There is plenty happening on the field this weekend but the eyes of the world will be firmly planted away from it on Friday when the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup draw takes place in Brazil. The moment that could make or break the dreams of many of the 32 competing nations sees the top eight seeds drawn into eight separate groups and then three sides – one each from the second, third and fourth tier puts – drawn against them in Groups A to H. Keep an eye on hosts Brazil and defending champions Spain, while it will be interesting to see how the rejuvenated young German and Belgian teams are drawn.
The second Ashes cricket Test starts tomorrow in Adelaide, Australia, as the home side looks to take another step towards winning back the urn. Australia stunned England with a huge win in Brisbane in the first Test two weeks ago and if their bowlers can continue to intimidate the visitors we could be on our way to an upset in this year’s series. Whether or not they can bowl the visitors out twice on a typically flat Adelaide Oval pitch remains the big question and we see plenty of value in backing the draw.
The surfing world championship reaches its thrilling conclusion at Hawaii’s famous Pipeline with Australian Mick Fanning and American legend Kelly Slater the two men in contention for the world title. The odds are stacked against Slater though – he must win the event to have any chance of stealing the title and even then he needs Fanning to be eliminated before the semi-finals. Should Fanning reach the semis the world championship is his no matter where Slater finishes.
And a huge clash looms in the NBA on Sunday as Indiana travels to San Antonio in what could well be a preview of the NBA Finals – although no doubt Miami will have a fair say in that. With 31 wins and just five losses between them this season, they will both be looking to make a statement as the season heads towards Christmas.
Good luck and good punting.
