made favourites at all, is a bit of a surprise and tough to understand. I fully accept that the South American side probably have a few gems in their squad and five of them are already signed to European sides, Ever Banega and Diego Perotti are two of the older and more experienced/known names, but this an incredibly young U21 side. 15 of the 20 were born in 1991 or 1992, four are barely 17 years old and this really looks like boys against men.

All of the Netherlands squad were born in either 88 or 89, all play their football in their native country and compared to Argentina are vastly experienced. Many of them are at least semi-regulars for their club teams, making ten or more starts this season, the Vitesse pair of van Wolfswinkel and Buttner have played 55 games between them ! This squad is therefore familiar with each other, has grown up together and 20-21yo players with ten + starts in the top flight are by no means a youth team, which is basically what their opponents are, regardless of ability.

I feel that the Dutch players will know a little too much and getting a start, they look a decent bet.

7 points Netherlands +1/4 ball 1.86 asian line.... NOW LEVEL BALL 1.77 !

Good Luck.