Brazil, Portugal battle for top spot in Group G
Soccer Betting Lines
06/24/2010 - Durban, South Africa (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Brazil has already secured a spot in the second round after wins in its first two Group G matches, while Portugal is on the verge of advancing following a 7-0 destruction of North Korea last time out.
A draw at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday would allow Brazil to win the group, while Portugal would claim the second spot, but predicting how this match will go is something that is difficult to do. Both sides would secure first in the group with a victory.
Portugal played an ultra conservative game in its opening match against Ivory Coast, which ended in a 0-0 draw, but turned on the style against North Korea, scoring six times in the second half.
"It was a great display with good goals and the right attitude," Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz said following the North Korea game. "We needed a game like this, but we have to remember that we've not won anything yet. The most important thing is to secure qualification."
Portuguese winger Simao also talked about staying grounded after the match, and he will not be content with his team until they have reached the next round.
"Our goal has always been to get through to the round of 16 and we're close now," Simao said. "The game against Brazil is an important one and nothing's decided yet."
In order for Portugal to be kept out of the last 16, it would need an epic collapse against the Brazilians while Ivory Coast would have to hammer North Korea to overturn a massive edge in goal difference for Portugal.
Brazil star Kaka received two late yellow cards in the 3-1 win over Ivory Coast last time out, meaning he will miss the match through suspension, but goalkeeper Julio Cesar is already looking for his team to fix a few small problems as they prepare for the next round.
"We were drawn in one of the most difficult groups, if not the most difficult," the goalkeeper said. "We were a bit nervous in our opening game. Anxiety had taken hold, but I knew that we'd play better and that's why we've come off the pitch happy. Yet again we've conceded a goal, but at least we've let them in at moments we could afford to. We're going to need to iron out a few flaws ahead of the knockout stages, so we don't make any more mistakes."
Portugal will likely play a more conservative game against Brazil as they try to keep their third clean sheet in as many matches to round out the group stage, while Brazil's attack will provide a good test for goalkeeper Eduardo, who has faced just five shots in the competition so far.
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SPORTS BETTING
NFL Football Betting OnlineIn terms of sports wagering, the NFL is "the most popular game in town." The explanation behind that is easy.
It is called the "pointspread."
Many years ago, NFL games, as well as the more popular college games, used straight odds as a vehicle for betting. For example, if the Bears were playing the Giants, and it shaped up as a competitive contest, the Bears might be, say, a 7/5 favorite. If they were playing an also-ran, it might be 10/1. Well, there is a point where a line becomes prohibitive, as far as betting the favorite. And who would waste money betting an underdog that has virtually no chance? Such a setup did not contribute to promoting betting action.
But in modern sports betting, a "pointspread" is used.
A NFL pointspreads are exactly that, a pre-established point difference between the two sides that will, for all intents and purposes, create a handicap that evens things out, and in doing so, produces comparable wagering activity on both sides of that proposition. So in lieu of a odds figure in which to bet the team to win outright, the Bears might be a three-point favorite over the New York Giants, and a 17-point favorite over the also-ran. Now that the team that is the underdog can "get" points, there can be equal action on both sides.
In sportsbooks, this is usually done with efficiency by charging the losing bettors 10% extra - in effect, bettors are laying 11/10 on those games. So they are actually betting $110 to win $100. If they lose, they pay the "vig." If they win, they simply collect.
The establishment of the pointspread as the corner stone around which team sports like football can be wagered upon was truly what brought gridiron betting into the stratosphere for online football betting .
Don't believe it? Just take a look at what happens around the Super Bowl.
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Problem with Bears?
Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.
"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."
Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.
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