Posts filed under 'European Football'
PADDY POWER REFUND €250,000 AFTER FRENCH DECEPTION
After Ireland were cheated out of a place in the 2010 World Cup Finals tonight with a blatant hand ball by French football thief Thierry Henry, Ireland’s biggest bookie Paddy Power are refunding over €110,000 to punters who backed Ireland to qualify for next years Finals.
Paddy Power are refunding a further €140,000 on tonights game after they pledged to refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast bets placed on the match if Ireland won the game in 90-minutes.
Paddy Power said, “Luck of the Irish me arse! Not only did FIFA change the rules to protect the big teams, but then we drew France and that dirty little thief Henry cheats us out of a place in the World Cup. After all that we’re only too happy to put our hand in our pocket and hopefully ease some of the pain for our patriotic punters”
2010 World Cup
Outright Betting
9/2 Spain
5/1 Brazil
6/1 England
9/1 Argentina
11/1 Germany
12/1 Holland
14/1 Italy
16/1 France
18/1 Portugal
20/1 Russia
All prices remain subject to fluctuation check Paddy Power’s betting website for the latest odds.
November 18th, 2009
PUNTERS ABANDON IRELAND AS GREEN DREAM FADES
-Bookies forced to cut odds on match not being shown live-
According to Paddy Power Irish punters are waking up to the belief that their World Cup dream is well and truly over with the bookie reporting less than €200 wagered on the Boys in Green successfully qualifying for next years Finals since their defeat at the hands of the French in Croke Park.
In an effort to entice patriotic punters into backing Ireland Paddy Power pushed Ireland’s qualification odds from 7/1 to 8/1 but this move resulted in only one bet of €20. Paddy Power have also pledged to refund a variety of losing bets on Wednesday’s match should Ireland win the game in normal time.
Paddy Power said “We literally cannot give Ireland away at the moment. Punters seem to believe it’s the end of the line for the boys but we all know the impact an early Irish goal would have on Wednesday so I wouldn’t be inclined to throw in the towel so fast”
As the ongoing dispute between the French Football Federation and Irish broadcasters intensifies Paddy Power have slashed the odds on Wednesday’s game NOT being televised from 6/1 to 2/1 second-favourite.
The national broadcaster RTE remains favourite to televise the match live but have drifted in the betting from 1/4 to 1/3 amid growing concerns that a deal will not be struck in time.
WORLD CUP BETTING ODDS AT PADDY POWER
To Qualify for the World Cup
1/25 France
8/1 Ireland
Betting on Wednesday’s Return Leg
8/15 France
11/4 Draw
6/1 Ireland
Who will show the 2nd Leg?
1/3 RTE
2/1 Not Shown
8/1 Sky One
12/1 TV3
November 16th, 2009
A goalless draw was just about the right score as a Greece side held off a Ukraine team that played too defensively after an enterprising first half-hour.
The conservative Greeks threw a little more caution to the wind in the second half but without exerting too much pressure on a solid Ukrainian rearguard, leaving the tie level at 0-0 ahead of Wednesday’s return game in Donetsk.
The Ukraine are favoured to progress now at a best price of 1.91 to win at Ladbrokes, while Greece are at 5.41 at PinnacleSports to win away from home
Get Live Sportsbook betting odds for the Ukraine v Greece second leg
November 16th, 2009
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.
November 16th, 2009
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.
July 23rd, 2009
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.
February 24th, 2009
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
January 8th, 2009
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
October 9th, 2008
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.
October 7th, 2008
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.
September 18th, 2008
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