The London 2012 Olympic Soccer tournament has now reached the business end with just four teams left in the running to take home the gold medal.
It will be a first time gold medalist with all four nations remaining yet to achieve gold medal success at the Olympic Games.
Semi Final 1: Mexico vs Japan
Mexico has made it through to the semifinal stage without looking overly impressive. Their defense was excellent in the group stages with the side not conceding a single goal. However, they struggled in front of goal despite the presence of world-class striker Giovani Dos Santos. They attacked well in the quarter final, scoring four goals, but poor defense allowed Senegal back into the game. Their defense must be better if they are to beat Japan.
Japan caused the first major upset of the tournament when they defeated Spain 1-0 in their opening match. Japan is yet to concede a goal in the tournament thanks mainly to their strong defense and overall organization. No side has come close to breaking them down. The lack of goals in the group stages was a concern but they put that to rest by putting 3 goals past Egypt in the quarter final.
Japan is the favorite at +140 ($2.40) with Intertops while Mexico are +170 ($2.70). Japan is going to be very tough to beat in this game. Their defense has been impeccable and they have shown the ability to score goals when they need to. Giovani Dos Santos will have to play very well if Mexico is going to make it through to the gold medal game.
Bet on Japan at Intertops.
Semi Final 2: Brazil vs South Korea
As expected Brazil has cruised through the tournament, scoring three goals in every game they have played. They have looked shaky at times in defense particularly against Honduras. However, with players as classy as Neymar and Damião in the side Brazil is always going to be difficult to beat.
South Korea required penalties to defeat Great Britain in their quarter final. They have been unconvincing throughout the tournament drawing with Mexico and Gabon and just beating Switzerland. They are well organized but it will take a phenomenal effort if they are to shut down the Brazilians (particularly Neymar) and make it through to the final.
Brazil are -227 ($1.44), at Intertops, to win this game. This seems short but is probably a fair price considering the dominance of the Brazilian side. South Korea is at +550 ($6.50).
Bet on Brazil at Intertops.
You can bet on the Olympic Soccer Tournament at many other events at Intertops.
