Colorado takes on Dallas in a tough Western Conference bout as both teams look to move up in a tightly packed table. The Rapids currently are in fifth in the conference with 23 points, only three points back of third place Dallas, and one point up on Seattle in sixth position.  An away win for FC Dallas would move them well ahead of the group while stunting one of their closest opposition.  Colorado meanwhile must earn at least one point at home to keep pace.

Though they have only scored nine goals at home in their seven matches, the Rapids have conceded only six goals and have won three matches and drawn three. Colorado has not won at home, however, in three matches, a 1-0 triumph over Columbus back on June 5^th.  They will host San Jose after Dallas, and play four of their next six in Commerce City.

Dallas meanwhile, has found moderate success on the road, earning 11 points in eight games, with two victories and five draws and amazingly only one loss. They have allowed the second fewest away goals in the Western Conference with eight.  It took Dallas six matches to get their first win of the season this year, but they have gone on an impressive run of late. They are undefeated in seven games, their last loss coming in May to the Los Angeles Galaxy. Moreover, Dallas has only allowed three goals in the last six games, all of which were while they were on the road.

While the Dallas defense and goalkeeping have been solid, they have been getting offensive contributions from several sources.  David Arturo Ferreira, Brek Shea, and Jeff Cunningham all have four goals, while Atiba Harris has added three. Colorado has been more of a two man show, with Conor Casey leading the way with seven goals, while Omar Cummings has scored five.

The two teams will meet again in October in Dallas, but if Colorado doesn’t start earning points quickly, the rematch may not matter.

Betting Lines:  Colorado should get the slight edge due to being at home, but these are evenly matched. Both play strong defense and both can get goals from different sources. The Rapids are in more need of a win however, and may press more, getting Dallas a chance to strike back.  Neither team will do enough to win, though, as Dallas and Colorado fight to a 1-1 draw.

Share/Bookmark

Related Betting Picks:

1. San Jose vs Toronto FC Odds & Preview Even though several leagues are winding down, there is plenty...
2. Chile vs Spain Betting Odds This summer, sports betting is given it’s quadrennial kick with...
3. Columbus Crew vs Kansas City Wizards Odds & Preview The dog days of summer do no apply to the...

One of the more intriguing MLS matchups of the weekend sees two third place teams take the pitch as the hot and cold Toronto FC host FC Dallas in an inter-conference and international tilt as both teams look to keep pace in the tightening table.

Despite a recent away loss to Philadelphia 2-1, in which TFC conceded the game winning goal on a stoppage time penalty, Toronto remains comfortably in third place in the Eastern Conference, five points in front of Chicago, but four back of New York in third.  TFC are relieved to be returning home after yearlong struggles on the road. The loss in Philadelphia was their fifth away defeat of the season in seven games; they’ve only won once away from BMO Field.

At home, however, Toronto has yet to lose, winning five matches and drawing three, outscoring their opponents 11 to three and just about dominating.  Dwayne De Rosario leads the team with eight goals, while Chad Barrett scored his fifth of the season in the last game.

With 25 points in the Western Conference, FC Dallas is at third with Colorado and San Jose close behind, two and three points back respectively.  Going into BMO Field may not be as tough a task for Dallas, a team that has fared well away from home. In seven road matches, they have only dropped one, while winning two and drawing four.  A tie would certainly be a positive for Dallas, a team looking to continue their three game unbeaten streak.

They have consistently received offense from different sources, with David Arturo Ferreira, Brek Shea, and Jeff Cunningham all netting four goals on the season.  Atiba Harris sits at three goals and has the most shots on goal for the team at 14. Moreover, Dallas has yet to be shutout on the road all season long.

Dallas has shown better defensive talent throughout the season than Toronto, conceding only 13 goals all year, while TFC has allowed 17. Only once all year have Dallas conceded two goals on the road, and that was early in the season against New York.

Betting Lines: The two teams are pretty even, but with Toronto playing at home they should be given the edge. They simply play a stronger game in front of their home fans, and they can play with anyone at BMO Field. Despite the recent successes of Dallas, particularly on the road, the Red Shirts will triumph and earn three points in a 2-1 victory in Toronto.

Share/Bookmark

Related Betting Picks:

1. Toronto FC vs LA Galazy Odds & Preview For every sports fan out there, plenty of betting exists...
2. San Jose vs Toronto FC Odds & Preview Even though several leagues are winding down, there is plenty...
3. Columbus Crew vs Kansas City Wizards Odds & Preview The dog days of summer do no apply to the...

The San Jose team travels north to take on Landon Donovan and the first place Los Angeles Galaxy. The Galaxy are far and away the top team in the entire league with 39 points; nine points ahead of second place Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference. In 17 games, they have netted 27 goals, but it is their defense and goaltending that is particularly strong.  They have conceded only eight goals this season, and have earned the best goal differential in the league.

Donovan returns to the MLS after a personally successful World Cup performance where he scored three goals, including a most memorable strike against Algeria to propel the United States into the round of 16. Despite losing to Ghana, Donovan and company did much to promote the sport in America.

In the team’s most recent match against D.C. United, Donovan scored the winning goal on a late penalty to win 2-1.  While it was only his second goal of the season, Donovan has 10 assists, consistently setting up fellow American teammate Edson Buddle, who has 11 goals on 22 shots on net.

Los Angeles will be playing at home, where they have yet to lose all year. In seven home games, they have drawn once, a scoreless tie against Toronto FC.  Thusly, San Jose have a huge task ahead of them.

The Earthquakes sit in fifth in a close Western Conference table. They have 22 points, one back of Colorado, and three back of FC Dallas, but have played one fewer games than both.They haven’t had too much trouble scoring goals, netting 18 on the year, getting contributions from several players. Chris Wondolowski leads the team with six goals, while Arturo Alvarez and Ike Opara each have three.

Another positive is that the team has fared well on the road, coming off a 2-1 win in Philadelphia. They are back in their own state, not too far from home, which should help them adjust.

Betting lines: Los Angeles are the favourites and rightly so as they lead the league in wins, points, and goal differential.  With the momentum from the World Cup still propelling several players, with more fans watching and getting involved, the Galaxy have an even bigger advantage.  San Jose are talented, but simply can’t keep up with the power of the Galaxy while they are home.  Los Angeles wins 2-0.

Share/Bookmark

Related Betting Picks:

1. Man City vs Everton Odds and Preview Sports betting players have watched Manchester City surge into the...
2. Toronto FC vs LA Galazy Odds & Preview For every sports fan out there, plenty of betting exists...
3. San Jose vs Toronto FC Odds & Preview Even though several leagues are winding down, there is plenty...

The World Cup may be over, but there is still plenty of soccer action to entertain fans in North America. Major League Soccer is about halfway through it’s season and the table is tightening as teams vie for playoff spots.  A midweek Eastern Conference matchup sees the Kansas City Wizards travel to Columbus to take on the powerful Crew.

The Crew are tops in the Eastern Conference with 28 points; eight wins, four draws and a mere two losses. Their 20 goals lead the conference, with Guillermo Barros Schelotto leading the team with five goals, and Eddie Gaven netting three. IN addition to having the best offense, the Crew also showcase one of the best defenses, allowing only 12 goals all season. Both goals for and goals against are third in the league, behind Western Conference leaders Los Angeles and Real Salt Lake.

Kansas City meanwhile sits in sixth place with 12 points, but only two back of New England and within reach of Chicago in fourth with 17. A road win against Columbus and three points seems unlikely, however, with the way the team has played of late.  They have lost three straight games and have not scored in over a month.  The three losses to New York, FC Dallas, and Chivas USA saw the Wizards concede six goals while not netting once.

The offensive outburst in the first match of the season, a 4-0 rout of DC United seems an apparition now. They would score a total of four goals combined in their next seven matches.  Moreover, the seven points they tallied in their first three matches is more than half the team’s total points after 14 games.

The match up with the Crew is the first of three straight on the road for Kansas City, a team still looking for their first away victory.  In six matches on the road, they have five losses and one draw, scoring only two goals.

The lone bright spot for the Wizards has been the play of forward Kei Kamara. He has six goals in 13 games, matching his total for all of last season. The six goals is also more than half the team’s production, with no other player netting more than one.

Columbus beat Kansas City on the road earlier this season 1-0.

Betting Lines: Columbus is favoured as well they should be.  Kansas City has struggled on the road while Columbus excels at Crew Stadium.  Look for them to win and win decisively, netting several goals in a rout of the overmatched Wizards.

Share/Bookmark

Related Betting Picks:

1. Aston Villa vs Manchester City Odds & Preview Sports betting takes on all different forms as May draws...
2. Man City vs Everton Odds and Preview Sports betting players have watched Manchester City surge into the...
3. Stoke City vs Burnley Odds and Preview Event: Premiere League Soccer Stoke City at Burnley Wednesday March...

With 62 games in the record books, the 2010 World Cup from South Africa will end where it begin, in the newly built and impressive stadium known as Soccer City in Johannesburg.

The match for 3^rd place will happen on Saturday in Port Elizabeth, a consolation prize that neither Germany nor Uruguay were hoping, but nonetheless will compete for.  The big match is Sunday, in which one country will earn its first World Cup championship ever. The Netherlands and Spain both had high hopes coming into the tournament, and they have both met expectations and made it to the finals.

Spain look to accomplish a rare feat: winning the European Cup, and then winning the World Cup two years later.  They have had a clear advantage over many other teams in that the core squad has been playing together for years now under head coach Vincente Del Bosque.  Many other teams, including Germany whom they vanquished 1-0, have only played together for months, and others merely weeks.

Their team cohesion was on display during the Germany match, as they controlled most of the possession for the first 75 minutes, calming holding onto the ball and disrupting any counter through the middle.  In the 73’ minute  Spain earned a goal that ensured them the victory, and never did Germany really threaten.

They look to do the same against Netherlands, a team strong with midfielders. Arjen Robben, Wesley Sniejder, and Robin Van Persie have all looked stellar and lead the team, but will need to overcome Spain’s midfield attack.

The Dutch beat Uruguay 3-2 in the semi finals, and in the quarterfinals they upset favourites Brazil 2-1, marking the only game in the tournament in which a team trailing at halftime has come back to win the match.

Indeed, Netherlands has yet to lose a match in the tournament, winning all three of their group games.  In fact, they have yet to lose all year long.  Spain topped their group, but did so after dropping their first match. Should they win, they would be the first team to do so after an opening game loss.  However, their coach has said that the young team gained valuable experience in that loss, and realized the intensity of the tournament and what it takes to win.

Betting lines: After witnessing Germany’s scoring prowess throughout the games, Spain was underestimated in their semifinal match, but proved why they were the favourites coming in all along. Despite the Netherlands fire power, they have shown lapses on defense and Spain has shown their patience and their ability to control the entire match. Spain win 1-0.

Share/Bookmark

Related Betting Picks:

1. USA v. Netherlands Odds and Preview Event: International Friendly, USA v. Netherlands. Wednesday, March 3rd, 2:45...
2. Netherlands vs Mexico Odds & Preview Some sports seasons are winding down, while others are just...
3. South Africa vs Mexico Odds & Preview Though a couple leagues are winding down and near deciding...

The second of the two semi-finals matches—the first between Netherlands and underdogs Uruguay- features two teams expected by many to make it to the finals.  Spain and Germany face off in the most anticipated match of the tournament yet.

While Spain were picked by many to win the competition outright, it is the Germans who come in looking like world champions. For the third time in the tournament, they scored four goals in a match, beating Diego Maradona and Argentina 4-0 in the quarterfinals.  Like they did against England in the round of 16, a 4-1 victory, Germany scored early and forced their opponents to press in the second half, resulting in more scoring opportunities.  One of the youngest teams in the competition, Germany is quick on the counterattack and have shown how lethal they can be, seemingly scoring at will.

Spain meanwhile, struggled to get to the semis, after an intense 1-0 victory over underdogs Paraguay.  The game hardly went as planned for Spain, with star Francisco Torres underperforming and not being able to shake off a nagging injury.  Spain was fortunate after committing a foul and awarding Paraguay a penalty in the second half they could not convert. Still, Spain has made it to the final four, where they planned to be all along.

David Villa has nearly carried his team single-handedly, scoring five of Spain’s six goals, including the only one against Paraguay.  His adversary will be German forward Miroslav Klose, who’s four goals have been among the many Germany has scored, as he looks to overtake Villa for the Golden Boot in the tournament.  Both players will be key to their team’s success, however more pressure is on Villa who doesn’t appear to have the same supporting cast as Klose.

Betting lines:  Spain are the very slight favourites in many parts, but it seems more based on pre-tournament predictions than judging the teams by their latest performance.  Germany has looked far superior and is playing more as a team, with each player performing their role in lieu of going after individual glory.  Germany are more opportunistic, and despite all the stars on Spain, they will not be able to overcome the impressive team effort put forth by the Germans.  Look for the match to be one of the more exciting and technically sound games in tournament, with Germany scoring early, and taking advantage of Spain’s press, winning 2-0.

Share/Bookmark

Related Betting Picks:

1. Greece vs Paraguay Odds & Preview June has finally arrived and the summer months bring with...
2. Slovenia vs New Zealand Odds & Preview Some of the most exciting sporting events are set for...
3. Chile vs Spain Betting Odds This summer, sports betting is given it’s quadrennial kick with...

Two favourites to win it all go head to head in a tough part of the bracket a young Germany squad faces off against the offensive prowess of Argentina.

One of the youngest clubs in the tournament, Germany comes into the quarterfinals after a convincing, yet controversial, victory over England.  They got off to a strong start with two goals in the first half.  However, a mental lapse that lasted only a few minutes nearly changed the entire complexity of the game.  England got on the board in the 36^th minutes, and mere moments later they appeared to tie the game.  A hard strike from a distance banged off the crossbar, bounced down and was cleared away by the German keeper.  Replay shows, clearly, that the ball crossed the line and England should have been awarded the equalizer.

German would win the game 4-1, with impressive goals in the second half that showcased their breakout and closing skills.  However, England did indeed score, and were it to count, the complexion of the game would have changed greatly.

Argentina comes in equally strong, but too amid controvesary. They were surely the better team in the round of 16 against Mexico, but their first goal was earned on a missed offside call. Nonetheless, the Argentines do deserve to be where they are, after topping their group behind the offense of Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain. The scary thing for opponents is that star man Lionel Messi, arguably the best player in the world, has yet to play his best.  He has had his chances and contributed to goals, but Messi is hungry for goals, and can only be stopped for so long.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has apologized to both sides and conceded the miss calls.  But such is the game, and anything can happen.

Betting lines:  Both teams, along with all fans, hope that the game won’t be decided by missed or controversial calls.  Both teams have been given gifts, but they are good too, and part of being good is being lucky.  Argentina will have the edge, and rightly so. Messi will be the best player on the pitch, and the best player can swing the game in one quick moment.  The Germans are talented, and youth has proven an advantage, but facing a South American team with confidence and fire, they will falter in a close match that sees extra time.

Share/Bookmark

Related Betting Picks:

1. Catalunya – Argentina home/draw – 1.64 PICK WON Argentina meet with Catalonia 2 times in...
2. Slovenia vs New Zealand Odds & Preview Some of the most exciting sporting events are set for...
3. USA vs England Odds & Preview Sports betting offers excitement throughout the year, even in the...

There is still much to be determined in the final pairings in Group H, with all teams still having an opportunity to win and advance to the next round. Conversely, a loss by any of the teams, and they are likely done.

Spain and Switzerland both have three points, while Chile is in the lead with 6 after two victories. The Spaniards scoring one more goal, two in total, than the Swiss gives them an important edge.  This advantage may prove key, as a tie atop the points table is broken by goal differential, and then goals for.

Spain look to earn three points and advance in first place in the group, as the whole world expected they would.  An opening match loss to Switzerland, 1-0, however, changed everything.  With the loss, Spain joined the ranks of France, Germany, and Italy as popular and experienced teams that have been upset at these games.  Still England, Portugal, and Brazil have struggled at times in a tournament that has displayed the drama and excitement of football.

Chile comes in with confidence after two 1-0 victories. Even with a loss to Spain, the South American team has a chance to advance.  Their impressive defense and goalkeeping has yet to allow a goal, with keeper Claudio Bravo inspiring confidence among his teammates. The offense meanwhile, while only netting two goals, has shown flashes of greatness, only being denied by bad luck, goal posts, and questionable calls that have dogged this tournament.

Spain star Fransisco Torres seems to have found his stride after an opening match in which he appeared to still be recovering from a leg injury that has dogged him all year.  As he catches up to game speed, he can and will be lethal.  He may not be 100% for the match, but should Spain advance, he will play a pivotal role.

Betting lines: Spain are favoured greatly, as they have been the entire tournament, but recent history has shown that upsets are not only possible, but could happen to any team at any time. The Chileans will be happy to play strong defense and hold off the Spaniards, and history has shown that opportunistic teams can net a goal and hold on to the lead. Both teams are in good spots, but with another game going simultaneously, anything is possible.  Look for Spain to struggle, as a string of surprise outcomes continues: Chile and Spain will draw, as Chile moves on and Spain awaits the result of the other group match.

Share/Bookmark

Related Betting Picks:

1. USA vs Slovenia Odds & Preview For some, summer may be a slow time of year...
2. Chile vs Switzerland home win – 2.280 PICK WON With a win Chile will be in...
3. 2010 World Cup Betting – One South American Team Goes Home On Friday 2010 World Cup betting has been dominated by South America,...

Group C will be determined Wednesday morning as England faces Slovenia, and the United States plays Algeria in a very tight and surprising table.  The Brits and the Americans were heavily favoured to lead the group, in that order, and move on to the round of 16. The Slovenians, however, have exceeded expectations, while the English have been lackluster and disorganized.

Slovenia sits atop the group with 4 points, while the Americans and Brits have two a piece, with Algeria just behind with one. All teams still have a shot to advance, and conversely, each has a chance at disappointment and being sent off.

Both Slovenia and England were thought to enter this final group match in very different positions, but it is England that is on the ropes.  They have appeared too confident coming in, and not shown cohesion. While they feature star players, success in World Cup competition is often more reliant and team unity and confidence, not individual talents.

Coach Fabio Capello has had to make several changes to his side, including replacing starting goalkeeper Robert Green with David James, after Green made a calamitous error against the Americans, giving them the equalizer.  They looked completely out of sorts against the Algerian, a game that ended surprisingly in a scoreless draw.  With that, England has failed to score in nearly 180 minutes; the only goal of the tournament was scored by captain Steven Gerard in the fourth minute of the opening match.

Slovenia meanwhile, has overachieved.  Despite blowing a two goal second half lead against the Americans, no one expected them to be in this position. A win or a draw propels them to the next round, and that’s all they are focusing on.

Betting Lines: England is favoured heavily in the match, but then again, they have been in their two previous matches. Throw the names and titles and past accomplishments out the window here.  Slovenia has been playing with confidence and relishing the underdog role, while the English simply are not playing as a team. They have too many singular stars, and coach Capello seems to have lost touch.  Look for a surprise draw again for England, knocking them out of contention with a historic upset.

Share/Bookmark

Related Betting Picks:

1. Slovakia v Slovenia under 2.5 – 1.65 PICK WON Slovakia and Slowenia meet once at Slovakia...
2. USA v. Netherlands Odds and Preview Event: International Friendly, USA v. Netherlands. Wednesday, March 3rd, 2:45...
3. Slovenia vs New Zealand Odds & Preview Some of the most exciting sporting events are set for...

Exciting action continues as every team has played at least one of the three group matches to begin the tournament.  In Group C, Slovenia leads the table with three points after a win last week against Algeria by a score of 1-0.  Slovenia edged the Desert Foxes in the second half after a red card gave them an advantage.  England and the United States, meanwhile, both earned a point after a draw in what was a much anticipated tilt, highlighted by Tim Howard’s stellar goalkeeping, and Robert Green’s massive blunder.

On Friday, Slovenia will take on the USA at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.  The game, oddly enough, represents a clash between the country with the largest population in the USA at over 300 million, and the country with the lowest population in Slovenia at 2 million.  Regardless, Slovenia showed determination in their first match, albeit against a lowly ranked Algeria team.

Howard was the best player on team USA in the first match, keeping the game at a draw after Dempsey’s equalizer late in the first half.  Howard suffered a chest injury early in the game on a challenge and though he completed the match, concerns were high for the Everton goalkeeper.  Howard did not break any ribs, and the team has announced he will take painkillers and indeed start.

For the US to win, Landon Donovan will need to have a stronger showing, and striker Jozy Altidore needs to find his confidence on the world stage.  The youngster struggled with control and had an opportunity to give the US a lead in the second half was took a shot tipped by Green that hit the post and went out.

Should Slovenia will, they will total six points and earn a spot into the round of 16, and likely knock out the USA.  A win for the Americans, however, will put them in control of the group and put pressure on an England team that has lost several key players as they take on Algeria later in the day.

Betting Lines:  USA is favoured in the match, thought not by the most convincing of margins.  This is a must win for a team with very high expectations.  Slovakia, meanwhile, has three points and a loss on Friday does not mean they cannot advance in the tournament.  The motivation and lack thereof will play a part, as a determined and indeed more talented American squad will rise to meet the challenge and win by at least two scores.

Share/Bookmark

Related Betting Picks:

1. Slovenia vs New Zealand Odds & Preview Some of the most exciting sporting events are set for...
2. USA vs England Odds & Preview Sports betting offers excitement throughout the year, even in the...
3. South Africa vs Uruguay Odds & Preview The month of June continues to be dominated by the...