Archive for March, 2007
While Italy Rugby hero Mauro Bergamasco savoured an historic result in Rome as the Azzurri beat Wales to win twice in a Six Nations campaign for the first time, the ‘Paddy Power Justice Squad’ were called into action at the end of the match.
Paddy and I both think referee Chris White got it wrong…but Paddy puts his money where his mouth is!
Chris White got it wrong. He told Wales centre James Hook there were 10 seconds to go and time to take the line-out, but on the advice of Geoff Warren, the Television Match Official, he then declined to allow time for that line out to take place.
Had Wales opted to kick the penalty they would only have drawn. And even if they’d won the line out there is no guarantee Wales would have crossed the line for the try they desperately needed.
Paddy Power considers it injustice – and is PAYING OUT on all pre-match and in-running bets on the match draw in this game after the controversial final minute refereeing decision.
>> This is another example of why betting with this top Irish sports bookie is often good value. Visit Paddy Power’s web site for a look-see.
March 11th, 2007
Football headline news from leading UK bookmaker, Globet International Sports Betting Limited (Globet) and the team at BookieLabRat.com.
Neill ‘can’t see’ West Ham rifts
It had been speculated a divide between the squad had been partly to blame for the club’s spectacular loss of form following their successful top-flight return last season.
“A lot of the stories we’re reading now are without a lot of truth,” Neill told Sky Sports News. “Certainly I don’t see it. And I can come in with a fresh opinion. “I wouldn’t ever listen to anyone’s opinion before coming here. I make my own judgement and since making that judgement I just see talented young players who want to be successful.
“They just need a little bit of guidance and I think some of them are that fresh that some of them lack experience at this level to be consistent. “If we get on a roll and get the confidence up. You saw what the team did last year in finishing high up in the league and going on a great cup run. “If we can reach that confidence and that belief again you’ll see them win four, five and six in a row and I’d like to be part of it. It would excite me. “The players at the club are very professional. There’s no rift in the changing room. There’s no split. There’s not one group over there and one group over here, we’re very much together. “You saw that on Sunday. Everyone was pulling on the same rope and you’ll see that for the remainder of the season.”
Sun Xiang celebrates PSV success at Arsenal
The China international won the crucial freekick which led to Alex’s equaliser for PSV late in the game and secured progress to the Champions League quarterfinals.
“The strength to defeat Arsenal came from the team’s unity and the way we go about things,” said Sun afterwards. “I didn’t expect to play from the start, but I’m very grateful to (Ronald) Koeman for showing faith in me. “I’m really happy. It’s indeed a wonderful night.”
Later, Sun spoke of his influence on the game with psv.cn: “On the freekick, I had teammates shouting at me to pass the ball to them. I looked up, but I couldn’t see a way through, so I waited and when I had the ball I felt the challenge (from Aleksandr Hleb). “It was such a big effort from PSV. There were few of our fans in Emirates stadium. The Arsenal fans were deafening. But we stayed strong.” On his progress, Sun added: “I’m getting better, game-after-game. I’ve learned a lot, gained more self-confidence and through this competition I am improving. But I know I can do a lot more.”
March 10th, 2007
Football News clips brought to you by BookieLabRat.com and Globet International Sports Betting Limited.
Beckham: Ronaldo success down to Man Utd fans
The former England captain told MUTV: “Ronaldo has been one of the best players of the season in the Premiership. “What he has done is incredible, considering what he actually came into this season…the thing with Wayne (Rooney) and everything like that. “But when you are a Man Utd player, when you’re out there at Old Trafford and when the fans can see you want to play for the club, they will give you the support what you need. “That’s what has made him the player [he is today]. “The first time I saw him was when England played Portugal and I knew United had someone special. “When he was given the number seven shirt, I thought he is going to going to be one of the best players in the world and I think he’s close to that now.”
Chelsea, Liverpool to rock AC Milan with Kaka bid
The Daily Mail says such is the renewed power of the Premiership in Europe, the Brazilian midfielder would find a move to England more appealing than staying in Serie A. With Roman Abramovich standing by Andriy Shevchenko, the Blues will be favourites for Kaka, who regards the Ukrainian as his best friend in football. However, Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, backed by the money from new owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, is sure to be in the running for the midfield superstar. Kaka’s management may also see the benefits of a move to the Premiership, given the merchandise and marketing success of Premiership stars over their Serie A counterparts.
Chelsea owner Abramovich has PSV’s Koeman on shortlist
After eliminating Arsenal from the Champions League this week, Koeman admitted an ambition of coaching in the Premiership. He said: “I don’t know what it is about England but maybe I should get a job as a coach here. “I like the English people and I feel very comfortable here. “I have beaten Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal before and now have beaten Arsenal again.” The Daily Express says Koeman is high on Abramovich’s list of candidates should he need to replace Mourinho in the summer.
Shevchenko: I would’ve quit Chelsea in January
Sheva has been showing his class in recent weeks, but revealed to ARD. de: “In all honesty I still haven’t completely settled in to living in London. My body is here but my soul is missing. In January if the club had loaned me out I wouldn’t have had anything against it. But that’s not an issue any more.”
March 9th, 2007
Our two top rated CASH BACK bookies are at it again!
Here’s the latest special offers on FA Cup Quarter-final games from Paddy Power (Ireland’s top online bookie) and BetFred (UK’s Fred Done).
These pay out surprisingly often… tempted?
>>Click to visit PaddyPower.com
>>Click to visit BetFred.com
(Sorry, neither of these great bookies can accept US bettors)
March 9th, 2007
Matches Playing Mar 10-11
This weekend we’ve not only got some great Quarter-final FA Cup action to look forward to but also three huge continental Derby games: Real Madrid & Barcelona in El Classico; Celtic & Rangers in the Old Firm clash; and the Derby Della Madonnina, Inter & AC Milan.
Here’s Simon Noble of PinnacleSports’ take on the European betting action.
Old Firm Clash Only Delaying the Inevitable
Celtic and Rangers first met in 1888, and since that first clash the clubs have gone on to become the most successful in Scotland. The Green half of Glasgow is currently in the ascendancy leading their rivals in Scottish Premier League by a massive 19 points, reducing this game simply to a battle for local bragging rights. The Hoops are also dominating this fixture, unbeaten in the last six meetings, which have been short on goals; just one of those half dozen games covering over 2.5 goals.
Derby Della Madonnina
The Derby Della Madonnina is the Italian name for the Milan Derby which takes place this Sunday at the San Siro. Inter Milan already looked to have the Serie A title in the bag, having broken the European record for consecutive league wins, which they have now set at 17. The Nerrazzurri were winners of the one of the most exciting ever meetings of the clubs last October, which ended 4-3. That continued the sequence of alternate wins over the last four meetings for which home advantage is nominal, given they share the same stadium. Since then AC Milan’s form has improved, with their attack boosted by the signing of Brazilian legend, Ronaldo, who should help ensure that Inter don’t have it all their own way. PinnacleSports price Inter 2.05 (0/scratch & -0.5) and AC Milan 1.877 (0/scratch & +0.5).
El Classico
El Classico is arguably the biggest ‘derby’ in world football. Traditionally Derby games are contested by two teams form the same city, and though Barcelona and Real Madrid do not share the same geographic location, what binds the giants of Spanish football is their passion to be the best. Though some of the most expensive talent in world soccer will be on show at the Nou Camp on Saturday night, neither of this club’s currently top La Liga, that honour belongs to Sevilla who beat Barca 2-1 last weekend, leaving them one point off the top, with Real six points off the league summit. Los Galacticos won the first meeting of the season 2-0 in October, so the Catalans will be after revenge, looking to regain the advantage in the defence of their league title. PinnacleSports price Barcelona 1.877 (-0.5) and Real Madrid 2.05 (+0.5).
March 8th, 2007
Novelty bets aren’t just about picking winners of BAFTA awards, Eurovision Song contests or the next US President. PaddyPower is indisputably the top online bookie for this stuff and today he is taking novelty bets on 68 different markets (….and they’re not always in good taste).
Fancy Betting on the Babes? Here’s some stand outs:
Who’s the Daddy?
That’s the multi-million dollar question on everyone’s lips, so much so that even Paddy has got in on the action. You can bet on the outcome of the Anna Nicole Smith paternity case. Is Howard K Stern the legitimate father or maybe it’s somebody not even mentioned?
Applies to the official court ruling on the biological father of Anna Nicole Smith’s baby Danielynn.
Larry Birkhead 1/5 (1.20)
Howard Stern 7/2 (4.50)
Frederick viv Anhalt 12/1 (13.00)
Alex Denk (the bodyguard) 14/1 (15.00)
Donald Trump 250/1 (251.00)
Bill Clinton 500/1 (501.00)
Somebody else (none of above) 9/1 (10.00)
Babe in the Woods
Tiger and Elin are expecting their first child. The apples never fall too far from the tree so you never know – Tiger’s little cub could be another golfing great. If he has the eye of the Tiger he will be!
What will the baby be named? (Check out the full name list on site at PaddyPower.com)
Earl 3/1 (4.00)
Elin 10/1 (11.00)
Tiger 12/1 (13.00)
Summer 12/1 (13.00)
Cub 66/1 (67.00)
Nike 100/1 (101.00)
Britney 100/1 (101.00)
Eye of the Tiger – Tiger’s son wins a major by the time he reaches 30 years old – 25/1 (26.00).
This bet only applies:
– if Elin gives birth to a boy in 2007
– to US Open/British Open/USPGA/Masters
Double Trouble – Tiger & Elin to have twins in 2007 – 25/1 (26.00)
NOTE: All odds subject to change – check out the latest odds on these and other novelty bets online at PaddyPower.com. (Sorry, no US bettors).
March 7th, 2007
The latest football headlines from Globet International Sports Betting Limited and the team at BookieLabRat.com
Juventus want Liverpool’s Crouch in Trezeguet deal
Tuttosport says Liverpool are willing to give up half their registration for Crouch as part of a deal that would take David Trezeguet to Anfield next season. The arrangement would see Crouch play next season on-loan at Juve. Juve have also asked for Momo Sissoko and Xabi Alonso, but were informed by Liverpool that neither midfielder was for sale.
Valencia ace Villa keen on Chelsea, Liverpool
As he prepares for tonight’s Champions League showdown with Inter Milan, Villa told the Daily Star: “They (Liverpool and Chelsea) are two big teams and both have a lot of attraction. “Liverpool don’t just have a coach who is Spanish but I also have a lot of friends there. “When Rafa was coach at Valencia and I was at Zaragoza, there was contact about me joining Valencia. But I couldn’t arrive until the year after he left. “The talk is flattering, and it makes you see that if you are doing things well, other teams should become interested in you. “But all the time there is nothing concrete, then I am not going to think about it too much. The day that happens, we will look at the situation then. “Things can happen in the future but right now I am happy at Valencia.”
Kenyon urges Chelsea’s Abramovich to go for Sevilla star Alves
Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido will sell the Brazilian at the end of this season as part of an agreement struck between the pair last summer when Liverpool came knocking. Alves agreed to sign a new deal, which included a rise in his buyout clause to £40 million, in exchange for Del Nido committing to sell him in 12 months time. Kenyon, says AS, is pushing Roman Abramovich to shell out for Alves, who would instantly solve Chelsea’s right-back problems, where both Paulo Ferreira and Glen Johnson have fallen short over the last two years. Chelsea face stiff competition from AC Milan, where vice-president Adriano Galliani has been urged by Arrigo Sacchi, who still has a big influence at the San Siro, to move for the Brazilian as a replacement for veteran Cafu.
Arsenal rival Spurs, Man Utd for Santander pair
Manchester United and Tottenham have both sent their big-hitters – Martin Ferguson and Damien Comolli respectively – to watch the pair in action over the last fortnight. Comolli has also checked on Racing striker Nikola Zigic during his visits to Spain. However, for last Sunday’s match against Osasuna, Bolton Wanderers and Arsenal were also represented, as confirmed by Racing officials. All four clubs are following Garay and Ruben, however Racing insist no formal approach has been received.
Kaka pleads for fans to roar AC Milan on
“We played a good game in Glasgow and we must give the same performance at the San Siro, and add some goals,” he said. “We must take advantage of their weak points. “I admire Nakamura; he is a very good and intelligent player. As for the rest, their strong points are set-pieces and headers. He Nakamura is good at delivering both of these things.” Kaka has pleaded with home supporters to get behind them tomorrow. The Milan fans sat in silence early in their side’s 3-1 Serie A win over Chievo on Saturday and Kaka insists their backing will be required against Celtic. “I don’t know why the fans didn’t chant against Chievo, but it is really strange playing without their chorus in the background. I am happy that, at the end, they chanted and said that they support us. Perhaps they don’t know this, but fans are really important to us
March 6th, 2007
Football headlines brought to you by BookieLabRat.com and Globet International Sports Betting Limited.
Scolari warns Man Utd’s Ronaldo: Don’t get big-headed
Scolari said: “Cristiano Ronaldo could over the next years be one of the candidates for the FIFA award for the best one in the world. Today, there is no-one superior to him playing in attack. “But I would like to think that he doesn’t fall into the trap of believing that he is already the best player in the world.”
Abramovich wants Crespo back at Chelsea
Crespo is currently starring on-loan at Inter Milan this season and has made it no secret that he wants to stay in Italy long-term. However, the Argentina international’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, revealed today: “Abramovich wants to bring him back to London in June. “If they want him to resume his time there, there’s nothing we can do.” Hidalgo is currently in Valencia to speak with Crespo ahead of tomorrow night’s Champions League clash, but will jet to London for talks with Chelsea officials this afternoon.
Barcelona’s Eto’o reveals Chelsea, Arsenal contact
Eto’o, who revealed that he has asked coach Frank Rijkaard to field him against Liverpool in their Champions League clash this week, also said: “It (England) is a sensational country for football and if someday I was to leave here my destiny would be the Premiership because it is a very attractive championship for goal scorers. “Arsenal and Chelsea have made contact in the last months, but nothing else has taken shape.”
Spurs boss Jol goes for Liverpool’s Crouch
Jol has failed to be won over by Egypt international Mido and is desperate to land a quality target-man during the summer. Spurs have been watching Racing Santander centre-forward Nikola Zigic, however the People says Crouch is Jol’s top target. The England international could be surplus to requirements at Anfield as manager Rafa Benitez adjusts his sights in the market following the recent takeover by American billionaires Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Apart from Spurs, Benitez admitted recently that several Italian clubs had also been in touch about Crouch’s availability.
Rangers chasing Derby winger Barnes
Scotland on Sunday says Gers boss Walter Smith has sent his scouts out to watch the left-sided midfielder in action. But the Ibrox side face tough competition with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Spurs all keen on the £2million-rated star.
Ex-Hearts coach Ivanauskas facing prison threat
A newspaper in his home country of Lithuania has reported that he is being sought for alleged non-payment of a debt owed in Germany, where Ivanauskas played for nearly ten years. The newspaper Lietuvoas Rytas stated that German banker Henning Sohl has obtained a court decree in Germany for €24,000 allegedly owed by Ivanauskas. If he does not pay up, he could face 90 days’ imprisonment. Sohl has reportedly employed a Scottish law firm to arrest Ivanauskas’ wages. The Lithuanian denies the charge, calling it “a provocation”.
March 6th, 2007
Just a quick update on our blog of Mar 1 for those of you who (like me) took advantage of Fred Done’s special offer “All Bets are Off” on the Liverpool v Man U game on March 2.
Fred Sees Red – Paul Scholes’ red card on Saturday means that Betfred will be refunding all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast single bets on the Liverpool v Man United game as a free bet.
A free bet of up to £100 (or currency equivalent) is coming your way…
BetFred Bookmaker regularly has special offers – check out this top Uk bookie if you fancy some betting insurance.
March 5th, 2007
Here’s the latest Cash Back offer and the Champions League game odds on the cards at Paddy Power. 
Chelsea v Porto: Not Very Kleper?
As happens to almost every player who ever has a half decent game, Kleper Pepe is now the subject of rumours linking him with a move to Chelsea – not that you would guess it from listening to him talk about it. Pepe doesn’t seem overly concerned with winning them over at Stamford Bridge and ahead Porto’s 2nd leg with the Blues, he rather boldly declared “I’m only thinking of going to London to knock Chelsea out of the Champions League.”
A rare Andrei Shevchenko goal has put Chelsea in a strong position to progress and after some improved recent performances, it’s hard to knock their chances of going through! Tue 7.45pm ITV/Set. Irl
Chelsea 4/11 (1.36)
Draw 3/1 (4.00)
Porto 9/1 (10.00)
Lyon On Me
If you’ve had an irritating noise ringing in your ear for the last couple of weeks, it’s probably the constant drone of complaining coming from France. He may be the only person that agrees with Lille but Lyon’s Juninho believes that there is a conspiracy against Ligue 1 clubs in Europe. Whilst shuffling through notes on JFK and the moon landings, the Brazilian declared “we do not get the same treatment as English, Spanish or Italian teams.” Ironically, Juninho also found time to moan about a Frenchman playing for Roma, Phillipe Mexes who “just wanted to put me out of the game in the 1st leg.”
Will events conspire to deny Lyon passage to the 1/4 finals?
Lyon 4/5 (1.80)
Draw 9/4 (3.25)
Roma 7/2 (4.50)
March 5th, 2007
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