Soccer Sports News & Betting

Spain and Portugal are considered two of the bigger 2010 World Cup betting powerhouses but there is a big difference between the two: goal scoring. You might think that Portugal has the edge after they netted a total of seven goals in the opening round and didn’t concede a single one, but it’s in fact Spain who has the offensive punch and bettors might see Portugal end up goal-less again.

June 29th – 2:30 PM ET
Cape Town
Round Of 16

Team Spain – Betting Preview

Spain had a very slow start to their World Cup campaign and since soccer betting fans saw so many traditional contenders struggling, like Italy, France and England, many assumed that Spain in the same, sluggish boat.

As it turns out, that’s not the case. After a fluky loss to Switzerland, Spain bounced back with a big win over Honduras and Chile to emphatically claim Group H.

On the whole, Spain looked far more confident in their second and third games and really regained their form after a rough wakeup call.

They are a very complete team. With David Villa and Fernando Torres up front, the Portuguese defense is constantly going to be tested. The Red Fury’s midfielders have also really picked it up in the last two games, which has helped feed their strikers.

If they can continue to keep the possession and pass it around as beautifully as they have so far, they should have multiple opportunities to get the strikes they need.

Team Portugal – Betting Preview

Portugal had a ton of goal scoring issues heading into the World Cup and while many handicappers want to put them to bed after a big 7-0 win over North Korea, the reality is that they are still present.

Portugal couldn’t muster a goal against Brazil or Ivory Coast, which is somewhat of a concern. Obviously, those teams are fairly high caliber but Portugal didn’t really threaten them so much either.

The good news is that they have been really tight on their back end, which is a great sign. They haven’t allowed a single goal in the tournament so far and their defense has been real quality. We’ll see if it holds up against Spain.

Who To Bet On?

Cristiano Ronaldo is basically the entire offense for Portugal but as we’ve seen time and time again, it takes more than one weapon to get the job done. Betting fans saw this with Spain, who started the tournament with just David Villa up front in their loss to Switzerland, and then immediately started Villa alongside Fernando Torres in the team’s next game.

Betting fans know that he Red Fury have more offensive power and that will likely be the difference. Even if Ronaldo connects on a magical strike, Spain has the ability to counter. Meanwhile, if Spain gets up by a goal or two, Portugal, who hasn’t scored goals against anyone besides North Korea, might have trouble matching.

Spain Portugal Betting Pick: Spain

One team was expected to be in the round of 16 and one team wasn’t – can you guess who? Brazil, the World Cup betting favorites have cruised into the round of 16 whereas Chile, who admittedly was in a weak group, managed to advance as well. Chile beat up on Switzerland and Honduras but their performance in a 2-0 loss to Spain is something that we are more likely to see here.

June 28th – 2:30 PM ET
Cape Town
Round Of 16

Team Brazil – Betting Preview

Brazil is as loaded as it gets when it comes to talent and they have flashed it through the opening round. Their defense is among the best in the business, which is a big concern for their opponents going forward, but another issue is how to handle their offensive weapons.

So far in the tournament, Brazil has conceded a pair of goals but both came in mop-up time. When the contests have been on the line, they have hardly been threatened.

On offense, they don’t need much of an opening to get a lead. North Korea thought they had Brazil suffocated but as soon as they blinked, they found themselves down 2-0. The Ivory Coast also quickly found out what Brazilian soccer is all about. Chile better be on their game or betting fans won’t see this be much of a contest for long.

Team Chile – Betting Preview

Chile advanced to this point as a result of a weak group, which is still a good accomplishment but it cheapens their credibility. Soccer betting fans may want to think twice before betting this team to pull a monumental upset.

The Chileans won twice in the opening round but topping Switzerland and Honduras isn’t medal-worthy. In their third contest, they were worked over by Spain and a couple of defensive lapses – especially a 34-yard goal by David Villa – really gave handicappers and insight into where they are at.

They will be in very tough on Monday against Brazil and unless they can find at least one miracle goal, they likely won’t qualify.

Who To Bet On?

Brazil is the team to bet on in this contest. They are going to be in control of this contest from start to finish and they won’t give up many chance. While it might be tight for the first half, expect Brazil to break them down in the second half and get a comfortable 2-0 win.

Brazil Chile Betting Pick: Brazil

Japan fans have applauded their national soccer team after its bid to make the quarter finals of the World Cup for the first time fell inches short.

Thousands of fans swarmed the streets of Tokyo decked in their blue uniforms in an early morning drizzle, chanting and cheering despite a grueling loss to Paraguay that sent the “Samurai Blue” out of the tournament.

The teams fought to a scoreless draw through extra time, then Japan lost on penalties after defender Yuichi Komano sent his shot just high and it caromed off the crossbar.

Japan advanced to the round of 16 for the first time ever outside of its home country. Little was expected of the team, ranked 45th in the world and in poor form during warm-up games.

But fans were captivated after first-round victories against Cameroon and Denmark. For Wednesdays game, bars and restaurants in Tokyo were standing room only despite the 11 p.m. local time kickoff, with patrons watching raptly throughout the match and some breaking down into tears after.

“This really hurts, I thought we could do it,” said Ase Yokoyama, 21, a university student who stayed out into the early hours to watch the game with his friends in the central Shibuya district.

“But this team was the most fun of any national team so far.”

The celebration started hours before the game, as revelers with Japanese flags painted on their faces and blue vuvuzela horns poured into the city center. With many shops sold out of national team jerseys, fans snapped up plain blue T-shirts and drew on logos and numbers.

After the loss, thousands crammed into Shibuyas central crossing, dancing and singing in support of their team despite the rain and early hour. Dozens of police arrived in large riot buses to keep carousers away from traffic and make fruitless pleas for everyone to go home.

The result was front-page news on all the major newspapers Wednesday morning, and TV news shows repeatedly played highlights of Japans four games. The team last advanced when it hosted the World Cup with South Korea in 2002.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan issued a statement thanking the team.

“The players and the bench were united and showed the world the potential of Japanese soccer. I sincerely congratulate their efforts,” he said.

Many fans chanted in support of coach Takeshi Okada, who was widely ridiculed before the tournament when he still set a goal of reaching the semifinals despite the team floundering. Some still questioned his tactics.

“Its tough to lose on penalties, we should have put more firepower on during extra time and gone for the win,” said Hideyuki Ikeda, 27.

Football either needs more referees or instant replay, U.S. World Cup midfielder Landon Donovan told television interviewer David Letterman on Tuesday night.

Donovan appeared on the “Late Show” on U.S. broadcaster CBS after returning from the World Cup, where the Americans won their group for the first time in 80 years. The United States was twice the victim of the disputed calls that have plagued the tournament, as the team had goals disallowed.

“Its difficult because we know how fast the game is, and as a referee, you cant see everything,” Donovan said. “So you either need more eyes on the field or you need some sort of instant replay.”

Donovan said its frustrating “to put that much into something youre doing, and then all of a sudden, its taken away from you.”

Later Fresh to a group of student as a surprise at a forum for the National Conference on Volunteering and Service.

Students cheered and hollered when Donovan joined the stage. They asked the star of the U.S. World Cup team questions about his game-winning goal against Algeria, how to spread footballs popularity and volunteering.

“(Im) trying to stay in front of peoples eyes,” he said. “Some of it is beyond our control.”

He said he hopes the U.S. run in the World Cup will be forever remembered.

“What I can tell from these kids, what we did was a little bit beyond soccer,” he said.

Donovan said he will be doing a number of appearances in the next few weeks.

“You got to take advantage when the opportunitys here,” Donovan said. “As soccer players we have an obligation to grow the sport.”

A Texas man accused of fatally beating his 2-year-old stepdaughter when she wouldnt stop crying as he watched a World Cup game has been charged with capital murder.

McAllen Police Sgt. Joel Morales says 27-year-old Hector Castro was charged Monday after his Saturday arrest. Castro is being held on $1 million bond at the Hidalgo County jail, where a booking clerk says he does not yet have an attorney.

Police Chief Victor Rodriguez says Castro told investigators the toddler wouldnt stop crying while he was trying to watch the U.S.-Ghana matchup Saturday.

Rodriguez says the child was severely beaten and suffered several broken ribs. Police say a screw or bolt was forced down her throat in an apparent attempt to make it look like she choked to death.

Half hour into the World Cups second round, Brazil found its rhythm.

A hammer-strike header. A pinball-style counterattack. An explosive run followed by a clinical finish - Brazils football orchestra was playing in true harmony Monday for the first time in the tournament.

Coach Dunga said theres still much to improve, but he must have been encouraged what in the 3-0 win over Chile at Ellis Park.

Chile is no pushover. It earned its place in the second round with victories over Switzerland and Honduras and a 2-1 loss to European champion Spain.

Against Brazil though, coach Marcelo Bielsas team never had a chance.

“It was likely our best match so far,” said Maicon, who struck the corner kick that set up Juans powerful header for 1-0. “We did well against a team that had been playing well so far in the tournament. It was important to show that we can come up with a good performance when needed.”

Until the Chile match, Brazil had been a letdown for its samba-dancing and demanding fans, who dont just want to see Brazil win - they want to see Brazil win in style.

The team struggled to beat North Korea 2-1, improved in a 3-1 win against Ivory Coast but was held to a disappointing scoreless draw against Portugal.

The Brazilians appeared to be heading for another lackluster performance at Ellis Park, creating few moments of danger in the first half hour save for a long-distance shot by Gilberto Silva.

It all changed with Juans opening goal. Bielsa made two substitutions at halftime and a third 17 minutes into the second half as Chile pushed for an unlikely comeback. But it struggled to find ways past Brazils defense, while Dungas team seemed to come close in every other attack.

“We created a lot of scoring opportunities and didnt give many chances to our opponent,” said Luis Fabiano, who scored the second goal on a fast break. “It shows that we are improving match after match, and this is important in a competition like the World Cup. We want to keep playing better and we did that today.”

Brazil and Chile split possession and the Brazilians just narrowly outshot their opponents, 17 to 15. Still, Chile never lacked precision in decisive moments, unlike Robinho, who scored his first goal of the World Cup after a dazzling run by Ramires.

“It was made perfectly clear today that there are distances between the big teams and our team,” Chiles coach admitted.

“Perhaps the result could have been narrower,” Bielsa said. “But generally speaking, we can say that the superiority of Brazil was too much for us. We were unable to slow them down.”

Dunga said Brazils confidence is growing match by match. But he wouldnt be drawn into talking about prospects of Brazil lifting the World Cup trophy for a record sixth time.

“Given the quality of the Brazilian players there is always this expectation that Brazil will be the winners,” Dunga said. “But being favorite doesnt mean you will win the World Cup.”

Online betting players will be watching an intriguing matchup in the World Cup round of 16 on Tuesday morning, when Japan and Paraguay will go head to head. These two teams play a lot alike, so it’s going to take a moment of magic, and Japan has just the player to create it.

What: World Cup Betting
When: Tuesday, June 29th, 10:00 AM ET
Where: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Key Stats: Paraguay has won two and drawn three of their six matches against Japan

The Storyline

Two of the most interesting darkhorses left in the World Cup will meet, and the Japanese put together a sterling display in their 3-1 win over Denmark to book their place in the second round. Paraguay was held to a 0-0 draw against New Zealand in their final group match. Paraguay has two wins and three draws in six meetings with the Japanese.

Who Has The Edge On Offense: Japan Paraguay Betting

Keisuke Honda has driven the Japanese attack in South Africa, scoring two of their four goals and setting up another. He took control of the Denmark match from midfield, and he certainly will get attention from Europe’s biggest clubs when the World Cup is over. The Samurai Blue are excellent from set pieces, with Honda and Yushito Endo always a threat.

La Albirroja struggled against New Zealand, but it’s tough to go forward when your opponent has 10 players behind the ball. Enrique Vera and Roque Santa Cruz are developing a good understanding, but the Paraguayans need Santa Cruz in particular to be raring to go for this match.

Edge: Japan

Who Has The Edge In Defense: Japan Paraguay Betting

The Japanese defense is well disciplined and everyone knows their roles. They only looked out of their element when they faced the Netherlands, and even then, they held the Dutch to a single goal. Keeper Eiji Kawashima had a great game against the Dutch, and managed to stop a penalty, but the Danes scored on the rebound.

Paraguay’s defense has been immense so far, allowing just one goal in their opening match against the Italians. They’re good at keeping their opponents on the perimeter and forcing long-range shots, and if you’re going to make them, more power to you. Keeper Justo Villar marshals a tight unit.

Edge: Paraguay

Notable Injuries – Japan Paraguay Betting

Neither team is reporting any serious injuries coming out of their group-stage finales.

Edge: Draw

Totals – Japan Paraguay Betting

Both teams are very similar in that they’re primarily counterattacking teams, but they can go at you when they get the urge. These types of teams usually clash, so don’t expect a wide-open affair here.

Pick: Under 2

Japan Paraguay Sports betting & Outlook

The soccer betting odds for this showdown will be very close, and the Paraguayans have taken two and drawn three of their six meetings with Japan, outscoring them 7-4. This match will come down to who makes the first mistake, and we think Japan has the tools to capitalize. Honda has been one of the best players in the tournament, and he only needs a half-chance to make something happen. In what should be a scrappy game, look for the Blue Samurai in your sports betting book.

Bet World Cup: Japan

Online betting players watched Slovakia pull off one of the great upsets in World Cup history by eliminating Italy, but now their task gets tougher as they take on the two-time champions from the Netherlands on Monday. While Italy looked short of attacking options, that won’t be the case with the Dutch, who should roll to a comfortable win.

What: World Cup Betting
When: Monday, June 28, 10:00 AM ET
Where: Durban Stadium, Durban
Key Stats: Slovakia has won six and drawn one of their nine meetings with the Netherlands

The Storyline

The Dutch were one of two countries, along with Argentina, who won all three of their group matches, but you get the feeling they still haven’t played their best match. The Slovaks upset the defending champions from Italy 3-2 to make it to the second round, and now they’re aiming for another big scalp in the Dutch.

Who Has The Edge On Offense: Netherlands Slovakia Betting

Holland hasn’t played with the flair that normally accompanies their football, but they’re getting the job done. However, that flair may be returning now that Arjen Robben is back after sitting most of the group stages with a tight hamstring, and he made a brilliant 17-minute cameo in the 2-1 win over Cameroon in their finale. If Robben can stay healthy, he draws the defenses out to him, which gives space to Wesley Sneijder in the middle, and Robin van Persie up front. Prepare to see the Flying Dutchmen on Monday.

Robert Vittek’s three goals leads the World Cup, and he may not score two more important goals than the ones he notched against the Italians. He was a constant menace to Italy with his movement and late runs into the box, and Vittek will be the target man for the Slovaks again. The problem is, there isn’t much else. Vittek has scored three of Slovakia’s four goals, and the other one came from sub Kamil Kopunek. Someone else is going to have to step up for the Slovaks.

Edge: The Netherlands

Who Has The Edge In Defense: Netherlands Slovakia Betting

The Dutch defense is better than people give them credit for, and Maarten Stekelenburg has fit in comfortably as the No.1 keeper in his first international tournament. However, they did have some troubles with the pace of Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o. With Vittek, a midfielder, as their main threat, look for Mark van Bommel to be a major part of slowing down the Slovaks.

Slovakia looked fine until the last 10 minutes or so against the Italians, and even then, they were beaten by quality goals. The Slovaks play a team game defensively, and there’s not one player you can single out for their success. However, they’re going to have to calm down against the Dutch or they’ll be torn apart.

Edge: Draw

Notable Injuries – Netherlands Slovakia Betting

Robben (hamstring) is always a worry for club and country, but he should be ready to go for the Slovaks.

The Slovaks don’t have any major injuries to worry about.

Edge: Slovakia

Totals – Netherlands Slovakia Betting

This all depends on how adventurous the Slovaks are, because the Dutch are going to attack from the beginning. It may be in their best interest to sit back, but if the Dutch get an early goal, the Slovaks will have to come out.

Pick: Over 2

Netherlands Slovakia Sports betting & Outlook

The Oranje are -225 favorites in this World Cup contest, while the Slovaks are listed at +720, and a draw is rated at +300. Strangely, the Slovaks have a great record against the Dutch, winning six and drawing one of their nine meetings, outscoring them 17-8. However, this is their first time meeting the Dutch as an independent country in the World Cup, as they were under the former Czechoslovakia before. As well as Slovakia played to beat the Italians, the Dutch are a much better team than the defending champions, and Robben has been in devastating form all season for both club and country. He’ll be the difference in a sports betting win for the Dutch.

Bet World Cup: The Netherlands -225

Toronto FC and the Los Angeles Galaxy played a scoreless draw Saturday night amid nearby G20 Summit protests that prevented several thousand fans from attending the game at BMO Field.

Juan Pablo Angel scored two late goals, both after long runs down the right side of the field, for New York.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto scored a disputed goal in the 57th minute and assisted on Eric Brunners score to lead Columbus (7-2-3).

Joseph Ngwenya tied it at 2 for Houston in the 80th minute, taking a centering pass from Brian Mullan in the middle of the box and scoring from 12 yards.

Houston (5-7-2) ended a three-game losing streak in its return from a three-week World Cup break. Colorado (6-3-3) extended its season-high unbeaten streak to five.

Danny Cruz also scored for Houston. Conor Casey scored for Colorado, and Houston scored into its own net for the other Rapids goal.

Africas still at the World Cup party after Ghana realized the hopes of a continent by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time.

Host South Africa and four other African teams exited the tournament at the group stage of the continents first World Cup, but the Black Stars qualified for the round of 16.

Now theyve eliminated the United States with a 2-1 victory in extra time Saturday night. Next up for Ghana is Uruguay, which it will play Friday in Johannesburg.

“Me and my colleagues were very disappointed there were no African teams with us,” forward Dede Ayew said. “Now we are lucky to be here, we must fight, not just for us, but for the other teams that are not here.

“We feel we have a continent behind us and the whole of Africa behind us and thats given us a lot of energy to fight more.”

Asamoah Gyan scored Ghanas second goal.

“Weve made everybody proud,” he said. “Not Ghana alone, but all of Africa.”

Indeed, after South Africas Bafana Bafana were eliminated, national leaders urged fans to stay involved with the World Cup. Ghana quickly became a focal point, and the stadium in Rustenburg was about split between U.S. and Black Star fans.

As people in Mozambique celebrated in the streets, South Africas governing African National Congress issued a statement calling the Black Stars “our pride.”

“We are very confident that having gone this far, you are indeed heading for the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals on our soil,” the ANC said.

Back home, Ghanas win was met with delirium.

Mike Pappoe, a 24-year-old university student in Accra, pulled his shirt off in joy.

“We have proved that we are a soccer force in Africa and the continent should be proud of us,” he said. “Todays win must be a source of jubilation because if we had lost, we would have put Africa to shame.”

At Madina, a suburb of the capital, cars sounded their horns as fans danced in the streets.

“The whole continent was looking up to them,” said 17-year-old Mohammed Abu, whose dream is to be a professional soccer player.

After Ghana scored in extra time, said 34-year-old street vendor Abena Serwa, “my heart was jumping for close to 15 minutes.”

“It felt like the clock was not ticking.”

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Associated Press writer Francis Kokutse in Accra contributed to this report.