World Cup Quarterfinals – Netherlands versus Brazil

Online sports betting has been given an exciting boost this summer, as the World Cup is taking place in South Africa. The biggest sports attraction there is has brought in 32 top football teams to vie for supremacy, and World Cup betting offers exciting matchups once every four years. Check out the World Cup blog for more tips and advice. And if soccer is not your thing, there is MLB betting offered on a daily basis to satisfy your needs.

In South Africa, meanwhile, only eight teams remain as Friday kicks off the quarterfinals; those competing only have three more games, and three more wins to achieve greatness.

What looks to be one of the most competitive and close matches of the tournament starts the round in beautiful Port Elizabeth at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium between Netherlands and Brazil.

While Italy, the United States, and England have all faltered and failed to meet expectations, two teams thought to win their respective groups and make their way to the finals have done just that. Both Netherlands and Brazil were destined to meet in the quarterfinals should they top the group stage, and they did just that. Among the top teams in the world, the winner is likely to compete for the trophy on July 11th.

The Oranje have yet to lose in the tournament, and have yet to concede a goal during normal play. The Dutch beat Denmark 2-0 to open the competition, edged Japan 1-0, and beat Cameroon 2-1 in a virtually meaningless final game. To advance to the quarterfinal, Netherlands beat surprise Slovakia, a team simply happy to be in the round of 16, quite handily. The final score, 2-1, was not indicative of a team that allowed only two genuine goal scoring opportunities, both to the Slovakia star Robert Vittek.

After earning nine points in the group stage the Dutch seemed to improve in the knock out round as Arjen Robben started the match and notched an impressive goal, cutting back to centre after taking a pass on the side, and delivering a low strike inside the post past the diving keeper.

As good as the Oranje have been, Brazil has been too. They beat a passionate and defensive North Korea team to open the competition, dominated Ivory Coast 3-1, and then drew Portugal in a half hearted effort by both clubs. To move to the quarters, Brazil manhandled fellow South Americans Chile, by a score of 3-0.

Juan and Fabiano strike within three minutes of one another to take a 2-0 lead into the half, and Robinho scored in the second for the decisive victory.

Betting lines: Brazil will be favoured slightly, but the game is indeed a toss -up. Netherlands have historically underachieved at this point in the tournament despite dominating the group stage. Brazil too have looked strong, but some thought their hearts would not be in it as they look to the games in 2014 as the host nation. The stars on both sides are performing to expectations and between Robben, Van Persie, and Snjieder for the Dutch, and Kaka, Fabiano, and Robinho for Brazil, this will be the most exciting game yet. History goes to Brazil, and they will edge the Dutch in a very close game that will likely see extra time.

Betting lines: Brazil will be favoured slightly, but the game is indeed a toss -up. Netherlands have historically underachieved at this point in the tournament despite dominating the group stage. Brazil too have looked strong, but some thought their hearts would not be in it as they look to the games in 2014 as the host nation. The stars on both sides are performing to expectations and between Robben, Van Persie, and Snjieder for the Dutch, and Kaka, Fabiano, and Robinho for Brazil, this will be the most exciting game yet. History goes to Brazil, and they will edge the Dutch in a very close game that will likely see extra time.

Bet World Cup – Groups A And B To Be Decided On Tuesday

If you’re going to bet World Cup odds, you’re in for a busy Tuesday as the first round of the World Cup in South Africa comes to an end, and it all begins with Groups A and B, where there is still a lot to play for.

Mexico Uruguay Betting – Tuesday, 10:00 AM ET

Neither team is favored as a draw is rated at -130 for the Group A leaders, and both need only a draw to go through to the next round. This will be the 18th meeting for these two countries, and the Mexicans have won seven and drawn seven of them. But Uruguay’s Diego Forlan has been devastating so far, and they’ll have to stop him. Will the motivation to avoid Argentina in the next round be enough to spark one of these two to go for a win? (Sports betting pick: Draw -130)

France South Africa Betting – Tuesday, 10:00 AM ET

The French are favored at +110, but Les Bleus have had more problems off the pitch than on it with Nicolas Anelka being sent home after a 2-0 loss to Uruguay, team directors quitting, and ex-legends bashing the team. South Africa will likely be the first home team to be eliminated in the first round, but if you’re going to bet soccer online and get an upset, this is the game. South Africa has a draw and two losses in three meetings with France, but we’re taking the hosts to play for their pride. (Sports betting pick: South Africa +230)

Nigeria South Korea Betting – Tuesday, 2:30 PM ET

South Korea are favored at +145, and despite a 4-1 loss to Argentina, they’re still in it, which is more than we can say for Nigeria. The Super Eagles are out of the World Cup, and will be aiming to just earn a point. This should be an open match as South Korea needs to improve their goal difference, but Nigeria won’t roll over for them. South Korea has won two and drawn one of their three matches against Nigeria, but like South Africa, the Super Eagles are playing for national pride. (Sports betting pick: Draw +230)

Argentina Greece Betting – Tuesday, 2:30 PM ET

Many who write a soccer blog have Argentina picked to win it all, and La Albiceleste may have had the best World Cup of anyone so far. Lionel Messi has been in thrilling form, and that’s danger for the Greeks, who are tied with South Korea on three points. Greece would love to avenge a 4-0 loss to Argentina in their lone meeting, and it’s going to be interesting to see how they attack the Group B favorites. However, we’re expecting Argentina to continue their great form.

( Soccer Betting pick: Argentina -170)

Lakers win 2010 NBA Championship Title

After a great game, the Lakers won 83-79 against the Celtics in the NBA finals betting game 7.

Los Angeles Lakers have won their 16th NBA championship, dramatically rallying from a fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 83-79 Thursday night in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

Pau Gasol won with much suffering its second consecutive championship ring in the NBA. The Celtics got to go ahead by 12 points but the Lakers were able to suffer and drove around a historic match, full of emotion. Pau was instrumental in the fourth quarter with nine points and finished the game with 19 points and 18 rebounds.

Results in NBA championship series in which the Celtics and Lakers have met:

1958-59 - Boston Celtics def. Minneapolis Lakers, 4-0

1961-62 - Boston Celtics def. Los Angeles Lakers, 4-3

1962-63 - Boston Celtics def. Los Angeles Lakers, 4-2

1964-65 - Boston Celtics def. Los Angeles Lakers, 4-1

1965-66 - Boston Celtics def. Los Angeles Lakers, 4-3

1967-68 - Boston Celtics def. Los Angeles Lakers, 4-2

1968-69 - Boston Celtics def. Los Angeles Lakers, 4-3

1983-84 - Boston Celtics def. Los Angeles Lakers, 4-3

1984-85 - Los Angeles Lakers def. Boston Celtics, 4-2

1986-87 - Los Angeles Lakers def. Boston Celtics, 4-2

2007-08 - Boston Celtics def. Los Angeles Lakers, 4-2

2009-10 - Los Angeles Lakers def. Boston Celtics, 4-3

Greece Nigeria Betting – Greece, Nigeria Attempt To Stay Alive Thursday

The pressure is already on both Greece and Nigeria heading in to Thursday’s contest between the two nations, both losers of their Group B opening matches. With another loss meaning an early exit from the 2010 World Cup betting tournament, Free State Stadium will be submerged in the pressure that comes with facing elimination, as both teams play for the pride of their respective nations, and while Greece has made an impact just by getting back to the tournament after a six year absence from international competition on such a grand stage, Nigeria surely does not want to be the first team from the host continent to be disqualified.

6/17/10 – 16: 00

Free State Stadium – Mangaung/ Bloemfontein

Group B

Team Greece: Betting Preview

This is only the second World Cup soccer betting appearance that Greece has made in its history, and with four matches played combined, they have yet to get on the score sheet with a single tally. That will be the first task for the Euro Cup 2004 winners, with the second being to secure at least one point to potentially remain alive as the biggest underdog in Group B. Greece was easily dismissed by the Korean Republic in their opening game, and will need a much better effort if they are going to compete with a Nigerian squad that held the powerful favorites Argentina to a one-goal win.

Team Nigeria: Betting Preview

While all the talk surrounding Nigeria has been on goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who was elected the Man of the Match despite being the losing netminder in Nigeria’s opening 1-0 loss to Argentina because of the incredible performance that he put on, the African side feels as though they still have much to prove in the World Cup predictions tournament. Though Enyeama’s brilliant performance was a big reason they were able to remain competitive with the chance to draw until the final whistle, Nigeria should be playing with tons of confidence give the close result, and that could translate them in to an even more dangerous team. The fact that they won’t be burdened with having to defend against such a lethal attack as that boasted by Argentina could translate in to more pressure at the offensive end

Who Will Win It?

Not much can be said about the performance that Greece put forth against the Korean Republic, who controlled play for the better part of the 90 minutes played. What their opening loss reminded sports betting fans was that this team is a shadow of the one that won it all at the 2004 Euro Cup. Despite the loss, Nigeria still has to play the two teams it was predicted to have the better team than on paper, and with the host nation behind them, should be playing with incredible confidence when they take to the pitch for the opening kick off, and their tournament hopes on the line.

Greece Nigeria Betting Pick: Nigeria

Bet On World Cup – Group G Picks For Tuesday

Those who bet on World Cup odds easily identified Group G as the “Group Of Death” as soon as the draw was made, as Brazil, the Ivory Coast, Portugal and North Korea were put together in South Africa. The group kicks off on Tuesday morning, and while the first match will be difficult to pick, the second one is a shoo-in.

Portugal Ivory Coast Betting – Tuesday, 10:00 AM ET

Portugal is favored at +110 in this 2010 World Cup contest, while the Ivorians are listed at +245, and a draw is rated at +225. This match is all about the captains, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and the Ivorians’ Didier Drogba, and all eyes are on Drogba as he tries to come back from a broken arm suffered on the eve of the World Cup. Drogba has been doing non-contact drills with a cast on his arm, but with his physical and barreling style of play, it’s going to affect the way Drogba carries himself. Portugal has their own injury worry as Nani will miss the World Cup because of a collarbone bruise, and even though they still have Deco and Simao, the Portuguese would have loved to see Ronaldo and Nani, former teammates at Manchester United, rampaging on either wing. This is the first meeting for these two countries, and you have to give the edge to Portugal, as an ineffective Drogba playing for the Ivorians is like the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant being hurt in their NBA championship betting match.

Brazil North Korean Betting – Tuesday, 2:30 PM ET

Soccer betting odds are backing Brazil as a massive -1100 favorite in this match, while the North Koreans are rated at +2500, and a draw is listed at +750 in the first-meeting between these two. In their lone World Cup appearance at England 1966, North Korea shocked Italy 1-0 to make it to the knockout stages, but a win over Brazil would be much, much bigger than that. The Samba Kings are the only country to play in every World Cup, and they’ve won the most with five victories in the big tournament. Brazil manager Dunga has taken some criticism from fans and media alike who say that the Selecao aren’t as flashy and entertaining under him, but Dunga is one of two managers in this tournament (Argentina’s Diego Maradona is the other) aiming to join German legend Franz Beckenbauer as the only players to win the World Cup as a manager and a captain. It’s not a matter of if Brazil will win this match, it’s about how many, and even though they’re going to have to deal with a very defensive North Korean team, it would be the betting upset of the century if North Korean even managed to tie Brazil.

2010 World Cup Odds has Spain as a Favorite to Win the Title

The selection of Spain has not played its first game at the newly opened 2010 World Cup odds, but to the bookmakers in Las Vegas is the favorite to win the title of champion. Spain is placed in the betting with 3.5 to 1 as the top contender for the title of new world champion, while Brazil placed second with 4-1.

The selection of Argentina, with its star midfielder Lionel Messi, appears far from the favorite in the gaming world to have a chance of 11-2. Although the sport of football (soccer) in the United States is still very popular, the arrival of 2010 World Cup betting has taken another major impetus for further growth throughout the country as well as the bookmakers in Las Vegas.

Several reports offered by companies that coordinate betting books that are set through all the casinos and hotels in Las Vegas, show that there is no type of confidence in what we can make the U.S. team itself, which give some opportunities to win 40-1. Despite the lack of confidence they have in the United States national team, who played his sixth consecutive world, we recognize that progress has been made and why it has fallen from 60-1 as it was to begin to open their books to bet.

Neither party as a favorite to get the win on his debut against the England team that exceeds possibilities 2-1 and 6-1 also give the team coached by Italian Fabio Capello in their struggle for winning the championship. Although the bets made during the World Cup betting do not exceed those recorded for normal college basketball game or the National Football League (NFL), the shops that specialize in Las Vegas have confirmed to have increased by 20 30 percent compared to 2006. Another positive factor for the global football gambling houses of Las Vegas is that more and more television channels offered in the United States daily transmission of the matches.

Betting On World Cup – Take Argentina To The Bank

If you’re betting on World Cup odds for the big tournament, you’ll see that there are at least nine teams with a chance of making it to the final in the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg on July 11th. Here’s how it’ll all shake out in South Africa.

The Favorites

Spain (+400) and Brazil (+450) lead the way into 2010 World Cup betting, and if you’re going on history, Brazil wins easily: they’re the only team to participate in every World Cup, and their five wins in the most of any country. Spain won Euro 2008, but they’ve underachieved at the World Cup, as a fourth-place result in 1950 is their best. Both can trot out an impressive array of stars, but Spain gets the edge because of their midfield: can anyone else field a lineup of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas, and Fabregas doesn’t even start most of the time? Also for Brazil, can Kaka carry the attacking load?

The Second Tier

Argentina (+600), England (+700) and the Netherlands round out the best in this group, and La Albiceleste has all the tools to win, including FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi, who leads an impressive group of forwards. But all eyes will be on the bench, where manager Diego Maradona will try to spark his country from the sidelines as he did as captain of the 1986 Cup-winning side. England is powered by Wayne Rooney, and USA World Cup betting players will be keeping an eye on him when the Americans face England on Saturday. But like Argentina, the focus will be on manager Fabio Capello, who has brought a no-nonsense approach to the side. Finally, the Dutch are still looking for their first World Cup win, and they need to make their “total football” style count when the chips are down after years of disappointment for the Flying Dutchmen.

The Darkhorses

Germany (+1400) lost captain Michael Ballack, among others, but the squad known as The Team haven’t lost in the first round since 1938, and without Ballack, they still have the dynamic duo of Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger, so you can’t count the three-time champion Germans out. Portugal’s (+2600) World Cup contest against the Ivory Coast to open Group G (aka the “Group of Death”) could decide who goes onto the next round, and even though they had a disappointing qualification campaign, they still have Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the 2008 World Player of the Year award and finished behind Messi last year. Despite Nani’s injury, Portugal is going to be a factor in this tournament.

Online sports betting pick: Argentina (+600) over Portugal (+2600) in the World Cup finals in Johannesburg on July 11th.

NBA Betting – A Look At The Matchups

2010 World Cup betting players have to look at all the matchups before making their picks, and the same goes in the NBA Finals, where Boston and Los Angeles will meet for Game 3 in Boston on Tuesday.

NBA Championship Betting – Tuesday, June 8, 9:00 PM ET

Frontcourt

The Lakers’ frontcourt have had the edge in the first two games of the series, and Pau Gasol has put up 24.0 points and 11.0 boards, while Andrew Bynum had 21 points in Game 2 and played a playoff-high 39 minutes. The two combined for 13 of the Lakers’ NBA Finals-record 14 blocks, and Bynum’s knee looked fine on Sunday, but will it hold up over a tough series? Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins have dealt with foul problems over the first two games, while Paul Pierce has been locked in a fierce battle with Ron Artest, managing to shoot 33.3% from the field.

Backcourt

Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher romped over their Boston counterparts in Game 1, but Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo stormed back in Game 2, setting a Finals record with eight three-pointers and posting a triple-double, respectively. Allen dominated the first half, while Rondo took over in the second, and the Lakers looked like they had no idea who they wanted Bryant to guard, not to mention, Bryant was battling foul trouble and played just 34 minutes. Bryant and Fisher have too much championship experience to allow themselves to be outplayed like that, and even though Allen and Rondo were a big part of the 2008 title team in Boston, Bryant and Fisher have four rings apiece. Look for a much better game from them in Game 3.

Bench

However, Rasheed Wallace has badly outplayed Lamar Odom in a battle of the bench players, and that has helped offset the play of Garnett and Perkins. There will be at least one World Cup contest
decided by a sub, and Odom needs to be the super-sub that he has been all season. Nate Robinson has provided a spark off the bench in both games, while Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown haven’t been that great for the Lakers, and the Celtics’ bench will play a major role if Boston wants to upset the Lakers in this series.

Preview

The Celtics are a 2.5-point favorite on Tuesday, and they’ve won seven of their nine games at home in the playoffs. The Lakers won 90-89 in Boston on January 31, but they’re going to have to keep either Allen or Rondo from going off like they did in Game 2. Odom is also going to have bring his “A” game off the pine because we don’t think Bynum will have another 39-minute game. We’re making the Lakers our online sports betting pick on Tuesday night, led by a strong game from their backcourt.

2010 World Cup Odds for Group B to Win

Argentina, Greece, Nigeria and South Korea are on the World Cup Betting Odds for the Group B.

Argentina: are certainly favourites to win the World Cup Brackets in their group, as they contain a host of world class talent from Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero to Javier Mascherano and Esteban Cambiasso.

Nigeria: The country’s football history has links with Britain. Nigeria played their first unofficial game in October 1949, while still a British colony. The team played games in England against various teams such as Dulwich Hamlet, Bishop Auckland and South Liverpool.

Greece: Greece was seeded in the first pot for the draw of the European qualification zone and their campaign began and ended with matches against Luxembourg.

South Korea: The Korean players demonstrated the potency of its attacking play, pinning the opponents in their own half, but failing to extend their lead.

Odds To Win Group B in the World Cup Soccer picks.

Argentina 1/2

Nigeria 4/1

Greece 11/2

South Korea 10/1

NBA Betting – Lakers Have Bitter Taste From 2008 In Their Mouths

World Cup betting players know that France would love a chance to avenge their controversial loss to Italy in the 2006 final in Germany, and the Los Angeles Lakers will have a chance to get their revenge on Boston for their loss in 2008.

Celtics Lakers Betting – Game 1: Thursday, June 3, 9:00 PM ET

The “Big Three” were on a mission in their first year together in 2008, as they were the only three Celtics to average more than 10 points in the six-game win over Los Angeles. Paul Pierce led the way with 21.8 points, while Ray Allen was next with 20.3 points, shooting 52.4% from three-point land. Kevin Garnett chipped in with 18.2 points and 13.0 rebounds, and he was the heart of a stifling defense that held the Lakers to 93.8 points on 44.1% from the field. Rajon Rondo steered the offense with 9.3 points and 6.7 assists, but he wasn’t nearly the impact player that he is right now. The Celtics also had James Posey as a veteran defender on the perimeter.

The Lakers were led by Kobe Bryant with 25.7 points, but he shot just 40.5% from the field, and 32.1% from beyond the arc. Pau Gasol was next with 14.7 points and 10.2 boards, but he wasn’t aggressive at the offensive end as Garnett bullied him in the post. Like a World Cup contest with a 5-0 scoreline, the humiliation came for the Lakers in the sixth game, where they were blown out by 39 points in Boston in one of the poorest performances of any team facing an elimination, and the Lakers won’t give up like that again. Like the Celtics had with Posey, the Lakers have Ron Artest to defend the best perimeter player on the other time, and unlike Posey who came off the bench, Artest is a starter who plays big minutes.

NBA Final betting have the Lakers as a -185 favorite to not only defend their NBA title, but avenge their loss to the Celtics two years ago. This is a different Los Angeles team than the one the Celtics faced in 2008, and they’re a tougher team after what they experienced in Boston in that Game 6 rout. They had to go through a lot to win the championship last year, and now they have the added motivation of revenge. No one expected the Celtics to get to this point after an inconsistent regular season, but we’re wondering how healthy Garnett is after it looked like he was struggling in the Celtics’ six-game win over Orlando in the Eastern Conference finals.

Online sports betting pick: Lakers -185