The Sports Bookie Blog

Switzerland stole the show at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Final in Abuja, dashing Nigeria’s hopes of crowning an exciting tournament with a title on home soil.

Taking part in the competition for the first time in their modest history, the Swiss made light of their status as newcomers to win the country’s maiden FIFA title.

No one can argue that the unfancied Swiss did not deserve their success either.

After beating Brazil, Mexico, Germany and Italy along the way, the central Europeans won the trophy the hard way, earning a 1-0 win against the hosts and defending champions in front of a passionate 60,000 crowd at the National Stadium.

Everybody gets to play.

That’s the spirit of the 2010 World Cup, which actually started back in 2007 with a record 204 teams. They’ll be whittled down by November to the 32 countries who will participate in South Africa - assuming the tournament doesn’t have to be relocated because of strike activity or any of the other logistical challenges facing the organizers. Last month’s Confederations Cup appeared to go off without a hitch; FIFA president Sepp Blatter estimates the hosts are “75 percent” of the way there.

The next batch of qualifying games comes up on Aug. 12. That gives us a window of opportunity to look at the futures market and get some value handicapping the outright winner. We already know the identities of six of the teams, including the host nation. Here they are with their odds at top US-OK online sportsbook, Bodog as we went to press:

Holland 12-1
South Africa 80-1
Australia 100-1
Japan 150-1
South Korea 250-1
North Korea 500-1

South Africa were officially joined last month by the Netherlands (the winners of UEFA Group 9) and four members of the Asian Football Confederation - not nearly the same hotbed of soccer as Europe and South America. The North Koreans (officially “Korea DPR” for this event) are making their first appearance in the World Cup since 1966, when they upset Italy 1-0 and made it all the way to the quarterfinals. They punched their ticket for 2010 by finishing second to South Korea in a group of six AFC qualifiers.

It would be a monumental upset for either of the Koreas to get very far next year. Soccer at the international level is dominated by an Elite Eight, Holland among them:

Spain 9-2
Brazil 5-1
Argentina 6-1
England 15-2
Germany 11-1
Italy 11-1
Holland 12-1
France 18-1

Only one country from outside this group has ever won the World Cup, and that was Uruguay in 1930 and 1950. They’re no longer a competitive threat at this level and are priced accordingly at 100-1. But that’s still two more World Cups than the tournament favorites have ever won. After decades of international frustration, Spain is at the top of the soccer world after putting together a 35-match undefeated streak, encompassing their breakthrough victory at Euro 2008.

Brazil is the only other national team ever to go 35 games without a loss. They’re currently on an eight-match winning run and haven’t lost in 15 appearances dating back to last June. That streak, however, nearly came to a grinding halt at the aforementioned Confederations Cup, where the United States went up 2-0 in the championship match before losing 3-2.

The Brazilians have experienced some turbulence with coach Dunga, the former star midfielder who took over the Seleção in 2006. Locals haven’t been happy with the way Dunga has built his team on discipline rather than starpower, but they can’t argue with success - Brazil look a lot now like the World Cup squad Dunga captained to victory in 1994. They’re on top of the CONMEBOL qualifier standings and virtually assured of a trip to South Africa.

The biggest question from the Confederations Cup is whether or not the United States team can truly hold its own against the titans of this sport. They were the ones who put an end to Spain’s undefeated record with a 2-0 win in the semifinals. And yet Team USA is priced at 40-1 to win its first-ever World Cup, behind Russia (28-1) and the Ivory Coast (33-1).

There is generally value to be found fading the global betting public when it comes to American soccer; the MLS has a poor international profile, but many of the best players from the States are club professionals in Europe, like goalkeeper Tim Howard from Everton in the English Premiership. When they come back to play for their home country, they come back to a program with the brainpower and the sponsorship dollars to help them succeed.

Next up for Team USA is Thursday’s CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal match at Soldier Field with Honduras, No. 39 in FIFA’s world rankings and +400 underdogs in Chicago. The Americans are pegged at -160, with the draw at +250. Team USA beat Honduras 2-0 earlier this month at RFK Stadium during the Gold Cup group stage. In June, it was a 2-1 victory for the States during World Cup qualifying, also at Soldier Field. Game time for Thursday is 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

Here’s the latest round-up of stake-back betting promotions at the top online sportsbooks for European and UK sports betting. Win, Lose - or get your stake back!

Tuesday’s Champions Cashback

If Ronaldo Scores The Last Goal of the Inter Milan v Man United Game, Boylesports Will Refund ALL Losing Single Bets In ALL MARKETS Of ALL 4 Of Tuesday’s Champions League Matches! Max refund EUR300 or currency equivalent. (Applies to pre-match betting only).

Wednesday’s Champions Cashback

If Torres scores the last goal of the Real Madrid v Liverpool game BoyleSports will refund ALL losing single bets in ALL markets on ALL FOUR of Wedneday’s Champions League games. Max refund EUR300 or currency equivalent. (Applies to pre-match betting only).

The Special One?

Inter Milan v Man Utd  -  Tues 7.45pm ITV/RTE2. Ireland
Money-Back Special: If Ronaldo scores the last goal in this match Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on the match. Max Refund €300/£200 per customer.  If Ronaldo takes no part in match special will revert to last goal from outside box. Own goals do not count.

All Champions League Matchs involving British sides

BetFred will refund your total stake as a free bet on any Champions League game involving a British side if… - You place a scorecast bet and you only get one half of your selection correct… OR - You place a first goalscorer bet and your selection doesn’t score first but scores last.

Maximum refund is £100 (or your currency equivalent) per customer. Own goals do not count. Applies to all Champions League games involving Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Celtic only

Last Chance Saloon Refund

Place a bet on the 1st goal scorer, or last goal scorer markets for any of the below games and if the selected player for that game scores the last goal Ladbrokes will refund all losing 1st goal scorer or last goal scorer bets for that game.

Arsenal vs Roma  -  Robin van Persie 
Atletico Madrid vs Porto  -  Diego Forlan
Inter Milan vs Man Utd  -  Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Lyon vs Barcelona  -  Samuel Eto’o
 
Goals scored in extra time or penalty shoot outs do not apply. Total refunds per customer up to a maximum of £250. Bet must be placed before kick off to qualify, bets in play will not be valid for the offer

Bet365 Bore Draw Offer

Place a pre-match correct score, double result or scorecast bet on ANY FOOTBALL MATCH and Bet365 will refund losing stakes if the match finishes 0-0.

It’s time to dust off your BetFred Bookmaker Account for the New Year. (Or set up a new account if you haven’t bet with this popular online sportsbook before).

Canny UK bookie Bet Fred is offering all punters the chance to win a “pretty cool football trip” - yep, it’s official I’d like to win this one! Check it out onsite at BetFred.com - Comptition details below.

Win a Fabulous VIP Package to watch Real Madrid v Deportivo at the Bernabeu Stadium on 25th January 2009.

All you have to do is wager £10 between now and 16th January 2009 at BetFred.com and you will be entitled to one prize draw ticket. The more you wager the more chance you have of winning! The winner will be notified on 17th January 2009. Good Luck!

Hotel Information:

Hotel – Husa Paseo del Arte**** - Situated among the famous “Triángulo del Arte” – amidst the most important museums in Madrid, i.e. El Prado Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza and the Reina Sofía. It offers 260 air-conditioned, state-of-the-art rooms and suites. It has parking, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, salons, etc.  Breakfast is served as a buffet. 

Terms and Conditions:

• In order to qualify for one prize draw ticket you will have to wager a £10 or greater single on the Sportsbook with odds over evens.
• This promotion is only applicable to customers who have bet on Sportsbook between 7th January 2009 and 16th January 2009
• The VIP Package is for the Real Madrid v Deportivo de la Coruna match on the 25th January 2009.
• The package includes 2 x tickets for the game, superb seats above the president’s box, travel, 2 nights in 4 star Hotel in the heart of Madrid (see above for Hotel information) and Spending Money.
• Prize Draw finishes on 17th January and the winner will be picked from random from qualifying participants.
• The Winner will be notified on 17th Jan 2009.

For more on BetFred Bookmaker:

>>GoonersGuide to Gambling BetFred Bookmaker Review
>>BookieLabRat.com’s Review of BetFred Sportsbook 

Here’s the latest round up of offers from sportsbooks on the weekend’s World Cup Qualifiers. Bookie cash-back deals do pay-out surprisingly often and are well worth a look.

Heads You Win

Scotland v Norway  -  England v Kazakhstan  -  Wales v Liechtenstein  -  Slovenia v N.Ireland

If the last goal scored is a header in any of the above games, Paddy Power will refund all losing 1st /last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast singles on that match. Own goals do not count. Max Refund €300/£200 per customer

Home Nations

Scotland v Norway, Wales v Liechtenstein and Slovenia v Northern Ireland (11 October)

If James McFadden, Craig Bellamy or David Healy score the last goal during their game on Saturday – BetFred will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast bets as a free bet on that particular match. Maximum refund is £100 (or your currency equivalent) per customer.

Theo Cash Back

England v Kazakhstan Saturday 11th October

If Theo Walcott scores the last goal in the England v Kazakhstan game on Saturday – BetFred will refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast bets as a free bet.

Bore Draw

Place a pre-match correct score, double result or scorecast bet on ANY FOOTBALL MATCH and Bet365 will refund losing stakes if the match finishes 0-0. (90 minutes).

For more about these online sportsbooks check out the latest reviews for October at BookieLabRat.com.

>>Bet365 Bookmaker Review
>>BetFred Bookmaker Review
>>Paddy Power Sportsbook Review

David James and Portsmouth dive into UEFA Cup action. 

The groups have been selected for the 2008/09 UEFA Cup. Here they are:

Group A

FC Shalke (GER)
Paris Saint-Germain FC (FRA)
Manchester City FC (ENG)
Real Racing Club (ESP)
FC Twente (NED)

Group B

SL Benfica (POR)
Olympiacos CFP (GRE)
Galatasaray AŞ (TUR)
Hertha BSC Berlin (GER)
FC Metalist Kharkiv (UKR)

Group C

Sevilla FC (ESP)
VfB Stuttgart (GER)
UC Sampdoria (ITA)
FK Partizan (SRB)
R. Standard de Liège (BEL)

Group D

Tottenham Hotspur FC (ENG)
FC Spartak Moskva (RUS)
Udinese Calcio (ITA)
NK Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)
NEC Nijmegen (NED)

Group E

AC Milan (ITA)
SC Heerenveen (NED)
SC Braga (POR)
Portsmouth FC (ENG)
VfL Wolfsburg (GER)

Group F

Hamburger SV (GER)
AFC Ajax (NED)
SK Slavia Praha (CZE)
Aston Villa FC (ENG)
MŠK Žilina (SVK)

Group G

Valencia CF (ESP)
Club Brugge KV (BEL)
Rosenborg BK (NOR)
FC København (DEN)
AS Saint-Etienne (FRA)

Group H

PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS)
RC Deportivo La Coruña (ESP)
Feyenoord (NED)
AS Nancy-Lorraine (FRA)
KKS Lech Poznań (POL)

The outright UEFA Cup market has AC Milan as favourites at around 6.00 (5/1) (Eurobet or Paddy Power currently have the best prices) - with MSK Zilina absolute long shots at 501.00 (500/1)  (at Eurobet at BetFred Bookmakers)

PS: As I opened this blog post with a photo of David James, the best prices for any Pompy fans out there have Portsmouth currently at around 41.00 (42/1) Eurobet and Centrebet. 

Serie A betting has thrown up some surprising results in the two weeks of results to date, giving the table an unusual look. Roma and AC Milan sit in the bottom four, both without a win, while Lazio and Atlanta have maximum points. This situation is likely to change in time but the outright Serie A betting at PinnaceSports.com (our top rating online sportsbook for handicap odds) has reflected these early trends with Inter Milan solid favourites at 2.090*, Juventus moving into 4.000*, while AC Milan and Roma have both drifted after uncertain starts, to 5.500* and 9.500* respectively.

Roma & Milan Facing Mini Crises

Roma the reigning Coppa Italia Champions, and runners-up in Serie A for the past the three seasons, have made a shambolic start to the new season. Luciano Spalletti’sside have taken one point from two league games, and lost at home on matchday one of the Champions League group phase to Romanian champions, CFR, making their debut in the competition. There were signs in pre-season that all was not well with the Giallorossi, evident in a 5-0 friendly defeat at White Hart Lane, so the pressure will be on Roma to take maximum points at home to Reggina on Saturday. Despite their poor start, PinnacleSports.com price Spalletti’s team as favourites on the Serie A Asian Handicap betting: Roma 2.160 (-1.5)*, Reggina 1.794 (+1.5)* - a market priced to less than 102%.

In common with Roma, AC Milan have made an awful start to the new campaign, taking nothing from their opening two league games, despite the presence of former World Player of the Year, Ronaldinho. The club kept faith with Carlo Ancellotti despite his failure to qualify for the Champions League, but their patience may wear thin if the losing run continues at home to Lazio on Sunday. A showdown meeting was held this week, which has draw a line in the sand. The Sky Blues have taken maximum points from their games, so will be buzzing, and all too aware that Milan were vulnerable at the San Siro last season, failing to win in their first seven games. Nevertheless PinnacleSports.com make AC Milan favourites for Sunday’s game: AC Milan 2.070 (-0.5 & -1)*, Lazio 1.862 (+0.5 & +1)*.

Get Serie A three way betting and total goals to 103%, and 1.95/1.95 Asian Handucap live in-running Serie A soccer betting for all these Italian games at PinnacleSports.com.

*All odds subject to change so check out LIVE SERIE A ODDS compared across the top online sportsbooks here at BookieLabRat.com.

More about PinnacleSports.com
1.96/1.96 style Asian Handicap pricing (c.102%) on the major European Football Leagues gives gamblers up to 60% better Serie A online betting odds. PinnacleSports.com offers commission-free fixed odds online sports betting with exchange style pricing, as well as the web’s highest guaranteed liquidity and fastest payouts. 

Get a 10% sign-up bonus, 7% cash back on horse bets and the best odds on all major sports.

>>Check out the latest online sportsbook reviews and ratings for September at BookieLabRat.com.

Serie A betting saw all the division’s top teams fail to win on the first matchday of the new Italian season, but this didn’t change the outright Serie A betting at PinnacleSports.com, where Inter Milan are still favourites to retain the Scudetto under new manager, Jose Mourinho. It will be interesting to see whether the big names get their act together on matchday 2.

Will Serie A Matchday 1 Shocks Be Repeated?

The first weekend of the new Serie A season delivered a surprising set of results that would have disappointed those punters betting on Serie A’s big boys to open with victories. Juventus, Inter Milan, Roma and Fiorentina were all held to draws, while AC Milan lost at home mirroring the poor start to last term at the San Siro. The Rossoneri’s defeat by newly promoted Bologna will have set early alarm bells ringing for coach, Carlo Ancelloti, who fielded start summer signing, Ronaldinho. Gennaro Gattuso was injured on international duty, and definitely won’t play as Milan go on the road to Genoa this weekend, looking to get their season on track.

PinnacleSports.com have Milan as favourites on their Serie A Handicap betting: Genoa 1.775 (+0.5 & +1)*, AC Milan 2.190 (-0.5 & -1)*.

Juventus Host Udinese For Weekend’s Big Game

It will be a clash of the Zebras at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino this weekend, as Juventus host Udinese (who both play in black & white), two teams involved in midweek Champions League action. Udinese got off to a perfect start beating Palermo 3-1 at home on matchday 1, with two goals from Antonio Di Natale, who also scored twice last Saturday for the Italian national side, sparing their blushes away to Cyprus in World Cup qualification. Juve were seconds away from making a winning start to their Serie A campaign at Fiorentina, but Alberto Gilardino’s late goal denied Claudio Ranieri’s side all three points.

PinnacleSports.com price the Old Lady as favourites on their Serie A betting for this key Serie A clash: Juventus 1.943 (-1)*, Udinese 1.980 (+1)*.

Get Serie A three way betting and total goals to 103%, and 1.95/1.95 Asian Handucap live in-running Serie A soccer betting for all these Italian games at PinnacleSports.com.
*All odds subject to change so check out the latest Serie A prices across the top rating online sportsbooks here at BookieLabRat.com.

PS: For more about popular handicap sportsbook PinnacleSports.com check out the latest bookmaker reviews at BookieLabRat.com. In September you can claim a 10% sign-up bonus, along with 7% cash back on all horse bets.

World Cup betting continues on Wednesday night with another full raft of European qualifying fixtures.

Capello Gets Off to Disappointing Start With England

England were booed at halftime in a positively underwhelming 2-0 victory for England against Andorra, coach Fabio Capello’s first competitive game in charge. The pressure is on for a much improved performance away to Croatia on Wednesday night, but the omens aren’t good for Capello. His predecessor, Steve McLaren, lost twice to the Croats during Euro 2008 qualification, and the national side is unbeaten at the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb.

England’s 2-0 defeat at the same venue in November 2006, included a howler for keeper, Paul Robinson, the beginning of the end for his England career. Elsewhere, however, much of the same eleven should be entrusted to restore pride to the Three Lions. Capello experimented against Andorra, handing starts to Theo Walcott, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott and Stewart Downing, but the Italian is expected to drop most of those players.

Croatia began their World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-0 home win over Kazakhstan, but won’t be at full strength against England, missing Eduardo (long term injury) and Portsmouth’s Niko Kranjcar, an influential creative midfielder. Nevertheless, the momentum is with Slaven Bilic’s side, and the manager himself has plenty of motivation, with the temptation of several Premiership managerial vacancies. PinnacleSports.com price the home side favourites on their World Cup Asian Handicap betting: Croatia 2.080 (0 & -0.5)*, England 1.855 (0 & +0.5)* - a market priced to less than 102%.

Elsewhere Les Bleus will be looking for a reaction at home to Serbia, having suffered a shock 3-1 defeat to Austria on Saturday: France 2.200 (-1)*, Serbia 1.769 *(+1)*. Romania also suffered a surprising defeat, losing 3-0 at home to Lithuania. Coach, Victor Piţurcă, will know that he must get a result in the Faroes Islands, or risk the end of his four year spell as national coach.

*=Odds subject to change after this blog was posted…

>>Check out PinnacleSports.com for the latest handicap WC Qualifier Odds
>>Check out BookieLabRat.com for September online sportsbook reviews and ratings 

World Cup Soccer Betting - Qualifier Odds & Previews (Sep 6 & 10)

World Cup soccer betting takes centre stage this weekend as the European zone kicks off with 24 qualifiers on the weekend, the first part of a double bill of international soccer betting that concludes on Wednesday night. The rest of world started on the long road to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa some time ago, but for European nations – including holders Italy, and European Champions, Spain – the journey begins here.

England Look for Resurrection Under Capello

Fabio Capello’s first competitive game as England manager, presents one of the easiest opponents in World soccer, the tiny Andorra. The minnows shouldn’t present much of a problem to the mighty Three Lions, losing all twelve of their Euro 2008 qualifiers. However, under the previous incumbent, Steve McLaren, England laboured for 45 minutes away to Andorra, without finding the net, and looked unimpressive in the recent draw with the Czech Republic. Steven Gerrard is the only major absentee for the game in Barcelona for which PinnacleSports.com price England, unsurprisingly as heavy favourites on the World Cup Asian Handicaps. England 2.050 (-3.5 & -4)*, Andorra 1.877 (+3.5 & +4)*.

Capello’s first big challenge will came on Wednesday night in Zagreb, when they face Croatia, who famously did the double over them during Euro 2008 qualification, ending their hopes of reaching Austria and Switzerland. Croatia haven’t lost a competitive home game since 1994, and under Slavan Bilic, are becoming one of Europe’s most powerful soccer, while England have gone in the other direction. It promises to be the most intriguing game in World Cup qualifier betting menu at PinnacleSports.com, offering up to 60% better odds for the game than traditional bookmakers.

Holders Face Tricky Trip to Cyprus

World Cup holders, Italy, begin the defence of the title they won in Germany two years ago, with a tricky trip to Larnaca. Cyprus are enjoying a magical spell on the domestic front, with Famagusta becoming the first Cypriot side in the Champions League, and two further representative in the UEFA Cup. During Euro 2008, Cyprus gave notice of their potential as Giant Killers, beating the Republic of Ireland 5-2, Wales 3-1, and holding the mighty Germany to a 1-1 draw. The Azzurri are now back under the stewardship of Marcello Lippi, who led them to ultimate success in 2008, and is looking to repeat that triumph, starting in Cyprus on Saturday. Italy 2.060 (-1.5), Cyprus Cyprus 1.870 (+1.5).

*Odds subject to change so check them out onsite at popular handicap sportsbook PinnacleSports.com. (Sorry, no USA residents can be members at PinnacleSports.com)

>>For more info on this bookmaker: Read the latest Pinnacle Sports Online Bookmaker Review at BookieLabRat.com.

>>For the best sportsbook bonuses and freebies: Read the 1-page sportsbook bonus comparison.