USA looking to rain goals on Nigeria

Soccer Betting Lines

09/17/2007 - Shanghai, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The United States needs to earn at least a draw against Nigeria on Tuesday to escape the "Group of Death" and advance to the quarterfinals.

While a draw would be enough to ensure the United States moved on to the next round, it could also result in a quarterfinal game against defending champion Germany.

For the United States to avoid that quarterfinal, it has to pull out of a tie with North Korea for the top spot in Group B. After the teams played to a 2-2 draw, both posted 2-0 victories in their second games of the group stage.

The United States is in good position, facing the "weakest" team in the group but the game could be played in poor conditions with Typhoon Wipha headed to Shanghai. There was talk about moving the game, but no change was made as of Monday evening.

If the United States and North Korea, which plays Sweden on Tuesday, both win or tie it would come down to tiebreakers to determine the group winner. Right now, the teams are equal on every tiebreaker except fair play, which is total cards received in the tournament. North Korea has one more card.

The easiest way for the Americans to avoid falling to second is to post a big win against Nigeria. Simply, if both games end with the same result - win or tie - the United States has to score more goals in its game to win the group.

Not only would that scenario suit the Americans well, but it would also boost the team's confidence after a couple so-so performances, according to captain Kristine Lilly.

"We are looking forward to (the Nigeria) game, making some things happen and play better soccer overall," Lilly said. "I think we need to play the game more, keep the ball on the ground (and) we have to attack teams, especially Nigeria. We have to go after them and make them be back on their heels and defend."

The United States had trouble in its opener in Chengdu against North Korea in a steady rain. North Korea proved it was a contender with its performance, but the rain cost the United States one goal when goalie Hope Solo had a ball slip through her hands.

The forecast for Shanghai on Tuesday is a 90 percent chance of heavy rains - which means bring your umbrella - and the field at Shanghai Hongkou Football Stadium is already torn up from four previous games in the last seven days.

Regardless of the conditions, the top-ranked Americans are a heavy favorite.

However, Nigeria proved with its 1-1 draw against third-ranked Sweden its a team that can't be overlooked. Nigeria is led by 2006 FIFA Player of the Year nominee and reigning African Woman Footballer of the Year Cynthia Uwak, who scored against Sweden.

The African champions have a lot of skill, great athleticism and enough speed that they'd "make a great track team," U.S. coach Greg Ryan said.

"Our approach has been that with each team we face," Ryan said, "we have to adjust in order to bring out our best qualities and try to limit theirs."

According to Lilly and many of the other U.S. players, the team hasn't shown its best qualities yet. The United States allowed two goals to North Korea but both of those came when the team was down a player with Abby Wambach in the locker room getting stitches to close a gash on her head.

Wambach had one goal in the opener and scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Sweden. But the team again felt it didn't play its best game.

It shouldn't take a great game to beat Nigeria, but the United States' best effort should leave no doubt about the outcome of the group.

Nigeria and Sweden each still have a chance to advance, but must win by at least three goals.

The second-place team plays Germany on Saturday. The winner of Group B also plays Saturday against England, which posted a win and two ties in the group stage, including a 0-0 draw with Germany.

Cnssports Soccer Betting News

<< Scattered change marks new LPGA rankings
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Solheim Cup had no bearing on the Rolex Rankings for women's golf, so there were few changes this week to the top 20. Lorena Ochoa, Karrie Webb, Annika Sorenstam, Cristie Kerr, Suzann Petter

<< NBA reinstates official Joey Crawford
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The NBA has reinstated referee Joey Crawford, the league announced Monday, five months after he was suspended indefinitely for improper on-court conduct. Crawford ejected San Antonio Spurs s

<< Penguins and Sabres to play outdoor game on New Year's Day
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres will ring in 2008 by playing an outdoor contest on January 1 in the NHL Winter Classic at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, NY. The NHL Winter Classic will b

<< Appalachian State still unanimous in Sports Network Top-25
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Appalachian State took advantage of its 34-21 victory over Northern Arizona on Saturday to remain the unanimous No. 1 team in The Sportsbook Betting Lines FCS Top-25 poll, which was released on Monday. The Mountaine

<< Woods again pads lead in world rankings
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Tiger Woods won the Tour Championship on Sunday, and the inaugural FedEx Cup too, and in doing so padded his large lead in the Official World Golf Rankings. Woods' lead over No. 2 Phil Mickelson climb

Sweden needs a little luck to get past North Korea >>
Tiajin, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Sweden's hoping to change its luck against North Korea on Tuesday. The third-ranked Swedes settled for a 1-1 tie in their World Cup opener on a late equalizer by Nigeria, then lost to the United States 2

Drake edges San Diego again at top of Mid-Major poll >>
Philadelphia (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Drake maintained a slim lead over San Diego in The Sportsbook Betting Lines FCS Mid-Major poll released on Monday. Following a tight 20-7 victory over Wisconsin-Platteville, the Bulldogs (3-0) received 14 of 25 first-p

George Washington extends Hobbs through 2012 >>
Washington, DC (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - George Washington extended the contract of men's basketball head coach Karl Hobbs through June 30, 2012, the school announced Monday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Hobbs is entering his se

Foster and Santos highlight FCS players of the week >>
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Georgia Southern quarterback Jayson Foster, New Hampshire quarterback Ricky Santos, Austin Peay linebacker Daniel Becker and North Dakota State punter Mike Dragosavich were selected as national FCS players of

Carmona, Kazmir share AL weekly honors >>
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Two 23-year-old starting pitchers shared the AL weekly honors, as Fausto Carmona of the Cleveland Indians and Scott Kazmir of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have been named co-players of the week for the period

MySportsbook.com : Fortune Favors Favorites in March Madness betting?

Just like Day 1 of the “Sweet 16”, Friday’s games are chock full of some of the nation’s elite.  Unlike Thursday’s games, there is a little bit more of a “Cinderella” feel as #7 seed UNLV and #6 seed Vanderbilt will attempt to move on to the Elite Eight.  With powerhouses Florida, UNC and Georgetown looking to continue their momentum against lesser known teams, it isn’t surprising that once again the “betting public” is backing most of the favorites.  As the early coin rolls in, 56% of Sportsbook.com bettors prefer Georgetown (-7.5) as they take on Vanderbilt; 84% of the early money is backing Oregon (-3) as they square off against UNLV; and a slight majority (52%) of the early cash is on Florida (-10.5) against Butler as the Gators continue their quest for another National Title. The only favorite the public don’t seem confident in is UNC, as 59% of the cash is backing the underdog Trojans (+8).

Midwest

#1 Florida vs. #5 Butler

The defending National Champs have been on a mission since last April.  Joakim Noah and Al Horford turned down millions of dollars for one reason, to REPEAT.  After a late season hiccup which saw them lose three out of four, the Gators have won six straight by an average of 20.3 points. More importantly, they covered in five of those six games.  Behind their stymie defense that yields only 56.9 PPG, Butler has been a very pleasant surprise this season.  As their 20-11 ATS record will indicate, “surprise teams” like Butler are often good bets for gamblers.  Playing in an average conference, Butler wasn’t and underdog too often but when they were, they covered (6-0 ATS).  Butler’s defense will have its hands full against a Gators offense which averages 80.1 PPG on an amazing 52.9% shooting from the field.  With Florida’s tournament experience over the last few years, it isn’t surprising that they are 5-1 ATS this season, 20-4 ATS over the last three seasons and 38-20 since 1997 in tournament action.

#3 Oregon vs. #7 UNLV

As a #7 seed, UNLV is the closest thing to a “Cinderella” we have this year.  If you bet on UNLV this season with any regularity, you most likely cashed in. Behind their guard oriented attack, the Rebels are an impressive 20-11 ATS this season.  As an underdog they covered in 8 out of their ten games which isn’t surprising since they are 52-30 ATS as a ‘dog since 1997. The Rebels have been a consistent cover during the month of March as well.  This March they are 6-0 ATS, 11-3 ATS over the last three seasons and 24-11 since 1997. Their impressive ATS trends don’t end there; versus teams with a winning record they are 15-6 ATS this season and 41-21 over the last three seasons.  Although Oregon hasn’t been as generous to gamblers as UNLV this season, they have been covering consistently as of late.  There is no question that they are playing their best ball of the season having won their last 8 straight up (SU) by an average of 14.5 points. Not surprising they covered in 7 of those games.  It is interesting to note how similar these teams are in regards to scoring and scoring defense. UNLV averages 75 PPG while giving up 66.5 PPG and Oregon scores 75.8 PPG while yielding 65.5 PPG.

East

#6 Vanderbilt vs. #2 Georgetown

“Hoya Paranoia” is officially back! After a decent start, Georgetown has rolled through the second half of the season.  Over their last 18 games, they are 17-1 SU.  They have definitely improved ATS as the season has progressed as well. After opening the season 1-4-1 ATS, the Hoyas have covered 78.3% of their games.  With their great interior play of Jeff Green and Roy Hibbert, the Hoyas as a team shoot 50.5% from the field.  Like the Georgetown teams from years ago, they also excel on defense.  Hoya opponents averaged only 56.8 PPG on 38.2% shooting from the field and an extremely low 30.4% from beyond the arc.  The last stat could be of some concern to Vanderbilt considering they shoot 37.7% from long-range.  Ranking second to last in the SEC in rebounding margin, Vanderbilt will have its work cut out for them against the Hoya trees. As far as covering is concerned, Vanderbilt has been almost a “sure thing” (7-1 ATS) versus good defensive teams that allow less than 64 PPG.

#1 UNC vs. # 5 USC

The Tar Heels are as talented and as deep as any team in the country.  Going ten deep and chock full of HS All-Americans, UNC averages 86.1 PPG and scored 100+ seven times.  Led by All-American forward, Tyler Hansbrough (18.6 PPG 7.9 RPG) UNC has a very balanced attack which can kill you on the inside as well as on the perimeter.  UNC only real concern is their youth as eight of their rotation players are either sophomores or freshmen.  UNC was a reliable cover this season going 20-13 ATS.  An intriguing covering trend for the Tar Heels in recent years has been how they fared after non-conference games.  This season they are 11-3 ATS after non-conference games and over the last three seasons they are 31-13 ATS.  USC is also a pretty deep team which is loaded with swingman types.  An match-up to keep an eye on will be freshman forward Taj Gibson (12.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG) as he squares off against the AA Hansbrough.  USC has been a covering machine this season achieving a 21-10 record ATS.  They have thrived in the underdog role, having covered 10 out of 12.  When playing a team with a winning record, the Trojans are an incredible 20-6 ATS. Keep in mind, USC dedicated their season to former star to Ryan Francis who passed away before the season so as they get closer to the ultimate goal, emotion could definitely be on their side.

With Friday -105 juice on Basketball betting, MySportsbook.com is the place to bet on all of the “March Madness” action.  Don’t forget to monitor who the public is backing at this sportsbook “Betting Trends”.  By doing so, you have the best chance of predicting a possible line change, thus getting the best value for your wager.

To bet on March Madness games this online sportsbook accepts credit cards

About MySportsbook.com MySportsbook.com  is the largest sportsbook and casino on the planet, where millions of adult Americans bet on sports, play poker and enjoy blackjack and other casino games online in a regulated and licensed jurisdiction. Named the "Best US Sports Book" by the industry's top magazine, eGaming Review, MySportsbook.com has been leading the online gaming industry since 1996. Dwarfing its nearest competitors in the US, MySportsbook.com has been the first to achieve every significant industry milestone, from record turnover to active users to number of bets--achieving a peak of fifteen bets per second. As the US online gaming leader, the firm and it's products have been featured on CBS 60 Minutes, CNN, ESPN, Wall Street Journal, Barrons, Financial Times, USA Today and in every major newspaper in the US.