World Cup Fever is winding down, though for many of us the Socceroos gallant efforts through their four games will be remembered for a while to come

The stark reality is that we as a nation are forever proud of our sporting history. The Socceroos filled that void of the one sport we were yet to conquer.

So, they did not win the tournament ...

What they did do was create a lasting legacy for future generations to come, by their breakthrough on the world stage, in a sport that is widely played throughout the world.

It is without doubt that that Australia has the greatest sportspersons in the world. With a little funding from the Federal Government to lesser-known sports, the future will be prosperous for so many talented youngsters.

Now, getting to my selections for this week.

AFL

I see many favourites getting up in the AFL this week.

One, I dare not mention, but, I have this gut feeling the Bombers may just cause an upset in Friday Night Footy. You see, it is the type of game that has boilover written all over it.

The Dockers are just travelling at the minute, and even though they should be able to over come a depleted Bombers outfit. I fancy that Sheedy will have the baby Bombers geared up for this.

Being prime time and in front of the house of horrors may just inspire belief in the younger Bombers outfit. Dockers beware!

Prediction:
Crazy as it may seem, but the Bombers @ $4.10 are over the odds for this billing. If you can get points in, it may be the safer way to go @ $1.90.

GOLF

PGA Tour golf this week sees the Cialis Western Open.

Woods steps off the tee yet again after his abysmal display in the US Open last month. I have to stick with the man in this event. His out of character effort should be forgotten, and I see him bouncing back in this.

Prediction:
Woods to win @ $5.50 or better. Inside tip wait until he makes the cut this Saturday. If he is within seven strokes of the lead, back him then. He may well have drifted from his opening price

FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL

Many people will be betting in this game, so don’t let me throw you off your thoughts. As it has been well documented both finalists have great players in their teams and awareness for each other as a team.

Sincerely I hope for a great final, but I just can’t see this game being a great spectacle. It will have its moments with great plays, but I doubt there will be a goal scored in 90mins.

I see this being a very tactical game being orchestrated through both managers dugouts. Notoriously defensive are the Italians, and as for the French they have great midfield prowess with Zidane, Ribery and co.

I feel very tempted in picking a scoreless draw in this one.

Prediction:
I will be taking the draw after 90mins @ $2.80.

Also will have a bit on picking the score 0-0 which is quoted @ $6.50 in some markets. I will guarantee you that price won’t last too long, so shop around.

RACING

The Brisbane carnival has drawn to a close, and jumps racing means the season is ending. It culminates with the Grand National Steeplechase at Flemington.

Don’t have a tip in the race unfortunately, however there are a couple during the day that may be worth your while. Track conditions will be slow to heavy so tread warily.

Prediction and Value Bet of the Week:

Flemington
Race 1 - Smith Hurdle over 3060 - 12:00PM (EST)
4 Gunza Migilla @ $4.50
Hope he doesn’t lose his rider in Craig Durden this week.

Race 5
Banjo Patterson over 2540m - 2:35PM (EST)
5 El Perez @ $6.00

Damien Oliver to ride and this NZ gelding has been sent to Melbourne with this race in mind to partially qualify for the cups this year. Keep that in mind when you see him later on in the spring.

Hope the photos go your way!

A regular on the airwaves on Melbourne's SEN 1116am and contributor for FutureSports, Nic Evans contributes to SportsAustralia.com each Friday with his guide to the best bets for the weekend.