Soccer Sports News & Betting

Online betting players have watched Germany get hit with some crucial injuries at the wrong time, but they’ll get a decent draw as they’ll play Australia in the first game of their 2010 World Cup campaign. The Germans still have more talent all over the pitch, and they’ll stroll to a comfortable win to get their tournament off on the right foot.

What: World Cup Betting
When: Saturday, June 12, 2:30 PM ET
Where: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, South Africa
Key Stats: Germany is 2-0 all-time against Australia

The Storyline

The Germans come into this group, and this match as the favorites, but they received a massive blow when captain Michael Ballack was ruled out of the World Cup with torn ankle ligaments. Australia is being regarded as the minnows of the group, but they’re looking to build on a surprising 2006 effort, when they reached the second round in Germany.

Who Has The Edge On Offense: Germany vs Australia Betting

Germany’s attack is powered by the strike duo of Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski, who combined to score eight goals in 2006. Klose is a bit older now, so the onus will be on Podolski to take his place as the main target. Germany will also have Bastian Schweinsteiger, the winger who had a brilliant season with Bayern Munich. Mario Gomez and Thomas Muller may be counted on for goals off the bench, but make no mistake, the Germans will miss Ballack’s presence in the box.

The Australians have a similar player in Tim Cahill, who was their leading scorer in qualification, and he makes a living off late runs into the penalty area, usually scoring with one of the best headers in Europe. Cahill notched a pair of goals in 2006, and he’ll be counted on more heavily in this tournament, especially if Harry Kewell is out due to a groin injury. If not, Brett Emerton will have to take his place in midfield, as the Aussies don‘t have much in the way of strikers.

Edge: Germany

Who Has The Edge In Defense: Germany vs Australia Betting

If Germany is going to fall in the face of their best sportsbook odds, it could be due to all of their injuries, and even though the injury to Ballack is tough, losing No.1 keeper Rene Adler to a rib injury could be more devastating. The Germans are used to having a stout defense and solid goaltending, and now the task could fall to Manuel Neuer.

Keeper Mark Schwarzer missed a friendly against New Zealand because of a thumb injury, but he’ll be fine in time to go to South Africa. The problem is a defense that plays largely out of Australia, and they may be well overmatched in terms of quality. Captain Lucas Neill is the best of a rag-tag group of defenders.

Edge: Germany

Notable Injuries – Germany vs Australia Betting

Ballack (ankle) and Adler (rib) are definitely out, as is midfielders Simon Rolfes (knee) and Christian Trasch (ankle).

Kewell (groin) has battled injuries for most of his career, and this will be a tournament-time decision.

Edge: Australia

Totals – Germany vs Australia Betting

The Germans have outscored Australia 7-3 in their two meetings, and we’re just not sure of the Aussies’ ability to stop Germany’s strikers, particularly Podolski. We’re taking the over.

Edge: OVER 2.5

Germany vs Australia Sports betting & Outlook

The Germans are favored at -190, while Australia is listed at +570, and a draw comes in at +275. Australia’s fortunes have changed a bit with Germany’s glut of injuries, but their best chance to score remains a header from Cahill off a set piece. Meanwhile, the Germans still have enough to overwhelm Australia without Ballack, and you can look for Schweinsteiger to step up to power Germany to a sports betting win in their opener.

Pick: Bet Germany -190

Italy came away with the online betting win over France at Germany 2006, although it will be remembered more for the Zinedine Zidane headbutt on Marco Matarazzi. The Italians will be begin their quest to repeat against an attack-minded Paraguay, and this clash of styles is looking like it’ll turn out to be all even.

What: World Cup Betting
When: Monday, June 14th, 2:30 PM ET
Where: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa
Key Stats: Italy is 2-0 all-time against Paraguay

The Storyline

The defending World Cup champions from Italy will be out to go back-to-back at this tournament for the second time in their history as they won in 1934 and 1938. Paraguay was dumped in the first round of the World Cup in 2006, but they had an outstanding qualification and will have their eye on a massive upset.

Who Has The Edge On Offense: Italy Paraguay Betting

The Italians aren’t an offensive juggernaut by any stretch of the imagination, and their biggest threats will be Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta, although Daniele De Rossi is dangerous from midfield as well. The x-factor could be Giuseppe Rossi, who has citizenship in both the United States and Italy, but he brings a goal-scoring ability off the bench for the Italians.

Paraguay was robbed of their top qualification scorer as Salvador Cabanas was shot in the head in January. He’s now just getting back to kicking a ball, but Cabana is in no shape to play in the biggest soccer tournament in the world. This puts pressure on Roque Santa Cruz and Nelson Valdez to step up and pick up the slack, and Santa Cruz will be eager to make an impression after a subpar season at Manchester City.

Edge: Draw

Who Has The Edge In Defense: Italy Paraguay Betting

best sportsbook players are well aware of Italy’s defensive prowess, and although it may make for boring football, it breeds results (see Inter Milan’s Champions League run). If nothing else, they’re experienced with Gianluigi Buffon in goal behind captain Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluca Zambrotta, along with the AC Milan duo of Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo in midfield. This should be the last World Cup for this group, and they’ll want to go out with a bang.

Paraguay prefers to play an attacking style, which leaves them exposed them at the back occasionally. Justo Villar is the No.1 keeper, while captain Denis Caniza and Paulo Da Silva at the heart of the defense. They’re going to have to be disciplined against the Italians, who will try to hit them on the counterattack.

Edge: Italy

Notable Injuries – Italy vs Paraguay Betting

Everyone in the Italy squad is healthy heading into the tournament, and the same goes for Paraguay, although they will sorely miss Cabanas (head).

Edge: Italy

Totals – Italy vs Paraguay Betting

Italy has outscored Paraguay 5-1 in their two meetings, and they’ll be aiming to keep this game from turning into a track meet with their defensive style of play. Paraguay has to remain calm and not get frustrated.

Pick: UNDER 2.5

Italy vs Paraguay Sports betting & Outlook

Italy is a -115 favorite in this contest, while Paraguay is listed at +340, and a draw is rated at +225. This is an intriguing matchup of contrasting styles, and while Italy has the experience, Paraguay won’t have any fear as they went all out against the likes of Brazil and Argentina and more than held their own. Their best chance is to attack Cannavaro, the aging Italian captain who hasn’t been at his best since the last World Cup. This match is just stacking up as a sports betting draw, which is as good as a win for Paraguay.

Pick: Bet The Draw +225

half goals, leading the New York Red Bulls to a 3-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids in the U.S. Open Cup Wednesday night.

The Red Bulls clinched a berth among eight Major League Soccer teams in the final field of 16 teams in the oldest soccer tournament in the United States, dating back to 1914.

The Red Bulls have won all three of their U.S. Open Cup matches and have not used their regular starters in any.

“Im rather pleased with the performance,” Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe said. “We controlled most of the 90 minutes and created a lot of chances. It was a good performance with a clean sheet.”

Wolyniec scored his first goal in the 11th minute and add another in the 43rd minute, benefiting from a fine athletic play by rookie midfielder Tony Tchani.

“Tchani has his moments,” Backe said. “Hes good when he drives the ball like that.”

Tchani, the Red Bulls 2010 first round draft pick carried the ball through three Colorado defenders, then found Wolyniec alone in front of the goal.

Wolyniec has scored two goals in each of the last two U.S. Open Cup matches.

Rookie Conor Chinn added a goal in the 56th minute and Greg Sutton made three saves to collect his second straight U.S. Open shutout.

Chris Pontius scored one goal and set up another in D.C. Uniteds 3-2 victory over Italian powerhouse AC Milan in an international friendly Wednesday.

United have scored only four goals in nine Major League Soccer games, but they found the net with relative ease against an unmotivated Milan team that appeared to be taking a leisurely American holiday after the long Serie A season.

Star Brazilian forwards Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato helped draw 30,367 fans to RFK Stadium, but Milan was without at least a half-dozen players who are with various national teams preparing for the World Cup.

Ronaldinho did have one highlight - a right-footed bicycle kick that hit the right post early in the second half, a close call that left the former two-time FIFA world player of the year smiling in disbelief.

Brazilian forward Luciano Emilio scored off a Pontius pass in the 20th minute for United, and Pontius headed in Santino Quarantas corner in the 30th.

Danny Allsopp scored in the 61st minute when Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati attempted a sliding save - only to deflect the ball off the United players shin and into the net.

United played the final 25 minutes with 10 men after substitute midfielder Brandon Barklage was taken off on a stretcher with an apparent ankle injury. Milan substitute Massimo Oddo took advantage by scoring twice in a four-minute span, converting a penalty in the 70th and a long-range shot in the 74th.

The Czech Republic exposed the United States defensive deficiencies time and again, taking advantage of sloppy play in a 4-2 victory Tuesday in the first of three World Cup warmup matches for the Americans.

Maurice Edu opened the scoring in the 17th minute in front of a crowd of 36,218 at Rentschler Field, only to have the Czechs surge ahead with goals from Tomas Sivok in the 44th and Jan Polak in the 58th.

Second-half substitute Herculez Gomez equalized for the U.S. when he beat Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech in the 65th following a backheel pass by Brian Ching.

Martin Fenin put the Czechs ahead again when he beat backup U.S. keeper Brad Guzan in the 78th after Heath Pearce, Clarence Goodson and Steve Cherundolo failed to clear a ball in front of goal.

Tomas Necid sealed the win in the 90th after Edu jumped and failed to clear a pass, giving Necid an open path to the goal.

The Czech Republic failed to qualify for the World Cup.

U.S. coach Bob Bradley planned to cut seven players Wednesday and announce his final 23-man World Cup squad.

Next up is another warmup against Turkey in Philadelphia on Saturday, a day before the Americans leave for South Africa.

Once there, the U.S. has a final friendly against Australia on June 5, one week before its World Cup opener against England.

Gomez, DaMarcus Beasley and Stuart Holden had excellent games that appeared to boost their chances.

AC Milan defender Oguchi Onyewu played 65 minutes and struggled in his first match since knee surgery. Eddie Johnson was at forward for the first half and didnt do much.

Edson Buddle, making his second national team appearance and first in seven years, made some aggressive forays in the first half and spent nearly five minutes on the side getting treatment for a cut on his face.

Edu, who became a regular for Glasgow Rangers by the end of the season, scored his first goal in 13 international appearances. Holden, playing just his second match since Nigel de Jong broke his right leg with a challenge in the March 3 friendly at the Netherlands, sent a free kick in from the near side. Cech came out but didnt reach the cross, and the ball went from Buddle to Edu, who knocked it in.

Sivok equalized when he took advantage of a slow-to-react Onyewu. Onyewu tore his left patellar tendon in the last World Cup qualifier on Oct. 14 and had surgery a week later. He didnt play for AC Milan at the end of the season and made his return against the Czechs.

Following a foul by Goodson, Jaroslav Plasil sent a free kick across the box and Sivok headed the ball past Guzan, playing his first match since Aston Villas FA Cup match with Crystal Palace on Feb. 24. Onyewu was late with his jump and was badly beaten.

Polak beat Pearce to David Lafatas pass in front and easily put the ball past Guzan

The Czech Republic exposed the United States defensive deficiencies time and again, taking advantage of sloppy play in a 4-2 victory Tuesday in the first of three World Cup warmup matches for the Americans.

Maurice Edu and Herculez Gomez each got their first international goals on a night when the U.S. rested Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard and several other regulars.

But defenders Oguchi Onyewu, Heath Pearce, Clarence Goodson and Steve Cherundolo struggled along with Edu in the midfield and created openings for the Czechs, who failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Before a crowd of 36,218 at Rentschler Field, Edu scored in the 17th minute only to have the Czechs surge ahead on goals by Tomas Sivok in the 44th minute and Jan Polak in the 58th.

Making just his third international appearance and first in three years, Gomez entered at the start of the second half and tied it when he beat goalkeeper Petr Cech following a nifty backheel pass by Brian Ching in the 65th.

Martin Fenin broke the tie when he beat backup goalkeeper Brad Guzan in the 78th after Pearce, Goodson and Cherundolo all failed to clear a ball in front. Tomas Necid got the final goal in the 90th after Edu jumped and failed to clear a pass, giving Necid an open path to the goal.

U.S. coach Bob Bradley planned to cut seven players Wednesday and announce his final 23-man World Cup roster.

Next up is another warmup against Turkey in Philadelphia on Saturday, a day before the Americans leave for South Africa.

Once there, the U.S. has a final exhibition against Australia on June 5, one week before the big opener against England in a rematch of the famous American upset in the 1950 World Cup.

Gomez, DaMarcus Beasley and Stuart Holden had excellent games that appeared to boost their chances.

Onyewu played 65 minutes and struggled in his first match since knee surgery. Eddie Johnson was at forward for the first half and didnt do much.

Edson Buddle, making his second national team appearance and first in seven years, made some aggressive plays in the first half and spent nearly five minutes on the side getting treatment for a cut on his face.

Edu, who became a regular for Glasgow Rangers by the end of the season, scored his first goal in 13 international appearances. Holden, playing just his second match since Nigel de Jong broke his right leg with a challenge in the March 3 exhibition at the Netherlands, sent a free kick in from the near side. Cech came out but didnt reach the cross, and the ball went from Buddle to Edu, who knocked it in.

Wearing the new white home jersey echoing the one worn by the 1950 team, Edu followed with a “Stanky Dance” in honor of injured teammate Charlie Davies, who is still recovering from injuries sustained in an October car crash.

Sivok tied it by taking advantage of a slow-to-react Onyewu. The 6-foot-4 defender tore his left patellar tendon in the last World Cup qualifier on Oct. 14 and had surgery a week later. He didnt get into a game for AC Milan at the end of the season and made his return against the Czechs.

Following a foul by Goodson, Jaroslav Plasil sent a free kick across the 6-yard box and Sivok headed the ball past Guzan, playing his first match since Aston Villas FA Cup match with Crystal Palace on Feb. 24. Onyewu was late with his jump and was badly beaten.

Polak beat Pearce to David Lafatas pass in front and easily put the ball past Guzan

NOTES: A fan ran halfway across the field in first-half injury time and quickly was detained.

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will miss Australias exhibition against New Zealand on Monday because of a sprained thumb.

Schwarzers injury during a practice session Wednesday will give 25-year-old Adam Federici the start at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australias final home match before the World Cup.

Team officials said Sunday the 37-year-old Schwarzers World Cup appearance is not in jeopardy.

Schwarzer had an outstanding season for Fulham in Englands Premier Leaguer. Federici played for Reading in the English League Championship.

Star forward Harry Kewell is expected to miss Mondays match for Australia as he recovers from a persistent groin injury.

Chris Wondolowski scored and Joe Cannon picked up his fourth straight shutout and fifth in six games to lead San Jose to a 1-0 victory over Seattle on Saturday.

Chad Barrett scored in the 53rd minute for Toronto FC, extending the Revolutions scoring drought to four games.

Danny Cruz scored his first career goal and Dominic Oduro added another to help the Houston Dynamo defeat struggling D.C. United, 2-0 on Saturday night.

Cruz gave Houston (5-4-1) a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute when he received a pass on the right from Luis Landin, took it into the upper right box and let it fly from 14 yards out.

Oduro made it 2-0 in the 55th minute with a one-timer into the upper center net.

D.C. United (1-8-0), which lost its third straight, didnt threaten until stoppage time when Rodney Wallaces shot was stopped by goalkeeper Tally Hall, who was making his first MLS start.

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Online betting players on both sides of the pond will be involved in a healthy amount of trash talk for the opening match of Group C between England and the USA, and the Americans will be out to match their huge upset from 60 years ago. The English won’t have any part in that.

What: World Cup betting
When: Saturday, June 12th, 2:30 PM ET
Where: Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg, South Africa
Key Stats: England is 2-1 all-time against the USA

The Storyline

This is one of the most anticipated matches of the first round, and while England will be a big favorite, they’ll also have revenge on their minds. Although they have a pair of friendly wins over Team USA, the Americans upset the English 1-0 at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil in a match sometimes called, “The Miracle on Grass”.

Who Has The Edge On Offense: USA England Betting

The Americans have talented players going forward, like Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, and they have enough talent that they could afford to leave Charlie Davies, who has only just recovered from a car accident, at home. The Americans scored 42 goals during qualifying, and although England has a good defense, they could cause some problems. England still has the edge here, but it’s not nearly as big as you would think.

England is powered by Wayne Rooney, who has to be considered one of the top five players in the world after his brilliant club season with Manchester United. Frank Lampard came on over the second half of the season, and he’ll be counted on for goals from midfield, maybe even more if Steven Gerrard doesn’t improve from a subpar club season at Liverpool. In Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole, England has fullbacks that can rampage up and down the wings, and they may also have the ultimate weapon off the bench in 6’7” Peter Crouch.

Edge: England

Who Has The Edge In Defense: USA England Betting

The Americans’ best sportsbook odds are dependent on their ability to stop the other team from scoring, which is something they’ve had trouble doing at the World Cup. However, they can count on some help from goalkeeper Tim Howard, who has played in the Premiership for the last seven years. Carlos Bocanegro and Oguchi Onyewu will be the main players who look to shut England down.

The English are extremely deep at the center-defense position as John Terry and Rio Ferdinand should start for the Three Lions, with Jamie Carragher, Michael Dawson and Ledley King all ready to step in. Carragher may also be asked to play on the right in place of Johnson, his teammate at Liverpool. However, there is still the question of goalkeeping, where David James, Joe Hart and Robert Green are all in the running. James has the experience, but Hart and Green have probably had better seasons. Again, England has the edge here, but it’s small.

Edge: England

Notable Injuries – USA England Betting

Everyone on both provisional squads are healthy to begin the campaign, although England may be worried over an ankle injury suffered late in the season by midfielder Gareth Barry.

Edge: USA

Totals – USA England Betting

This could be a relatively open match with both teams having attacking players, so we’re taking the over here.

Edge: Over 2.5

USA England Sports betting & Outlook

England is a -195 favorite in this contest, with the Americans rated at +550, and a draw comes in at +280. While England is better all over the pitch than their opponents, their real edge comes on the bench, both with their depth, but especially with their manager, Fabio Capello. Bill Bradley is a solid manager for the Americans, and he has won hardware in the MLS, but Capello has won titles with three different teams in Italy, along with a Spanish league crown and he’s a two-time winner of the Champions League. Capello has had the England team playing focused, especially when you consider the mess made with Terry’s off-field problems with Wayne Bridge. We’re backing England for a sports betting win to open up the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Bet World Cup: England -195

Online betting players should be in for a wild opening game in Group B, where familiar foes Argentina and Nigeria will square off. This has the makings of a wide-open affair between two teams that like to attack, and Argentina will grab a late goal to take all three points from the pesky Nigerians.

What: World Cup betting
When: Saturday, June 12th, 10:00 AM ET
Where: Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa
Key Stats: Argentina is 3-1 all-time against Nigeria

The Storyline

Nigeria has been drawn into a group with Argentina in their two of their three trips to the World Cup, with Argentina winning by one-goal margins in both meetings. On the Olympic side, Nigeria beat Argentina in the 1996 gold-medal match, while the Argentineans got their revenge in the gold-medal match in 2008.

Who Has The Edge On Offense: Argentina Nigeria Betting

Everyone will be watching to see if Lionel Messi can carry over his Barcelona form over to the national team, but it’s not just about him. Diego Milito, Gonzalo Higuain, and Carlos Tevez all had great seasons for their club teams, while Mazi Rodriguez can still produce on the wings. The onus will be on manager Diego Maradona to come up with a scheme for them, as Argentina had some problems scoring goals during qualification.

Nigeria has a solid mix of youth and experience up front with Victor Obinna, Obafemi Martins, Victor Anichebe and Kanu, among others. Their key will be to find a midfield supply for their glut of strikers, and that may fall to Kalu Uche.

Edge: Argentina

Who Has The Edge In Defense: Argentina Nigeria Betting

Argentina still has to decide who their No.1 keeper will be, and it should come down to Sergio Romero and Mariano Andujar. Maradona also failed to select Javier Zanetti, who has had a great year at Inter Milan, which may mean more time for his club teammates, Walter Samuel and Nicholas Burdisso. Javier Mascherano is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, and he’ll need to play extremely well to push Argentina to a best sportsbook win in South Africa.

Joseph Yobo leads the Nigerian back four, while keeper Vincent Enyeama was one of three players to play in all 10 qualification matches, allowing only five goals. However, they didn’t face one team who was even close to having Argentina’s attacking prowess, so this will be a stern test for them.

Edge: Draw

Notable Injuries – Argentina Nigeria Betting

All of the main players for both sides should be available for selection.

Edge: Draw

Totals – Argentina Nigeria Betting

This has the potential to be one of the most exciting and open matches of the first round, as both will go forward with speed and skill. Neither team has a defense that you would want to trust either, and this could end up being a barnburner.

Edge: Over 2.5

Argentina Nigeria Sports betting & Outlook

Argentina is a -165 sports betting favorite in this contest, while Nigeria comes in at +485, and a draw is listed at +260. As we said before, there is a lot of national pride at stake between these two teams because of their history, and it’s not going to be an easy game for Argentina to stroll through if they play like they did in qualification. Look for Nigeria to match up Jon Obi Mikel against Messi, who may have a free role behind the strikers. It will be a high-scoring match (by soccer standards), but look for Argentina’s quality to snatch a late goal for a sports betting win.

Bet World Cup: Argentina -165