England, Germany should produce another classic

Soccer Betting Lines

06/26/2010 - Bloemfontein, South Africa (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - England and Germany have played just four games in the FIFA World Cup, but three of those - including the 1966 final - were not decided until extra time or penalty kicks.

So, when England and Germany meet in the round of 16 on Sunday in Bloemfontein at Free State Stadium, the European powers should produce another classic.

"Any meeting with England is huge, and we're really looking forward to it," Germany captain Philipp Lahm said.

Germany defeated Ghana in its final match in Group D to advance as the winner, while England set up the showdown by finishing second in Group C to the United States on goal differential.

Since the countries first met in the World Cup 44 years ago, when England used two extra-time goals for a 4-2 win in the final, they've also battled in 1970, 1982 and 1990.

Germany beat England 3-2 in extra time in the 1970 quarterfinals, as it overcame a two-goal deficit. After a 0-0 tie in the second group stage in 1982, Germany got the best of England again in the 1990 semifinals on penalty kicks.

The Germans went on to claim the title in 1990, the most recent of their three crowns. England hasn't won since 1966. Now, one of the two faces an early exit in South Africa.

"We're not bothered about who we face next. We're not afraid of anyone," said German midfielder Mesut Ozil, who scored against Ghana, "because we know what we're capable of.

"We have to win every game from now on, and I'm convinced we can."

Germany may be very confident ahead of the anticipated round of 16 match, but so is England.

"This was the team that I know," Capello said after England beat Slovenia 1-0. "I'm also happy that I found the team that I knew from the qualifiers. This team can go forward now."

Germany opened the group stage with a convincing 4-0 win over Australia, as it got goals from Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose, Thomas Muller and Cacau. Serbia stunned Germany in its second match, when Klose was sent off late in the first half, with a 1-0 win.

But Germany responded in a must-win game against Ghana and claimed the group. England secured its spot earlier that day as it followed draws against the U.S. and Algeria with the win over Slovenia.

Klose and England's Jamie Carragher return from one-game suspensions, but the Germans face injury concerns, with Bastian Schweinsteiger the big unknown.

Schweinsteiger left the Ghana match in the 81st minute with a thigh injury and would leave a huge void in midfield against England if he is unable to play.

German coach Joachim Loew said Schweinsteiger will be a "last-minute decision" and "could definitely imagine Toni Kroos taking his place" if necessary.

"Bastian is the heart of the team, the midfield motor, who both defends and attacks well. It wouldn't exactly be to our advantage if he can't play," Loew said.

Both Lahm and England captain Steve Gerrard admitted before the game the teams are preparing for penalties, but history has shown that's not the scenario the Three Lions want to face against the Die Mannschaft. Germany also beat England on penalties in the semifinals of Euro 1996.

"We need to find consistency now in the knockout stages," Gerrard said. "If we turn up and we play close to our potential we are a match for anyone."

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American Idol Betting Odds: Season 6  

The online gambling websites are in the process of deciphering each American Idol contestant and his or her chances of winning Season 6 to come up with the early American Idol betting lines.

Tim Dalton of MySportsbook.com has been locked away in a soundproof room coming up with all the latest tallies, we are told. "American Idol has become one of the most significant betting events of the year," claims Jack Black of MySportsbook.com.  "Last year, millions were bet during the season across the globe, not just in America.

It's tough early on since we really do not have a glimpse as to how well each of these individuals will perform solo on a week-to-week basis.  It's like Week 1 of the NFL.  Pre-season means nada!

We do know the 24 finalists however.

Sanjaya Malakar is the young man whose sister failed to make it into the Top 24.  He's very low key but - unless he totally flubs - will probably win over the young girlie vote for a few weeks anyway.  He's too young to go all the way, according to Payton O'Brien. 

Brandon Rogers - Who?

Phil Stacy is the military guy who missed his daughter's birth because of the Memphis audition.  He should go a good distance.

Chris Sligh - He's got the humor and in many ways he's the Anti-American Idol much like last year's winner Taylor Hicks was.  And this is why he'll probably get pretty far in this competition.  He's chubby, white with a big curly afro....but more importantly, a great voice!  People love "real", not "real cute" to go all the way. 

"Blake Lewis should go far because of his uniqueness and looks.  He's the boy next store with a twist - he beat boxes.  But on top of this, he's a great singer, and I adore him," Payton O'Brien relayed.

A talented beat-boxer Blake Lewis was a hit during the group sing in Hollywood but Simon explained that this is a singing contest just before he told him he was “in.”

Paul Kim has caught our own roving reporter, Jenny Woo's eyes. 

"I love the fact that there is a Korean American on the show and he is bound to get more Asians tuning into the show," Woo said from her Miami Beach estate.  "There has never been a major presence of Asian-Americans on American Idol in the past.  He's a hottie with a nice voice so that should help to take him far.  Expect heavy betting action from the Asian community."

Sundance Head - He's not perfect, but he's got the personality that will take him through a few weeks, plus he's got the lineage (son of Roy Head - whose 1965 single, "Treat Her Right," hit No. 5 in the charts) 

And the others:

Rudy Cardinas
AJ Tabaldo - the 5th time is the charm
Nicolas Pedro
Chris Richardson
Jared Cotter

The girls

"Melinda Doolittle has one of the best voices," says MySportsbook.com Reporter and an acclaimed dancer in her own right, Destiney Lewis.  "It is great to see a back up singer step out like she has.  The girl needs to gain more confidence but that can also be a positive.  I think she will go far."

Alena Alexander - Those tears (she never seems to stop bawling) should get her far.

"Single mom Lakisha Jones I suspect will be a pretty big favorite entering Week 1 of the competition," says Destiny Williams.  Jones is an excellent singer and down to earth.  "She'll have a wide appeal," echoed O'Brien.

Nicole Trellis - Seems to exert confidence.

Amy Krebs - a powerful singer.

Antonella Barba
Gina Glocksen
Hailey Scanardo
Jordan Sparks
Stephanie Edwards
Leslie Hunt
Sabrina Sloan

MySportsbook.com is offering a 20% signup bonus with an initial deposit (i.e. open your American Idol betting account with $300, receive another $60 in which to bet with). 

Last two contestants will be?

1 Male/1 Female +100 (a $10 bet pays $10 plus your initial $10)

2 Males +170 (a $10 bet pays $17 plus your initial $17)

2 Females +130 (a $10 bet pays $13 plus your initial $10)

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