Australia v Italy - How often, do we see controversy in sport?

This has been the most talked about topic all week, so I will be very brief in stating my view ...

If ever there was a moment in sport for Australian Soccer, this was it. As the haunting of the game against Iran a few years before, the nation sat and gasped.

How cruel and shrewd to call a penalty, given the precarious position of both teams, locked at nil, nil. The final few seconds felt like many hours, and then it happened, blatant and concisely the referee pointed to the penalty spot like that of an infamous dictator, who upheld the host nation for this tournament many decades ago now.

We as Australians are truly strong in sportsmanship. Feel proud to know… “The world was watching.”

Just a few predictions this weekend ...

AFL

Footy, yes the oval ball game, is back!

Geelong should get the job done at AAMI Stadium. Leading into the finals, I am quietly confident on the Cats’ resurgence.

The weeks rest would have been of greater benefit for Geelong, giving them ample time to adjust in the City of Churches.

At the beginning of the year, most would have had Geelong as a top four certainty in their end of season predictions.

Prediction:
Geelong to cause an upset against Adelaide @ $3.50
Just get on.

GOLF

Handy field to contest this weekend’s Buick Championship including the much underrated Nick O’Hern heading the team of Aussies. Last year’s winner Brad Faxon returns for his title defence.

However, I am leaning towards a very promising American in Zach Johnson. He is destined for better things and I am hoping he does well this weekend. Johnson has won this tournament before and will be thereabouts again.

Prediction:
Zach Johnson to figure in the finish in the Buick Championship @21s
Take him also in top five betting @ $4.50

FIFA WORLD CUP

The tournament still progresses and it is high intensity for each match here on in.

Of the nations still in the tournament, I fancy Portugal to be the dark horse and surprise many astute judges, if they can get Cristiano Ronaldo and co. to the park they will shake the English team to bits, both, offensively and defensively.

Prediction:
Portugal to progress through against England @ $3.50

RACING

Trainer Tony Vasil is widely remembered for his training feat of his great colt Elvstroem from a couple of years ago. Similarly, he had his eye on another Zabeel, back in 1999, a purchase of $255,000. That horse is going around Saturday in a hurdle!

Gunza Migilla is as tough as they come. One aspect that makes you take notice is not his grey coat, but his tough will to win at the business end of the race. He really puts in.

Being an eight-year old he is lightly raced having just the 32 starts, for six wins. Apart from the topweight Liquid Lunch, many have not won at the trip of 4300m in the Grand National Hurdle.

If pure stamina and heart combine in a thoroughbred, we will witness a magnificent spectacle come 1:50pm (AEST). Truly, it will be a remarkable sight.

Prediction and Value Bet of the Week:

Grand National Hurdle @ Flemington over 4300m
Race 4 - #7 Gunza Migilla @ juicy odds of 6-1 or better.
Each way all day, for this grey marvel.

*Best Roughie - 11 Schumpeter @25-1.

Hope my luck surpasses those of the Socceroos!!