2025 WCOD Sunday Afternoon Preview

James Punt’s sole bet was a loser yesterday but Germany beating England was a huge result for us. Hopefully Die Mannschaft can go all the way now. James’ 2025 WCOD Sunday Afternoon previews and tips are below.  

Saturday Reflections

It was an interesting night of darts. The Mighty England, freshly honoured by the King, got dumped out at the first fence by Germany. It was a 8-4 win for the home team and that flattered the English duo.

In the other matches, The Netherlands beat, nae thrashed, Scotland 8-0. The Dutch have now played three matches and have not dropped a leg. Amazingly, they are still not favourites.

Our number 1 selection, Wales dismissed the Philippines 8-2 and are looking good, but not as good as the Dutch. Northern Ireland were all very alpha males when beating South Africa 8-2. Maybe they will play todays match bare chested? Hopefully not.

None of yesterday’s matches went beyond twelve legs and hopefully we can get some better, more closely contested matches in what is a very long day/night of darts.

Northern Ireland vs. Ireland

The Northern Ireland duo of Rock and Gurney have left the gentle Dolan era behind them and have embraced macho man darts. If roaring and bellowing can win you matches, the two Ulstermen have this one sewn up. Their 8-2 win over South Africa was a bit tiresome. It is not how they play in singles and I wonder why the two are playing the part as a team? They played well enough but not anything special, averaging 88.66.

From the south of the island, Keane and O’Connor beat Switzerland 8-3 with an 85.91 average. It was a very forgettable match, so much so, that I have forgotten all about it.

Northern Ireland are the 1.44 favourites, Ireland 2.95. The odds look about right to me. No bet.

2025 WCOD Sunday Afternoon Tip: No Bet

Germany vs. Australia

The trick for Germany here is to follow up yesterday’s heroics with another big performance, and that is not easy. The crowd played their part last night and you have to wonder whether a Sunday lunchtime crowd will be quite as pissed up and vocal as a Saturday night one.

Mental let down is a big risk for the Germans and they need the crowd to get them going. It was noticeable that the home crowd did go quiet a few times when it looked like England were about to come to life. If the Aussies can shut the home crowd up, the Germans are in trouble.

After the Netherlands, the Aussies have arguably been the most impressive team in the tournament. Yes, they only averaged 85 when beating Argentina 8-1 last night but that was all they needed to do. I do expect Whitlock to show signs of fatigue at some point today. It is very hot in the arena and it will take its toll on the players.

Germany are the 1.70 favourites, Australia 2.38. Hopefully Germany can progress, but in some ways, this is a harder match than they faced last night. No bet.

2025 WCOD Sunday Afternoon Tip: No Bet

Wales vs. Hong Kong

Wales got off to a good start, beating the Philippines 8-2 and averaging 96.43. They do look in a good place mentally and will be hard to beat. This Welsh side have only ever lost one World Cup quarter final and I expect that trend to continue. Wales are the 1.15 favourites and once again it is hard to find any value in this mis-match.

Hong Kong were almost as good in their 8-4 win over Sweden. Hong Kong’s problem is that Sweden were not very good and they have not yet faced any serious opposition in their three matches so far.

They are about to get punched in face, very hard. It is how they cope with that which will show us how good they are. It is easy to have a good time on stage when you are beating up some bums. Getting beaten up will not be so much fun.

2025 WCOD Sunday Afternoon Tip: No Bet

The Netherlands vs. The Czech Republic

The Czechs have done well to make the quarter finals but this is where they get off the train. The Netherlands have not even dropped a leg yet and who knows, they could roll through the Czechs to nil as well. Van Veen and Noppert averaged 100+ last night and they just look to have no flaws. Maybe against someone like Wales they would be tested, but the Czechs do not have the firepower to bother them.

The Dutch are the 1.13 favourites but they should cover pretty much any handicap.

2025 WCOD Sunday Afternoon Tip: 2 points The Netherlands to win-3.5 legs @ 1.72 with Ladbrokes

That is all from me this weekend. The fun in this event tends to end with the group phase. Hopefully our two outright selections can give us a good run for our money, but the Dutch are looking mighty.

-JamesPunt