A-Leaque Soccer News Australia

England and Portugal's quarterfinal meeting will be a rematch from Euro 2004's elimination match which the Portuguese won. This time around the English are in great shape to exact revenge. Portugal will not only be without two of its starting midfielders Deco and Costinha, who will both miss the match after receiving red cards in the round of 16 match against a disgraceful match Holland. Also Cristiano Ronaldo has been hampered by a leg injury and will not be 100%.

England comes off its 1-0 victory over Ecuador and will look to advance to the semifinals to face the winner of Brazil/France. Despite scoring only six goals in four games thus far, England has done extremely well on the defensive side and will again look to shut down a Portugal offense not at full strength. As talented as Wayne Rooney is, England's fab four of Beckham, Cole, Gerrard, and Lampard should be able to take control of the match. The outcome might be different if Portugal had its full team available, but regardless of the lineup, England is on a mission.

Now that the month-long tournament has reached the quarterfinals, only eight of 32 teams remain in contention for the most prestigious trophy in sports, the 2006 FIFA World Cup. With the hopes of fans pinned on their national teams, leading online sportsbook Pinnacle Sports today announced updated odds on the eight remaining teams capturing soccer's biggest prize.

World Cup favorites before Group play began, Brazil remains the bookmaker's pick to win their sixth world championship at 5/2 odds. After a thrilling overtime victory over Mexico, Pinnacle Sports lists Argentina at 9/2 odds to become World Cup champions along with host-country Germany, who'll face Argentina in the first quarterfinal match Friday. Meanwhile Italy stands at 13/2 to capture their fourth World Cup following their controversial penalty-kick win over Australia. Despite uninspired play in both the Group stage and versus Ecuador, England currently stands at 7/1 to end the country's 40-year World Cup drought. Meanwhile, Pinnacle Sports lists France (11/1), Portugal (14/1) and Ukraine (55/1) as long shots to emerge as world champions.

"Entering the tournament Brazil was known for its explosive goal scoring ability, but after only allowing one goal in World Cup play, they appear to be equally skilled on the defensive end," said Simon Noble of Pinnacle Sports. "Argentina has become a trendy World Cup pick with experts and bettors, but the young Argentineans next face the grueling task of playing the Germans in front of a hostile Berlin crowd. Although they advanced thanks to a controversial foul call in extra time, Italy, with their exceptional defense led by Buffon in goal, cannot be overlooked for the remainder of the tournament."

Pinnacle Sports is offering the most comprehensive menu of World Cup betting options available online with limits of up to $50,000. For each match Pinnacle Sports will offer three-way betting, low-margin Asian handicaps priced to just 1.5%, exact scores and over/under total goals scored. Bettors will also find a wide variety of in-running action on games as well as proposition bets on each match. For a complete list of World Cup odds, please visit the soccer section at Pinnacle Sports.

Current Odds at Pinnacle Sports:

Odds To Win 2006 World Cup
Brazil 5/2
Argentina 9/2
Germany 9/2
Italy 13/2
England 7/1
France 11/1
Portugal 14/1
Ukraine 55/1

This may well be the match of the tournament!

Germany and Argentina have shared a great deal of history in the FIFA World Cup, and they are sure to make some more when they meet in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Thsi match may be too close of a call, might go into penalties.

A last second penalty by Italy's Francesco Totti has given Italy an unexpected 1-0 win over Australia in their round of 16 World Cup elimination clash. The Italians were struggling with the Aussies most of the match and were extremely lucky to walk away with victory. Captain Viduka was shattered with the result but coach Hiddink was more diplomatic. "We can be very proud of how the team played throughout the tournament" said Hiddink. You bet Guus and for a moment it looked like we were going to all the way to the semifinals!

Australia made history against Croatia to earn the point they needed to claim a place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup. The Socceroos lost all three games in their one previous appearance on the world stage in 1974 but a 2-2 draw with Croatia in Stuttgart was enough to secure second place in Group F and a second-round tie against Italy in Kaiserslautern on 26 June. Australia finished with four points from three matches, two clear of third-placed Croatia.

Croatia opened the scoring through Darijo Srna's second-minute ripper of a free-kick, which will go down in World Cup history as one of the best goals. After the goal Croatia fell into a defensive position, which gave the Aussies plenty of chances near and inside the box. Australia drew level with a deserved penalty after Stjepan Tomas handled a cross inside the area. Craig Moore stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, the score now tied at 1-1. The balance quickly swung back Croatia's way when Niko Kovac's shot was fumbled by Zeljko Zalac in the 56th minute, the score 2-1 and the Croats could almost taste victory. However Australia attacked relentlessly and put on pressure on the Croats via substitutes Aloisi and Bresciano. 11 minutes from time Aloisi flicked on a cross with his head and Kewell controlled it before blasting a right-footed volley into the corner. The see-saw nature of the occasion was now firmly tilted back in Australia's favour.

The final score 2-2 and Australia's next opponent are Italy.

The Socceroos will be shooting to win when they tackle Croatia in Stuttgart tomorrow morning for a place in the second round of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Australia posted a record making win when they came from behind to humble the Japanese 3-1 in their opening World Cup match. Those 3 goals were the first scored by Australia in a World Cup Finals having played three previous matches in the 1974 World Cup Finals without troubling the scoreboard.

Will there be more history in the making tomorrow morning?

Harry Kewell is available for the Socceroos after FIFA decided against taking action for his post-match outburst at German referee Markus Merk in their second game against the reigning World Champions Brazil

Australia only needs a draw against Croatia to progress to the round of 16 while the Croats must win.

Socceroos boss Guus Hiddink said, "This team is going to try to win. It's impossible to be a director of a draw."

The First round of the World Cup is drawing to a close with the knockout stage commencing on Saturday when host Germany tackle Sweden.

Not many if any upsets thus far at the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Germany strolling through comfortably as expected in Group A ahead of South American’s Ecuador.

England played poorly in their opening three games in group B but still managed to top the group ahead of the disappointing Swedes. England has lost Michael Owen through a knee injury leaving their striking options limited heading into the second round.

They face Ecuador, not an easy assignment for the Group B winners with Ecuador cruising through their opening two games in Group A before cautiously resting five players in their final Group game against Germany.

Argentina will take on Mexico on the first day of the knockout stage. Argentina firmed in World Cup Betting markets after their 6-0 demolition job on the Serbs to book their place in the last 16. They drew their last Group game against Holland 0-0. Mexico reached the round of 16 as runners up behind Portugal in Group D.

Holland will face unbeaten Portugal in the round of 16 on Sunday. This should be an entertaining game with the Portuguese having little difficulty in securing a birth in the second round while the Dutch came through a tricky Group that included Argentina, Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro.

Thursday and Friday will see the remaining eight teams for the second round decided.

England kicked off their 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign with an uninspiring 1-0 win over Paraguay in Frankfurt.

A 3rd minute own goal was all that England managed to produce in a lacklustre performance that coupled with Sweden’s inept performance against Trinidad & Tobago hardly flattered the prospects of Group B supplying the 2006 World Cup Winner.

Wayne Rooney stayed on the bench for the entire game with Peter Crouch replacing Rooney in the starting line-up.

Despite the much lauded pairing of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in the centre of the midfield, England failed to control the centre of the park with Paraguay ruing their nervous start to the game that saw a David Beckham free kick headed into his own net by Paraguay captain Carlos Gamarra.

England boss Sven Goram-Eriksson said after the match, "We suffered a lot," with the heat. "This was the first real hot, hot day, and that knocked us a bit in the second half.

"The most important thing was to get three points today, and we got them.”

"It was a good start," he added.

The result may have been good but England’s play was ordinary at best.

The World Cup kicked off in Munich with hosts Germany posting a 4-2 win over Costa Rica while Ecudor upset Poland in the second game on opening day 2-0.

66,000 fans packed Munich's Allianz Arena for the opening ceremony. They soon roared as one when fullback Philip Lahm gave Germany a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute.

Costa Rica answered through former Manchester City and West Ham United striker Paulo Wanchope who slotted the ball past Jens Lehmann in the German goal before German striker Miroslav Klose was at the double to put the hosts in the ascendancy.

Wanchope scored his second to make it 3-2 before Torsten Frings rifled home a long range effort from 30 yards to ensure there would be no anxious moments in the final minutes for Germany.

There was no place in the starting line up for german captain Michael Ballack with Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann opting instead to give Ballack extra time to recover form a calf strain.

Europe or the America’s? Who will return home with the Holy Grail after the FIFA World Cup Final on July 9 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin? Brazil is the obvious choice, but in the world of football be prepared for the unexpected.

Host Germany, England, Italy, France and the Netherlands will fly the flag for Europe while defending Champions Brazil and Argentina look most capable for the America’s.

World number 1 Brazil, the current World Cup champions has all the star power required to successfully defend their title. Names like Ronaldo, Ronahldinho, Kaka, and Adriano will provide plenty of highlights if not the ultimate prize in World Football.

Germany as host comes into calculations. A kind draw has assured a safe passage into the second round and while coach Jurgen Klinsmann has failed to plug the holes at the back the team has continued to score goals at will.

England with key striker Wayne Rooney under an injury cloud are up against it while Italy will need to overcome not only a growing injury list before a ball has been kicked in anger but also a match-fixing scandal in their domestic league.

France the 1998 World Cup winners will be led by Zinedine Zidane while Arsenal striker Thierry Henry will be expected to score the goals that matter.

Netherlands are always a danger, but their World Cup friendly against Australia showed nothing much has changed. Dominating for large periods, the Dutch still struggled to put the ball in the back of the net.

Argentina looms large on the horizon after little trouble during qualification. If Jose Pekerman’s men can reproduce that form then all bodes well for a successful campaign.

German captain Michael Ballack has told German World Cup coach Jurgen Klinsmann he is ready to take his place in Germany's World Cup opening match against Costa Rica.

Ballack told German newspaper Bild, "I am fit, I want to play, I am ready and without problems."

"Whether I will be playing or not is up to the national team coach."

Klinsmann has said after Wednesday's training session, "He's our leader and our skipper and we hoped to have him available."

"But it's a pity not a problem. We're in great shape without him."

Pinnacle Sports Launches Betting Portal for 2006 World Cup.

When the World Cup kicks off Friday in Germany, it will be the biggest betting event in history, as millions of people around the globe will have a betting interest on the month-long tournament. With today's punters demanding the most current information to make informed plays, Pinnacle Sports today launched a portal providing up-to-the-second World Cup information, odds and statistics for gamblers worldwide.

The largest sports betting site on the Internet, Pinnacle Sports' World Cup Live 2006 puts vital betting information at the fingertips of players including updated odds on every game played. Fans and punters will enjoy the site's streamlined navigation that provides all of the latest match results, group standings, upcoming schedules and statistics on a single page. In addition to real-time statistical information, visitors will find a comprehensive selection of World Cup betting opportunities including odds on Asian handicaps that offer up to 80% better value than other bookmakers, three way betting (1X2), total goals scored and a multitude of unique special bets on every game. After reviewing the up-to-date information and odds, those wishing to place a bet can access Pinnacle Sports with one simple click.

"This site is truly dedicated to sports fans everywhere that want to live, breathe and bet the World Cup in real time," said Simon Noble of Pinnacle Sports. "When Germany becomes the center of the betting universe for a full month this summer, players want to up-to-date tournament information without having to click through several pages and sites. Our World Cup portal provides one page where punters and fans will know the second a goal is scored and can also find the latest in-running odds as the match is in-progress and statistics for every game played."

Pinnacle Sports is offering the most comprehensive menu of World Cup betting options available online with limits of up to $50,000. Unlike other bookmakers that are offering betting lines priced to 107% or more on World Cup matches, Pinnacle Sports prices to just 101.5% on Asian handicaps, which equates to a saving of $12 on every $100 bet. Pinnacle Sports accepts sixteen local currencies, and unlike betting exchanges, guarantees liquidity and never charges a commission on winning bets. To view the latest World Cup odds and information, please visit Pinnacle Sports.

The World Cup, Germany 2006, June 9th - July 9th

Live it! Breathe it! Bet it at Pinnacle Sports!

Pinnacle Sports is offering it's players some of the best odds available on the World Cup with -103 style pricing on Spreads (Asian Handicaps) and -105 style pricing on Totals, giving your users a great incentive to sign up today and help generate more revenue for you!

5 reasons to join Pinnacle Sports during the World Cup:

Free live scores, stats and odds
Live betting on all matches
Up to 85% better odds on Asian Handicaps (-103 style pricing)
Up to 50% better odds on Total Goals (-105 style pricing)
10% sign up bonus

Get all the World Cup action as it happens!

This year Pinnacle Sports will bring your users all the action, live! For access to
live scores, updated stats and the latest odds on all the games from
Germany 2006 visit the Pinnacle Sports World Cup Live page.

Live, breathe and bet the 2006 Soccer World Cup with Pinnacle Sports - a smarter way to bet!

The 2006 FIFA World Cup kicks off Friday when Germany plays Costa Rica. The World Cup is the most heavily bet event, dwarfing even the Super Bowl for volume wagered. Between the huge Asian and European public's interest in the World Cup, and the ease of placing bets over the Internet, it's almost guaranteed that many prices on games will be "out of whack". As frequent readers of this column know, this offers sharp players a chance to profit.

Since 1998, the first game of each World Cup has always been played between the #1 and #2 seeds in a group. This ensures that the opening game will be a good match, as hundreds of millions of people across the world tune in (over 1.5 billion watched the last World Cup Final between Germany and Brazil). In the history of the World Cup, no opening game has ever been won by more than 1 goal.

Asian handicap betting is similar to a wager on the point spread in the NFL and Germany is a 1¾ goal favorite over Costa Rica at Pinnacle Sportsbook. You have to look no further than public perception to see why. The European public at large typically disregards teams outside of Europe and South America.

Many people in Europe weren't even aware Costa Rica qualified for the World Cup. The Ticos were actually seeded 18th by an obscure ranking methodology that penalizes them for not playing in the 1998 World Cup eight years ago! Thanks to odds that offer up to 85% better value than other bookmakers, money is pouring in on Germany on our 6 cent Asian handicap lines at Pinnacle Sports Book. However, with $50,000 limits available online at Pinnacle Sportsbetting, the sharps on Costa Rica can't bet enough to keep the line fair, feeling that the Ticos are the right side.

Another area you may see the effect of the "European Square" is on betting to win each group. Just like in North America, public bettors like backing favorites. Pinnacle Sports are seeing a lot of money wagered on each group favorite to win their respective group and advance to the knockout stage of the tournament. There are a couple factors that make this a potentially losing strategy.

First, underdogs tend to do well in EVERY SPORT in their first game of a season or tournament until the prices become more accurate. Second, these favorites are more concerned with advancing out of the group stage than winning their group. So they may play for a tie to ensure a top-2 finish, or even choose to lose their last match to avoid an unfavorable knockout match-up against a difficult team that may not suit their style of play.

Also in the last World Cup, only 5 out of 8 group favorites won their group. When you have a huge favorite to win a group (greater than -150), look very closely at the second best team. Poland, Croatia, Sweden, Switzerland and Ukraine all come to mind as teams that might offer exceptional value.

An interesting area for Stateside bettors is Group E - already known as "the group of death" before a ball has even been kicked. Italy is the #1 seed, followed by the United States at #2. The Czech Republic, despite reaching the semi-finals of the European Championships in 2004 and being ranked #2 by FIFA in their November 2005 ratings, has been seeded as the #3 team in the group. The reason for this is that the Czech Republic did not qualify for the 1998 or 2002 World Cup finals, which dropped their World Cup seeding to #16. Rounding out the group is the dark horse Ghana, the powerhouse of Africa built around speed. Without a doubt, this is the most difficult group in the tournament.

Despite being the second seed in group E and generally considered the most talented US team ever, the current market has the United States as an underdog to finish in the top two in its group (and advance to the knockout stage). The "Yes" to advance is trading at +182/-202 at Pinnacle Sports.

Equally murky is the market price on the USA's total group points: Over 3 -118. A win against Ghana with a tie against either the Czech Republic or Italy, would put the U.S. over with 4 group points (3 for a win, 1 for a tie). There may be some value in backing the U.S. on both of these because these markets reflect the dated European prejudice that "the U.S. is not a soccer country." Europe's opinion truly forms the "public side" in soccer and there's always value fading any strong public sentiment.

This year at Pinnacle Sports as well as offering up to 85% better odds on spreads/Asian handicaps, up to 50% better odds on totals, live in-running betting on every game and a huge range of markets available including first goal scorer, half time betting and many more. Pinnacle Sports will also be bringing you all the action live and you'll find live scores, updated stats and the latest odds on the World Cup.

Live, breathe and bet the 2006 World Cup with Pinnacle Sports betting and find a smarter way to bet!

Australia has beaten footballing minnows Liechtenstein 3-1 in Ulm in a game that failed to reach any great heights for the World Cup bound Socceroos.

Harry Kewell played for an hour with Socceroos boss Guus Hiddink saying "There was a lack of concentration in the first part of the game,"

"That is not good and I was angry with the first 20 minutes."

"There was a lack of tension in the game and everyone was thinking 'well nothing can happen to us' and that was a good lesson for us."

"We made a foolish foul and from that there was an own goal."

"That is not normal and I don't want to see any more of that in the upcoming games."

The Socceroos kick off their World Cup campaign on Monday against Japan in Kaiserslautern.

France striker Djibril Cisse is out of the World Cup after breaking his right leg in France's 3-1 friendly win against China on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old Liverpool star was France's leading scorer with four goals during qualification for the finals.

France coach Raymond Domenech said, "He has an open fracture of the tibia. It's a vicious blow to all of us."

Cisse was replaced by Juventus striker David Trezeguet who now comes right into calculations for World Cup Soccer Betting on the Golden Boot winner.

England striker Wayne Rooney has been cleared by medical staff to take his place in Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Rooney returned to Manchester on Wednesday to have a scan on his broken metatarsal in his right foot, an injury he sustained playing for Manchester United against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in April.

Manmchester United issued a statement on their website saying, 'Manchester United can confirm that Wayne Rooney has rejoined the England squad in Germany following his scan in Manchester. He is now in the care of the England medical team. The expert independent medical view is that Wayne has a good chance of being fit after the group stage. At that point, the expert independent medical view is that his participation in the tournament will require very careful assessment in order to address his suitability, as he will not have had the opportunity to play in less demanding games.'

Known by many as "The Greatest Tournament on Earth," the 2006 World Cup kicks off Friday morning at 9 a.m. ET at Allianz Arena in Munich, when host and 2002 runner-up Germany battles Costa Rica.

Defending champion Brazil, seeking its sixth World Cup and fourth straight final appearance, comes into the tournament as the favorite once again. The Brazilians are led by Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, two of the top scorers in the world.

New Chelsea signing Germany captain Michael Ballack has been cleared to resume training as Germany prepare to open the 2006 FIFA World Cup Finals against Costa Rica in Munich on Friday.

Ballack has been struggling to overcome a calf strain picked up in Germany's 3-0 win over Colombia on June 2.

The German captain has not trained with the German World Cup Squad since picking up the injury but will resume training today for the three time World Cup winners.

AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has been ruled out of Italy's opening World Cup game against Ghana with a thigh injury.

The Italian team doctor Enrico Castellacci said on the Gazzetta dello Sport's "Gattuso will miss one or two games," and faces a race to be fit for the second match.

The hard working midfielder said, "I'm disappointed, missing two games is a lot for me,"

"I'm not superstitious but I think someone has put a curse on me".

"But I'm going to the World Cup even if I have to tie myself with a rope to the team bus,"

Italian coach Marcello Lippi is already without defender Gianluca Zambrotta for Italy’s Group E opener against Ghana.

England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson said Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is 300% certain he will be fit for the World Cup finals in Germany ahead of Thursday scan on his fractured metatarsal.

Eriksson said, "I'm confident he (Rooney) will take part in the World Cup and he is 300% confident he will play."

Rooney will fly back to Manchester with England doctor Leif Sward who will, along with United doctor Tony Gill discuss the results specialists at the hospital before informing Eriksson of the progress made by Rooney.

Tottenham forward Jermain Defoe has travelled with the England team and remains on standby awaiting Thursdays announcement.

Liverpool winger Harry Kewell will make his return for Australia in Wednesday night's friendly against Liechtenstein in Ulm.

Socceroo coach Guus Hiddink said "He was playing for almost 90 minutes in the amateur game ... there was no reaction and we will play him for sure in the Liechtenstein match,"

"But we have to be sure that he is top, top fit and he has missed a lot of the training the other players have done for the past three weeks."

Kewell has been on the sidelines since suffering a groin strain playing for Liverpool in their FA Cup final win at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

Brazil, England, Germany & Argentina are the early favorites!

The biggest sporting event in the world kicks off in Germany on June 9th when teams representing 32 nations vie for the most prestigious trophy in sports, the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The month-long tournament is not only expected to draw over 30 billion
viewers, but it is also set to become the most bet sporting event of all time. With fans and bettors anxiously awaiting the start of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Pinnacle Sports today released individual odds on all 32 teams winning soccer's biggest prize.

The largest sports betting site on the Internet, Pinnacle Sports currently lists reigning World champions Brazil, featuring two-time World Player of the Year Ronaldinho, as overwhelming 5/2 favorites (i.e., win $5for every $2 bet) to win for an unprecedented sixth time. Despite uncertainty surrounding the availability of 20-year-old striker Wayne Rooney, Sven-Goran Eriksson's England side is listed with the second best odds to end their 40-year drought on the big stage at 8/1.
Pinnacle Sports also lists Germany at 8/1 to become the sixth country to win the month-long tournament on its home soil, while Argentina (8/1) and Italy (19/2) are solid contenders to capture their third and fourth World Cups, respectively.

Led by explosive striker Thierry Henry, France hopes to rebound after being held scoreless in defense of their crown in 2002 and is listed at 14/1 to win a second World Cup for Zinedine Zidane who'll retire from the National team following the tournament. Pinnacle Sports believes several other countries have a chance at Germany 2006, including: The Netherlands (14/1); Spain (16/1); Portugal (23/1); the Czech Republic (32/1); Mexico (37/1) and Sweden (38/1). Although currently ranked fifth in the world and widely regarded as the most talented U.S. team ever, the United States remain an underdog to win their first World Cup at 40/1. The greatest long shots to survive the 64-match tournament include: Iran (384/1); Saudi Arabia (384/1); Costa Rica (384/1); Togo (384/1); Trinidad and Tobago (384/1); and Angola (402/1).

Pinnacle Sports is offering the most comprehensive menu of World Cup betting options available online with limits of up to $50,000. For each match Pinnacle Sports will offer three-way betting, low-margin Asian handicaps priced to just 1.5%, exact scores and over/under total goals scored. Bettors will also find a wide variety of in-running action on games as well as special bets on everything from how far a team will progress to who'll score the first goal in a match. Pinnacle Sports accepts sixteen forms of currency, and unlike betting exchanges, never charges a commission on winning bets. For a complete list of World Cup odds, please visit the soccer section at Pinnacle Sports.

Current Odds:

Odds To Win 2006 World Cup

• Brazil 5/2


• England 8/1


• Germany 8/1


• Argentina 8/1


• Italy 19/2


• France 14/1


• The Netherlands 14/1


• Spain 16/1


• Portugal 23/1


• Czech Republic 32/1


• Mexico 37/1


• Sweden 38/1


• USA 40/1


• Ukraine 47/1


• Croatia 47/1


• Ivory Coast 49/1


• Serbia & Montenegro 52/1


• Australia 66/1


• Switzerland 80/1


• Poland 84/1


• Ghana 99/1


• Paraguay 148/1


• Japan 148/1


• South Korea 196/1


• Ecuador 200/1


• Tunisia 200/1


• Iran 384/1


• Saudi Arabia 384/1


• Costa Rica 384/1


• Togo 384/1


• Trinidad & Tobago 384/1


• Angola 402/1

Italy #13 - Without a doubt the classiest of all teams in Group E, the Italian team is certainly much better than their current #13 FIFA ranking would suggest. After a significant 4-1 stomping of host-nation Germany back in March, the Italian corps looks ready and sharp to make a run at this year's championship. With a long list of international stars, Italy is clearly the early favorite to take Group E. By avoiding the Czech Republic and earning Ghana in the first match, Italy's favorable schedule will allow them to build confidence heading into the Czech Game. Though anything is possible in the World Cup, as we re-learn every four years, this Italian team is very strong and should do very well in Group E. It has been 24 years since Italy has won a World Cup title, and the pressure is tremendous on the Italian team to show serious results in Germany.

Ghana #48 - Though this Ghana team will face a tough group in the first round, they have all the tools to be the 2006 version of Senegal and make some noise in Germany. Overlooked largely due to the quality of the three other teams, Ghana may likely catch one or two of their opponents off-guard and sneak into the second round. All teams in this group will be battling over the 1st place spot, since the runner-up will likely face powerhouse Brazil in the second round. Don't count Ghana out. They had an impressive African qualifying campaign, losing just one game, this team is even stronger heading into Group play.

USA #5 - After being the first team to qualify for the World Cup from the CONCACAF region, the USA will face its toughest task in Group E than in previous years. Bruce Arena seems to have his troops ready for battle, and this team is certainly deeper and more talented than the 2002 team that made a run to the quarterfinals. With recent reports suggesting that the Czech national team seemed somewhat apathetic in camp, the USA might be able to catch them off-guard as they did to Portugal in 2002. However, expect the Czech team to not overlook the USA as Portugal did. The USA does not have a favorable record playing in Europe, but Arena has a strong history of preparing his team for big match-ups. This game is the key to the USA getting out of group play. Consider the winner of this game the most likely team to qualify for the runner-up position in Group E.

Czech Republic #2 - There's nothing laughable about the fact that FIFA ranks the Czech's #2. Though none of the more recognizable powerhouses in the world (i.e. Argentina, England, Holland, Brazil, Italy), this Czech team is incredibly strong and can potentially make a run at the title. The key to their success is starting strong against the USA. If they can take 3 points away from this game, and will likely take away 3 from Ghana in their second match, it will create a tremendous amount of momentum heading into their final match against Italy. Assuming Ghana and the USA don't put up much of a fight, the final match versus Italy could be more relevant than first meets the eye. Brazil will most likely be waiting for the runner-up of this group, and neither the Czech Republic nor Italy will want to face them so early in the tournament. Pay close attention to USA vs the Czech Republic, this will be a strong indication as to how far the Czech team will go in Germany.

Brazilian ace Ronaldo will be fit for Brazil's World Cup opener against Croatia on 13 June despite suffering from blisters in the world Cup warmup match against New Zealand.

Brazil team doctor Jose Luis Runco said of the 2002 Golden Boot winner's blistered feet, "The healing is almost complete. He won't have any more problems,"

"We are very comfortable. There is nobody with complaints and the players are all at the right level of fitness."

Brazil will face Australia in their second game before meeting Japan in their final Group F qualifier.

Italian defender Gianluca Zambrotta has been ruled out of Italy's World Cup opener against Ghana after he failed to recover from a thigh injury.

The Italian team doctor has confirmed to the Ansa news agency that Zambrotta is still troubled by a left thigh injury.

Classy defender Alessandro Nesta is also struggling to be fit in time for Italy's opening World Cup match in Germany on June 12.

Italy is in Group E with Ghana, Czech Republic and USA in their quest to win a fourth World Cup.

Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann said hosts Germany would continue to play fast-paced attacking football at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Finals in Germany.

Speaking at a press conference after Germany beat Colombia 3-0 Klinsman said, "We aim high and look forward to playing great football in World Cup,"

"Now, we take on the hope of the whole country. We have big objectives and we are confident." Klinsmann added.

Klinsman came underfire for his attacking formation from star player Michael Ballack but the 42 year old World Cup winner brushed aside any perceived controversy by asking journalists, "What criticism? It's absolutely a good thing when players express their opinions."

Germany open the World Cup in Munich against Costa Rica on June 9 and will be looking at a sure victory and big winning margin. Anything else will be a huge upset.

The England World Cup squad led by Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham has arrived at their luxurious hotel base in Germany for the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals. Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad were immediately taken to the Schlosshotel Buhlerhohe near Baden-Baden.

Injured Manchester United star Wayne Rooney was with the squad despite being required to undertake a scan on his injured foot on Wednesday.

England kick off their World Cup campaign against Paraguay in Frankfurt on June 10.

England are hot favourites to win but the South Americans will be keen on a draw.

The Socceroos stood up well against the highly fancied Hollan in their World Cup friendly in Rotterdam this morning.

The Netherlands scored after ten minutes through Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy in front of a 50-thousand plus crowd.

Viduka said it was a hard fought 90 minutes, and while it was good to get the equaliser in the 52nd minute, there were some close moments before the final whistle.

The Dutch team criticised the Aussies for playing too hard for a friendly. Three Dutch players were injured as Philip Cocu was the first Dutch player to limp off 10 minutes before the break. Wesley Sneijder and Giovanni van Bronckhorst also joined the injury list in the second half.

Australia play one more pre-world cup friendly against Liechtenstein in Ulm before their opening game against Japan on June 12th in Kaiserlsautern.

England striker Michael Owen will take his place in the starting lineup for England in their friendly against Hungary at Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old Newcastle forward did throw a scare into the England World Cup camp scan after pulling out of Monday's training with a thigh injury.

England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is expected to field his strongest team in what is England's penultimate game before the World Cup Finals in Germany.

Eriksson has hinted Owen will play a loan role with Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard playing in advanced midfield position with Jamie Carragher playing a holding role in midfield giving Chelsea's goalscoring midfielder Frank Lampard license to get forward.

England rounds off their World Cup Preparations with clash against Jamaica on Saturday.

England (from): Paul Robinson, David James, Scott Carson; Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell, Jamie Carragher, Wayne Bridge, David Beckham, Michael Carrick, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Owen Hargreaves, Jermaine Jenas, Stewart Downing, Joe Cole, Michael Owen, Peter Crouch, Theo Walcott.

The teams have qualified, the venues are complete and the stage is set at Pinnacle Sportsbook for the biggest football party in history, the 2006 FIFA World Cup!

Highly profitable for informed players everywhere, Germany 2006 will see 32 nations compete for football's biggest prize with the first match played on June 9th, when hosts Germany face Costa Rica.

In major soccer events like Germany 2006, the rules for how teams advance from each group can often impact coaching strategies. In the World Cup and European Championships, qualification from the group stage is dentical with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage of the competition. If two or more teams finish level on points (earning 3 with a win and 1 for a draw), tiebreakers are used. The first decider is goal difference, then total goals scored, followed by head-to-head results, and finally the drawing of lots. One clear trend you see happening is in a team's final game. Due to tiebreaker rules, there are times when a certain match result will guarantee both teams advance.

A classic example of this happened in the 2004 European Championships in Group C. Before the final group games were played, Group C's table was as follows:

W D L GF GA Pts
Sweden 1 1 0 6 1 4
Denmark 1 1 0 2 0 4
Italy 0 2 0 1 1 2
Bulgaria 0 0 2 0 7 0

If Sweden and Denmark tied at 0-0 or 1-1, Sweden and Italy would advance. If the game tied at 2-2 or higher, Sweden and Denmark would advance. During the second half, the score became tied at 2-2. At that point, the players on the field stopped attacking and were content doing passing drills until time elapsed.

A similar situation happened in the 2002 World Cup when Brazil played Turkey in the last match in their group. If Turkey lost 2-1, drew or won, both Brazil and Turkey would advance. Savvy bettors identified this and bet on the exact score of the match, Brazil to win 2-1. Not surprisingly, that was the score of the game.

Another less obvious situation to look for is coaches who are content with a tie in the group stages. While every coach would like their team to win, it's often more important during the pressure cauldron of a major tournament to simply not lose. In the 2002 World Cup, 13 out of 48 group stage matches ended in a draw and during France 98, 16 out of 48 matches at the group stage also ended in a draw including 5 out of the first 16 opening matches played.

Betting the draw can be profitable if you carefully select your positions and look for value when making bets. Unless there's a strong angle it might be wiser to pass on the draw as you're typically betting into a line that has far more juice or bookmaker’s commission than an "Asian handicap". An Asian handicap is like a bet on the point spread in the NFL - where you have a spread and moneyline combined.

Pinnacle Sports offers reduced juice wagering on all soccer markets, but the Asian handicap line is where you'll find exceptional pricing on the World Cup. With online limits of $50,000 per bet together with 6-cent lines on Asian handicaps available the day of the game, Pinnacle Sports Book offers up to 85% better odds than other bookmakers.

As it's harder for most players to calculate the bookmaker's commission on 3-way betting lines (home team, draw, away team) many bookmakers will 'hide' additional juice on 3-way lines, which offers substantially less value to the player. To find out how much juice you're paying simply check out the free multi-way calculator at Pinnacle Sports. You'll be amazed at what you can save by betting Asian handicaps at Pinnacle Sports betting.

If you're used to playing 3-way lines, you can often make a similar bet on the Asian handicap at a much better price. If a team is a ½ goal favorite on the Asian handicap, betting that team either on a 3-way or on the Asian handicap will amount to the same thing - a winning bet if the team wins.

Take the Poland/Ecuador first round match-up. If you like Poland, you could play Poland -0.5 +104 on the Asian handicap, or Poland -105 on the 3-way line. In this case, you could save 9 cents by shopping, even if your only out is Pinnacle Sports!

Another type of Asian handicap is the "quarter-ball" line. For example, if the line is "England -0.5 and -1 -105", half the amount of your bet will be graded at -0.5 and the other half of the stake amount will be graded at -1. Some players get frustrated trying to compare prices between the quarter ball line and the Asian handicap. The general rule of thumb for handicaps is that a quarter-ball is worth about 35 cents. So if "England -0.5 and -1 -105" was the fair price, "England -0.5 -140" would be a similar price.

Who are the players betting on at the World Cup?

Will Brazil win the tournament? Yes +262

Brazil is a threat to win every World Cup and has won the competition a record 5 times. Recent wins include the 1994 and 2002 Cups while Brazil were also losing finalists in 1998. Brazil opened as the favorite to win the tournament at +320. Although there’s been fairly balanced action, the soccer specialists have been all over Brazil pushing the price down to +262.

Germany/Costa Rica Over 2.5 goals -124 World Cup hosts Germany kickoff the tournament in the opening match. Predictably, this is the highest volume game in the group stage thus far. While the spread betting on the Asian handicap has been very balanced, there's a lot of money being bet on the over in many of the games across the board.

We initially opened Germany Over 2.5 at -110, and continuous pressure has forced the line up to -124. Three other games have also seen substantial moves on the over: Poland/Ecuador, Argentina/Ivory Coast and Trinidad/Sweden. We're yet to see any of the games on the board have substantial movement towards the under. Team to advance further: Mexico -290/United States +254 In October of 2005, this market opened with Mexico as a -120 favorite. During qualifiers, the U.S. and Mexico were tied in the CONCACAF qualifying region with 22 points each. Mexico has won 5 of its last 6 International friendlies, including wins over fellow World Cup qualifiers, Ghana and Paraguay. The U.S. has won 6 of its last 8 games, but was crushed 4-1 by Germany in March and humbled 1-0 by Morocco just over one week ago.

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