Upsets Rule First Leg of MLS Playoffs
30/10/07 14:10 Filed in: Soccer
The MLS Playoff Betting saw three of the four lower seeds winning against higher seeds this past week. Three 1-0 wins and a draw have the higher seeds in a little bit of trouble entering the final leg games this weekend. The top seeds are not in huge trouble but each of them must win their games and have no margin for error. The one team that is in good shape is New England since they head home after a draw against New York. The other top seeds all lost by scores of 1-0 in their games. Read More...
Chelsea Facing Injury Concerns
21/10/07 13:46 Filed in: Soccer
Chelsea Facing Injury Concerns
Betting Line: Chelsea -1, Total 2 over -155
Three Way Line: Chelsea -160, Middlesbrough +375, Draw +225
Chelsea captain John Terry will be out of action for up to three weeks after undergoing knee surgery. Terry didn’t get the operation immediately so he could play in England's Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia. That decision turned out to be a poor one as England lost and now may miss out on next year’s tournament. Chelsea will also be without left-back Ashley Cole who injured his ankle during England's win over Estonia last Saturday. Read More...
Betting Line: Chelsea -1, Total 2 over -155
Three Way Line: Chelsea -160, Middlesbrough +375, Draw +225
Chelsea captain John Terry will be out of action for up to three weeks after undergoing knee surgery. Terry didn’t get the operation immediately so he could play in England's Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia. That decision turned out to be a poor one as England lost and now may miss out on next year’s tournament. Chelsea will also be without left-back Ashley Cole who injured his ankle during England's win over Estonia last Saturday. Read More...
England in Serious Trouble in Euro 2008 Qualifying
21/10/07 13:46 Filed in: Soccer
England in Serious Trouble in Euro 2008 Qualifying
England is in serious danger of missing Euro 2008 after a crushing 2-1 loss to Russia. Head coach Steve McClaren was furious over a decision made by Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo that may have cost England the game. England had a 1-0 lead when Cantalejo ruled Wayne Rooney tugged Konstantin Zyryanov's shirt inside the box. The foul was legitimate but it occurred outside the box, not inside the penalty area as the referee called. Roman Pavlyuchenko scored on the penalty shot to tie the game and he scored four minutes late to give Russia the huge win. “It is an absolute disgrace,” said McClaren. “We were comfortable, and they were running out of ideas. If that penalty had not been awarded, I am absolutely confident we would have won the game. We were in total control. I am not blaming anybody - but the penalty was given by a referee in a bad position because it was outside the box. I don't fault the players; I don't fault their attitude; I don't fault their endeavor - and I don't fault what they did in the game. Because of one decision, we went from being in a winning position to losing.” Read More...
England is in serious danger of missing Euro 2008 after a crushing 2-1 loss to Russia. Head coach Steve McClaren was furious over a decision made by Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo that may have cost England the game. England had a 1-0 lead when Cantalejo ruled Wayne Rooney tugged Konstantin Zyryanov's shirt inside the box. The foul was legitimate but it occurred outside the box, not inside the penalty area as the referee called. Roman Pavlyuchenko scored on the penalty shot to tie the game and he scored four minutes late to give Russia the huge win. “It is an absolute disgrace,” said McClaren. “We were comfortable, and they were running out of ideas. If that penalty had not been awarded, I am absolutely confident we would have won the game. We were in total control. I am not blaming anybody - but the penalty was given by a referee in a bad position because it was outside the box. I don't fault the players; I don't fault their attitude; I don't fault their endeavor - and I don't fault what they did in the game. Because of one decision, we went from being in a winning position to losing.” Read More...
MLS Playoffs Approaching
09/10/07 14:24 Filed in: Soccer
MLS Playoffs Approaching
The final teams that make the MLS playoffs could be decided this week. FC Dallas and the New York Red Bulls both clinched playoff spots and just two spots remain. Nearly every team has two regular season games remaining although Los Angeles and Chivas USA each have three games left. The teams that could clinch this week are the Kansas City Wizards and the Chicago Fire. With outside chances are the Colorado Rapids, Los Angeles Galaxy and Columbus Crew. Read More...
The final teams that make the MLS playoffs could be decided this week. FC Dallas and the New York Red Bulls both clinched playoff spots and just two spots remain. Nearly every team has two regular season games remaining although Los Angeles and Chivas USA each have three games left. The teams that could clinch this week are the Kansas City Wizards and the Chicago Fire. With outside chances are the Colorado Rapids, Los Angeles Galaxy and Columbus Crew. Read More...
Chelsea Gets Big Win, AC Milan Loses Again
04/10/07 13:51 Filed in: Soccer
Chelsea Gets Big Win, AC Milan Loses Again
Striker Didier Drogba got the winner as Chelsea got by Valencia 2-1 in Champions League action. The Group B match was a huge win for Chelsea and new coach Avram Grant. Chelsea badly needed the win after losing manager Jose Mourinho two weeks ago. The victory was much-needed for Grant, whose team lost at Manchester United in his first league game before drawing 0-0 at home to Fulham. "It has been two difficult weeks but I told the players they should stay calm and get on with playing football as that is what they do best," Grant said, Read More...
Striker Didier Drogba got the winner as Chelsea got by Valencia 2-1 in Champions League action. The Group B match was a huge win for Chelsea and new coach Avram Grant. Chelsea badly needed the win after losing manager Jose Mourinho two weeks ago. The victory was much-needed for Grant, whose team lost at Manchester United in his first league game before drawing 0-0 at home to Fulham. "It has been two difficult weeks but I told the players they should stay calm and get on with playing football as that is what they do best," Grant said, Read More...
Germany Wins Women’s World Cup
02/10/07 14:58 Filed in: Soccer
Germany Wins Women’s World Cup
Germany defeated Brazil 2-0 on Sunday to win their second straight Women's World Cup. The Germans got goals by Birgit Prinz and Simone Laudehr. Brazil’s star player Marta had a chance to tie the score in the second half, but her penalty kick was stopped by German goalkeeper Nadine Angerer. "After the penalty save, I felt it was meant to be," Germany coach Silvia Neid said. "We worked hard for each other. It was a great team performance. It was important to work against Marta, and we did a good job in pushing her to the sidelines." Read More...
Germany defeated Brazil 2-0 on Sunday to win their second straight Women's World Cup. The Germans got goals by Birgit Prinz and Simone Laudehr. Brazil’s star player Marta had a chance to tie the score in the second half, but her penalty kick was stopped by German goalkeeper Nadine Angerer. "After the penalty save, I felt it was meant to be," Germany coach Silvia Neid said. "We worked hard for each other. It was a great team performance. It was important to work against Marta, and we did a good job in pushing her to the sidelines." Read More...
MLS Teams Vying for the Playoffs
29/09/07 14:17 Filed in: Soccer
MLS Teams Vying for the Playoffs
The MLS playoffs are approaching and some teams are fighting to make the playoffs while others are battling for positioning. Less than four weeks still remain and Chicago, Columbus and Colorado are battling for the final playoff spot. Red Bull New York and Kansas City need only to not fall apart while FC Dallas looks to be safe as well. D.C. United, New England, Houston and Chivas USA have officially clinched playoff spots. Real Salt Lake, Toronto and Los Angeles are hanging on but realistically have very little chance of making the playoffs. Read More...
The MLS playoffs are approaching and some teams are fighting to make the playoffs while others are battling for positioning. Less than four weeks still remain and Chicago, Columbus and Colorado are battling for the final playoff spot. Red Bull New York and Kansas City need only to not fall apart while FC Dallas looks to be safe as well. D.C. United, New England, Houston and Chivas USA have officially clinched playoff spots. Real Salt Lake, Toronto and Los Angeles are hanging on but realistically have very little chance of making the playoffs. Read More...
Bayern Munich Favored to Win UEFA Cup
21/09/07 13:33 Filed in: Soccer
Bayern Munich Favored to Win UEFA Cup
Bayern Munich is favored to win the 2007-2008 UEFA Cup. A total of 80 teams compete in first round action with Bayern the heavy favorite to win the Cup at odds of about 4-1. All other teams have odds of 10-1 or more. Bayern Munich is used to facing the best clubs in Europe in the Champions League but this year they will be playing in the UEFA Cup instead. Bayern opens up with Beleneses on Thursday in UEFA Cup action. Bayern reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League last year but is not part of the League this season. "I think it's a real shame we're not competing this season," Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness said. "But we made our own beds last season and we've received the appropriate punishment. So there's no point wringing our hands, it's a sporting setback and we have to live with it. I do believe it'll be a one-season intermission, and we'll be back in the competition next term."
Bayern had played in the Champions League for 10 straight seasons from 1997. They played in the UEFA Cup in 1996 and won the title. Luca Toni is the key striker for Bayern after coming over from Fiorentina. Toni won the World Cup with Italy last year. He is currently recovering from a hamstring injury. "Obviously, it's a shame we're not in the Champions League, but we've always known that," said Toni, "We'll focus on the UEFA Cup this season and on the Champions League next term." Bayern will also be missing Miroslav Klose in the first game as he is suspended because of a red card he received last year. They are also missing striker Lucas Podolski who is recovering from knee surgery. "A clean sheet would be good, but it won't be easy," Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger said. "Beleneses are no Sunday league side; they have plenty of talented Brazilians." Beleneses is still very limited with their talent overall though. They are 10th in the Portuguese standings, and last played in the UEFA Cup in the 1988-89 season. "Everyone thinks we'll win easily, and that's dangerous," Toni said. "You have to remain calm when expectations are running so high."
Another strong team in this year’s UEFA Cup is Ajax. They are a four-time European champion in the UEFA Cup. They lost to Slavia Prague in Champions League qualifying. It is the second straight year that Ajax was eliminated in Champions League qualifying. "More players have to take the initiative," striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar said, "Too few people demand the ball and there's too little movement. We have a lot of work to do." Ajax won the UEFA Cup in 1992. They open up with Dinamo Zagreb. There are 40 first-round, first-leg matches scheduled for this week, with the return games on Oct. 2nd and 4th. The 40 aggregate winners progress to the group stage. In the group stage each team will play four games and the first three clubs from each group advance to the knockout stage, where they will be joined by eight clubs who finished third in their Champions League groups. The format is single elimination with the final held on May 14th.
Sevila is the two time defending Champ of the UEFA Cup but they are in the Champions League this year. Three previous Champs are part of the UEFA Cup this season. Two-time winner Tottenham plays Anorthosis, Anderlecht hosts Rapid Vienna and Galatasaray is at Sion. Other teams of note are Atletico Madrid, Blackburn, Bolton, Bayer Leverkusen, Everton, FC Nuremberg, Palermo, Panathinaikos, Zaragoza and Villarreal.
Tottenham Hotspur FC were the first UEFA Cup champions in 1971/72. Italian clubs have been the most successful with nine victories, and English teams have gone on to win the tournament six times. Juventus and FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC have the most titles with three.
Bayern Munich is favored to win the 2007-2008 UEFA Cup. A total of 80 teams compete in first round action with Bayern the heavy favorite to win the Cup at odds of about 4-1. All other teams have odds of 10-1 or more. Bayern Munich is used to facing the best clubs in Europe in the Champions League but this year they will be playing in the UEFA Cup instead. Bayern opens up with Beleneses on Thursday in UEFA Cup action. Bayern reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League last year but is not part of the League this season. "I think it's a real shame we're not competing this season," Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness said. "But we made our own beds last season and we've received the appropriate punishment. So there's no point wringing our hands, it's a sporting setback and we have to live with it. I do believe it'll be a one-season intermission, and we'll be back in the competition next term."
Bayern had played in the Champions League for 10 straight seasons from 1997. They played in the UEFA Cup in 1996 and won the title. Luca Toni is the key striker for Bayern after coming over from Fiorentina. Toni won the World Cup with Italy last year. He is currently recovering from a hamstring injury. "Obviously, it's a shame we're not in the Champions League, but we've always known that," said Toni, "We'll focus on the UEFA Cup this season and on the Champions League next term." Bayern will also be missing Miroslav Klose in the first game as he is suspended because of a red card he received last year. They are also missing striker Lucas Podolski who is recovering from knee surgery. "A clean sheet would be good, but it won't be easy," Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger said. "Beleneses are no Sunday league side; they have plenty of talented Brazilians." Beleneses is still very limited with their talent overall though. They are 10th in the Portuguese standings, and last played in the UEFA Cup in the 1988-89 season. "Everyone thinks we'll win easily, and that's dangerous," Toni said. "You have to remain calm when expectations are running so high."
Another strong team in this year’s UEFA Cup is Ajax. They are a four-time European champion in the UEFA Cup. They lost to Slavia Prague in Champions League qualifying. It is the second straight year that Ajax was eliminated in Champions League qualifying. "More players have to take the initiative," striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar said, "Too few people demand the ball and there's too little movement. We have a lot of work to do." Ajax won the UEFA Cup in 1992. They open up with Dinamo Zagreb. There are 40 first-round, first-leg matches scheduled for this week, with the return games on Oct. 2nd and 4th. The 40 aggregate winners progress to the group stage. In the group stage each team will play four games and the first three clubs from each group advance to the knockout stage, where they will be joined by eight clubs who finished third in their Champions League groups. The format is single elimination with the final held on May 14th.
Sevila is the two time defending Champ of the UEFA Cup but they are in the Champions League this year. Three previous Champs are part of the UEFA Cup this season. Two-time winner Tottenham plays Anorthosis, Anderlecht hosts Rapid Vienna and Galatasaray is at Sion. Other teams of note are Atletico Madrid, Blackburn, Bolton, Bayer Leverkusen, Everton, FC Nuremberg, Palermo, Panathinaikos, Zaragoza and Villarreal.
Tottenham Hotspur FC were the first UEFA Cup champions in 1971/72. Italian clubs have been the most successful with nine victories, and English teams have gone on to win the tournament six times. Juventus and FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC have the most titles with three.
Women’s World Cup Update
13/09/07 16:35 Filed in: Soccer
Women’s World Cup Update
The #1 team in the world, the United States escaped with a draw in their opening game of the Women’s World Cup. They played North Korea to a 2-2 tie. United States forward Abby Wambach said that North Korea is a real threat in the tournament. "North Korea are one of the best teams in the tournament, and I'm not saying that because we tied, I'm saying that because there were times in that game where I felt we were getting outplayed," she said, "That happens very rarely, and that happens with teams that only train a lot and are prepared and organized, and are great athletes, physical and are willing to throw it out there. At this point North Korea are potentially one of the hardest teams I've played (against) in my career."
The U.S. now faces 2003 runner-up Sweden in Friday's match. All four teams in Group B have one point each, after Sweden played to a 1-1 draw with African champions Nigeria. North Korea takes on Nigeria in the other game in Group B on Friday. "All of the teams in our group know that we all have a point and we want to win the next game so that we can go up," Wambach said.
In other women’s World Cup soccer action, South American powerhouse Brazil routed New Zealand 5-0 and showed the world they are a real threat to win this year. Brazil is in Group D along with China, Denmark and New Zealand. The host Chinese beat Denmark in their opening game.
In Group A, Germany got the only win as they defeated Argentina in record-breaking fashion, winning 11-0. England and Japan played to a draw in the other Group A match. Group C had Australia and Norway getting victories while Canada and Ghana were the losers.
It is already apparent that the favorites in the tournament are Germany, the United States and Brazil with possible darkhorse contenders China, North Korea and possibly England. Each team in the Women’s World Cup will play three games in Group Stage action to determine which teams advance to the next round.
The #1 team in the world, the United States escaped with a draw in their opening game of the Women’s World Cup. They played North Korea to a 2-2 tie. United States forward Abby Wambach said that North Korea is a real threat in the tournament. "North Korea are one of the best teams in the tournament, and I'm not saying that because we tied, I'm saying that because there were times in that game where I felt we were getting outplayed," she said, "That happens very rarely, and that happens with teams that only train a lot and are prepared and organized, and are great athletes, physical and are willing to throw it out there. At this point North Korea are potentially one of the hardest teams I've played (against) in my career."
The U.S. now faces 2003 runner-up Sweden in Friday's match. All four teams in Group B have one point each, after Sweden played to a 1-1 draw with African champions Nigeria. North Korea takes on Nigeria in the other game in Group B on Friday. "All of the teams in our group know that we all have a point and we want to win the next game so that we can go up," Wambach said.
In other women’s World Cup soccer action, South American powerhouse Brazil routed New Zealand 5-0 and showed the world they are a real threat to win this year. Brazil is in Group D along with China, Denmark and New Zealand. The host Chinese beat Denmark in their opening game.
In Group A, Germany got the only win as they defeated Argentina in record-breaking fashion, winning 11-0. England and Japan played to a draw in the other Group A match. Group C had Australia and Norway getting victories while Canada and Ghana were the losers.
It is already apparent that the favorites in the tournament are Germany, the United States and Brazil with possible darkhorse contenders China, North Korea and possibly England. Each team in the Women’s World Cup will play three games in Group Stage action to determine which teams advance to the next round.
Euro 2008 Qualifiers
11/09/07 16:48 Filed in: Soccer
Euro 2008 Qualifying Update
Group B action in Euro 2008 qualifying had last year’s World Cup finalists Italy and France playing to a 0-0 tie in Milan over the weekend. It was a devastating tie for Italy that badly needed a victory. The Italians are now in third place with just four matches remaining. France leads Group B with 19 points. Scotland, which beat Lithuania 3-1, is next with 18 points, followed by Italy with 17. Only the top two teams in each of the seven groups qualify along with co-hosts Austria and Switzerland.
Croatia and Russia retained the top two places ahead of England in Group E. Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva scored two goals as Croatia defeated Estonia 2-0. The Croatians still lead the group with 20 points. Russia was a 3-0 winner against Macedonia and is still one point ahead of England with 18 points. The English got a 3-0 win over Israel at Wembley thanks to goals by Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Owen and Micah Richards. England is now in better shape and has a key game against Russia on Wednesday with the loser of that game in serious trouble. England has 17 points from eight games and Israel has 17 points from nine.
Miroslav Klose scored both goals for Germany in their 2-0 win at Wales.
Germany is five points ahead of the Czech Republic at the top of Group D.
"It was a wonderful experience to be captain, but the important thing was the three points," Klose said. "We have a comfortable lead and we should keep playing like this." The Czech Republic got goals from Tomas Rosicky, Marek Jankulovski and Jan Koller in a 3-0 win over San Marino. The Czechs are still three points in front of Ireland who is in third place.
Romania leads Group G by three points over the Netherlands who is in second place in the group after a 2-0 win against Bulgaria. Romania got a 3-1 win against Belarus. Bulgaria is two points behind the Netherlands in the group.
Poland leads Group A with 20 points, two more than Finland, which was held to a 0-0 draw by Serbia. Portugal is third with 16 points, one more than Serbia.
Sweden, which was held to a 0-0 draw by visiting Denmark, leads Group F with 19 points, three more both than Northern Ireland and Spain.
Greece leads Group C with 18 points followed by Norway with 16 and Turkey with 14.
Group B action in Euro 2008 qualifying had last year’s World Cup finalists Italy and France playing to a 0-0 tie in Milan over the weekend. It was a devastating tie for Italy that badly needed a victory. The Italians are now in third place with just four matches remaining. France leads Group B with 19 points. Scotland, which beat Lithuania 3-1, is next with 18 points, followed by Italy with 17. Only the top two teams in each of the seven groups qualify along with co-hosts Austria and Switzerland.
Croatia and Russia retained the top two places ahead of England in Group E. Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva scored two goals as Croatia defeated Estonia 2-0. The Croatians still lead the group with 20 points. Russia was a 3-0 winner against Macedonia and is still one point ahead of England with 18 points. The English got a 3-0 win over Israel at Wembley thanks to goals by Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Owen and Micah Richards. England is now in better shape and has a key game against Russia on Wednesday with the loser of that game in serious trouble. England has 17 points from eight games and Israel has 17 points from nine.
Miroslav Klose scored both goals for Germany in their 2-0 win at Wales.
Germany is five points ahead of the Czech Republic at the top of Group D.
"It was a wonderful experience to be captain, but the important thing was the three points," Klose said. "We have a comfortable lead and we should keep playing like this." The Czech Republic got goals from Tomas Rosicky, Marek Jankulovski and Jan Koller in a 3-0 win over San Marino. The Czechs are still three points in front of Ireland who is in third place.
Romania leads Group G by three points over the Netherlands who is in second place in the group after a 2-0 win against Bulgaria. Romania got a 3-1 win against Belarus. Bulgaria is two points behind the Netherlands in the group.
Poland leads Group A with 20 points, two more than Finland, which was held to a 0-0 draw by Serbia. Portugal is third with 16 points, one more than Serbia.
Sweden, which was held to a 0-0 draw by visiting Denmark, leads Group F with 19 points, three more both than Northern Ireland and Spain.
Greece leads Group C with 18 points followed by Norway with 16 and Turkey with 14.