Bettors expect plenty of cards and goals in World Cup

Bettors have decided that a combination of attack-minded teams and dubious defences from some of the smaller nations involved in the World Cup will lead to plenty of goals.

In addition to this the design of the ball used in the World Cup is likely to lead to more goals; it is reported that it is a glued ball of two halves, rather than the more normal paneled ball which is sewn together. Several goalkeepers have reported that the ball swerves far more in the air than those normally used in European leagues and they have also said that it is "extremely difficult" to handle.

A FIFA directive to referees this week suggests that there will be plenty of yellow and red cards. Referees have been told to clamp down on diving and other instances of cheating. They have decreed that red cards should be awarded for lunging, reckless intentional elbowing and handball where a goal was likely to have been scored. A long list of yellow card offences reminds referees of their need to caution for offences that normally might get a verbal reminder - for example, handing the ball to a team mate to take a throw to delay the game is now considered a yellow card offence.

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