2010 FIFA World Cup: USA Vs. Slovenia Just One of Betting Match-Ups on the Pitch

The best way to describe Friday’s World Cup soccer betting match-ups: pressure-packed.

All three matches feature at least one team under serious pressure to win. Let’s have a look.

Germany vs. Serbia —7:30 a.m. ET

Bodog odds: Germany -167, Serbia +450, Draw +265

Germany and Serbia were favored to emerge as the two Group D survivors but a loss in their Friday match could put either team’s future in jeopardy—especially Serbia’s.

The Germans ride as much momentum as any team after their first match.

They absolutely crushed Australia 4-0, completely controlling the play from wire to wire.

The only drawback to their dominant win is that it may have been too easy.

Will Germany be ready for the increased challenge Serbia will provide?

Serbia is in pure desperation mode after losing what many betting advice experts pegged as the most important match in Group D.

The general thought was that Ghana and Serbia would fight for second place, so losing to Ghana was devastating.

Serbia will have to get a better effort from its forwards to have a chance

Slovenia vs USA —10:00 a.m. ET

Bodog odds: Slovenia +260, USA EVEN, Draw +230

Could Slovenia be the Cinderella team of the tournament?

Not so fast.

It’s true that a win over USA would clinch a round of 16 berth but Slovenia faced Algeria, widely considered the weakest team in Group C, in its opening victory.

Now, Slovenia could have its hands full against an American team that battled England to a tie.

The U.S. will have to be better, as England controlled the play and keeper Robbie Green’s gaffe gave the Americans a gift.

But another strong effort from Fulham’s Clint Dempsey wouldn’t be a surprise.

England vs Algeria —2:30 p.m. ET

Bodog odds: England -500, Algeria +1200, Draw +500

Poor Algeria catches England at the worst possible time.

The English are fuming and eager to make a statement after a frustrating draw with the Americans.

The pressure is on—even a tie with Algeria would be an utter disaster—so bettors should expect an extremely spirited effort.

Can Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard finally develop some chemistry?

The key will be overcoming Karim Ziani.

Gerrard’s counterpart completed 70 percent of his passes in Algeria’s opener; Gerrard connected on just 59 percent and has to be better.

Still, the odds are supremely stacked against Algeria.

Most bettors won’t need a free pick from an expert to make their decision.