You see, Nigeria has never beaten Argentina in the World Cup, and this will be the third time that these two countries have faced off against each other in the group stage. Argentina was victorious in the ’94 and ’02 campaigns, and in the ’95 Confederations Cup, Nigeria could only muster up a draw in another group stage match against the Argentineans. Strangely enough, though, Nigeria has beaten Argentina for the Olympic Gold Metal in ’96, but lost to them in the Gold Metal game at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. At the youth FIFA Under-20 World Cup final in 2005, Argentina once again beat Nigeria. But since ’93, Nigeria has beaten Argentina four out of five times at the youth FIFA Under-17 World Cup games. The history begins heating up at a young age, but as the players get older, the Argentines seem to excel more than the Nigerians do. And the talent is evident at this year’s World Cup. World Cup betting is keeping a close eye on this rivalry.
Argentina brings with them a plethora of talent up front. In fact, it’s probably more than they need to get the job done. Last year’s FIFA World Player Of The Year Lionel Messi (club: Barcelona) will be leading the charge along with super talented goal scorers Carlos Tevez (Manchester City) and Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid, possibly linked with a move to English club powerhouse Chelsea). The attacking prowess is further deepened by veteran forward Diego Milito (Inter Milan) and youngster Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid). The Defense is anchored by World Cup veterans Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Javier Zanetti (also Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (French club Marseille), and Martin Demichelis (German juggernaut Bayern Munich). The midfield will be thin, but serviceable, with Liverpool teammates Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez, and another Inter Milan player, Esteban Cambiasso, hoping to provide support for the multitude of forwards.
The toxicity of this team is really their anchor, as head coach Diego Maradona (yes, that Maradona) tries to execute a proper game plan for this team. His personal battle of drug addiction, alcoholism, and inability to deal with cultural fame has caused for some riffs on the team since he took over as manager in 2008. Key players have left the team because of philosophical differences with Maradona, and the shaky start to his campaign has put him in the hotseat. A bad showing for a country that has appeared in the World Cup fourteen times and won it twice will mean the end for the controversial Maradona, and World Cup betting.
But here comes Nigeria, just the remedy for the Argentineans. Not to say Nigeria will lay over and die, because they bring a talented, but less experienced squad to the Cup. With this being their fourth appearance, not much will be expected from them. But the players and their nation know they can make some noise. Forwards Nwankwo Kanu and John Utaka both play for Portsmouth in the English Premier League, and will be counted on to do the scoring. Midfielder John Obi Mikel (Chelsea) has yet to live up to his youth hype at his club, but can be a very productive player. Defender Joseph Yobo (Everton) is an old-school type of physical player with experience in previous World Cups. Nigeria’s speed can usually counter any lack of talent they have on the field, but going up against quick attackers the likes of a Messi or Tevez will be a handful.
In the end, Argentina’s history against Nigeria, and success in previous World Cups, will outmatch anything Nigeria can put together. A high-scoring affair this game should be, with the result going, once again, to the Argentineans by at least a goal or two. Who are you picking as a World Cup bettor? Head over to www.sportsbook.com and place you bet where everybody bets.
World Cup Betting - ARGENTINA vs NIGERIA
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World Cup Betting - South Africa vs Mexico
Oh, to be home, sweet home! The first World Cup ever to be held on African soil will be such a sweet relief for the national team of South Africa. This opening-game gala on June 11th to kick off the 2010 World Cup versus Mexico will be held in fine fashion in Johannesburg. A celebration for a nation coming together through apartheid, poverty, famine, and injustice, this third cup appearance for South Africa will be it’s first since 2002. World cup betting will be very interested in Mexico for this Cup, they could be a surprise team.The Republic will feature a team that does not have much experience in such a large stage as this, but comes prepared to do battle with a nation of over 49 million behind it. The play of midfielder Steven Pienaar (club: Everton) will be the key for the attack. His creative style and aggressive mindset will set the tone for the pace of the offense. The captain of the team, and leader of the defense, is Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth). Known as “The Axe”, his relentless tackling ability will help bring toughness to a rather undersized lineup. The main focus for this team, though, has to be on it’s sideline. The coach, Brazilian-born Carlos Alberto Parreira, is regarded as one of the finest National team coaches around. He led his native country to a World Cup trophy in 1994, and has an extensive wealth of knowledge from being around the game so long.
Mexico, on the other hand, has been here numerous times before. This will be their 14th appearance on the grand stage, including making every World Cup since 1994. This time around, they bring a mix of veteran leadership and super-young talent to these games. Led by captain Rafael Marquez (club: Barcelona) and wily 36-year-old magician midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Mexican club Veracruz), El Tri will be looking to make a statement on the opening night against the host country. With young talent like forward Carlos Vela (Arsenal) and speedy wingers Giovanni Dos Santos (Turkish club giant Galatasaray) and Andres Guardado (Deportivo), the Mexicans have such an advantage in tactical terms that it will take a lot out of the African defense to slow them down. And with Guillermo Ochoa (Club America) in goal for El Tri, they have a solid defense.
These two countries have never played against each other in a World Cup match, but have previously squared off with each other in friendlies. Mexico, ranked 17th in the FIFA World Rankings, took two of the three, but the last one came nearly five years ago. So with new talent on the field, especially in the case of the South Africans, ranked 90th, this match doesn’t contain any heated hatred or rivalry with it. That said, South Africa being the home country will make this a very tough game for World Cup betting.
So now that the time for glorious football is upon us, the question remains whether or not South Africa will be a good host not just off the pitch, but on it as well. Last year’s Confederations Cup, held on the same grounds, and produced exceeded results for the host nation. They survived group play, and made it to the third-place game, a rousing success by their standards. If they repeat that same outcome this time around, all will be considered well. But alas, the spotlight will be too bright, and with this opening game will come an immediate letdown for the Republic, as their skill level will not be able to contain the talented Mexicans. The home support will at best allow for a draw, but this opening match may put a bitter taste in the mouths of the natives if they come away with a loss after the first game played. Who is your pick for this game? Head over to www.sportsbook.com and check out their full lines for the World Cup.
World Cup Betting - PORTUGAL vs BRAZIL
Finally, the Group Of Death lives up to its title. Every World Cup seems to bring together a group like this, where a few, if not all of the teams, have a realistic shot at winning the Cup. This time around, two powerhouses in the world square off against each other in a Group G matchup between Brazil and Portugal on June 25th. This could be a very tough game for World Cup betting . Who do you pick?The mighty Brazilians bring a load of talent and winning history to this World Cup. Being the only country to ever win the Copa five times, they will field a team that will include two previous FIFA World Player Of The Year winners in Kaka and Ronaldinho These talented and proven midfielders, who play for top clubs Real Madrid and AC Milan, respectively, will be joined in the attack by winger Robinho (club: Manchester City), and striker Luis Fabiano (Sevilla). The defense will be anchored by veteran Lucio (Inter Milan), who will be playing in his third World Cup for his country, with a medal for winning it back in 2002. To say Brazil is the favorite to win the entire tournament would be quite an understatement, but don’t tell the Portuguese that.
The style of play that brings to mind the phrase “Joga Bonito” is a free-flowing, multi-passing, ball-skilled type of attacking. The Brazilians have mastered it over the years, and not many can duplicate it. Oh wait, the Portuguese can. And they have a FIFA World Player Of The Year winner on their team by the name of Cristiano Ronaldo. He plays at the same club with Kaka, and emulates the exact same style of play that most Brazilians are gifted with. Teaming with Ronaldo on the attack will be Simao (club: Atletico Madrid) and Nani (Manchester United), two super-talented ball control freaks who can make blazing quick runs down the wings. The midfield is held by Deco (Chelsea), a veteran World Cup player for Portugal who has been playing against top talent in the world for over a decade-and-a-half. His experience goes along with another veteran of the defense, Ricardo Carvalho, who plays alongside Deco at Chelsea.
The most watched game of the opening-round group stage will definitely be this dream match-up between these two talent-laden countries. But despite Portugal’s lack of experience in the World Cup over the decades (a third place finish in 1966 is the best they’ve done), their ability to qualify for the previous three Cups this past decade have shown that they are ready to compete against the most talented country to ever play the beautiful game. The headlines that certain players get off of the pitch (Cristiano, Ronaldinho, Kaka) only adds to the global intrigue that will fuel many other countries to watch this game as if it was their own team playing. That cannot be said for many other teams across the world.
Ultimately, when these two teams battle on the pitch, the determining factor could come down to who needs the game more to advance. With their match-up being held as the last game in group play, points could be at a premium to see if one of these two countries has to go home. But who am I kidding…. Brazil will win this game no matter what the stakes are. Their ability to outplay anyone at any time makes them the clear favorite to win by at least two, or more, goals. It all depends on how much of a show they want to put on. For this game, you can bet they will pull out all the tricks to show the world their true dominance. Head over to www.sportsbook.com and place your World Cup bets now.
World Cup Betting - England vs. USA
With the World Cup getting underway June 11th, the first big matchup comes a day later courtesy of the Group C battle USA vs England. Although this may seem like quite the rivalry, history and the English, of course, may have a different opinion. What is your opinion? The place to bet on World Cup football is www.sportsbook.com where everybody bets. The last time these two countries played in the World Cup was 1950, in a group match won by the United States 1-0. That's right. The Americans won. The British lost. And it was best summed up by American defender Harry Keough when he said, "Boy, I feel sorry for those bastards. How are they ever going to live down the fact that we beat them?" The U.S. then went on to miss the World Cup the next 40 years. England won the World Cup in 1966.
England's squad for 2010 is loaded, as always, with far superior players then that of the American squad. Forward Wayne Rooney (club: Manchester United), Midfielders Frank Lampard (Chelsea) and Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), and Defender John Terry (Chelsea) are undoubtedly the best players on the pitch for England. Their experience playing in previous World Cups and also playing for top club teams in the English Premier League (EPL) give them such a massive advantage over the Americans.
The Yanks will have a roster that will try and match the talent of the English. Forward Landon Donovan is coming off a stint where he played for EPL team Everton, and did a valiant job holding his own in a league many consider the top flight of the world. Another forward, Jozy Altidore (Hull City), and midfielder Clint Dempsey (Fulham), both play in the EPL and hope to use that experience against English opposition to help better the American's chances. The strong point for this team is their Goalkeeping, with Tim Howard (Everton) used to facing England's best players weekly.
Where this game gets interesting is in the injury department. The U.S. has two valuable starters who are coming off of injury. Defender Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan) and forward Charlie Davies (French club Sochaux) haven't played for their respective clubs in months. Both players, though, are expected to return for the Cup. What impact they both will have greatly determines the success of the Yanks. England's best wing defender, Ashley Cole (Chelsea), is coming off his own injury that has caused him to miss the final three and a half months of league play. He too has said he will be ready for the Cup, but his effectiveness in slowing down quick strikers may be hindered. This is something all World Cup betting will keep a keen eye on.
To think that the Americans are outmatched in a game like this on such a grand stage would be to discount how far U.S. soccer has come from their rare win in that 1950's World Cup. They took huge strides from a quarterfinals appearance in 1994 to even last year's miraculous run in the Confederations Cup, where they beat Spain 2-0 and took Brazil to the limits before losing 3-2 in the finals. Both of those countries are 1 and 2, respectively in the world. A FIFA world ranking of 16 for the Yanks insists that they should get out of group play, but what happens beyond that, well, depends on how much heart the Americans can muster, and a little luck, World Cup bettors are gong to be watching this one closely.
But for England and America, after all is said and done, kicking off this grand expose in fine fashion as one of the first games many will see should bring an extra bounce to their steps, extra strength to their kicks, and eventually a goal to each team as a draw seems likely for these two countries.
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