Bet on the World Cup 2014 - Brazil

World Cup Tickets, Not available yet

2012-02-18T19:03:00.000-08:00

Tickets to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil are not available yet. We're not sure when they will be for sale, but we will be sure to update this site as soon as they are.

The good news is that you can bet on the qualifying teams now! We're not going to go through every group, but we posted the odds for Group A below, so you can get a sense of the bets available.

FIFA World Cup 2014 - UEFA Qualifying Group A - Group Winner

Croatia 15/8
Serbia 15/8
Belgium 9/4
Scotland 16/1
Macedonia 50/1
Wales 50/1

We also have odds for the 2014 World Cup, if you want to bet on who is going to win this World Cup in Brazil.

FIFA World Cup 2014 - Brazil
Brazil 7/2
Argentina 11/2
Spain 11/2
Germany 8/1
Holland 12/1
England 16/1
Italy 16/1
France 22/1
Portugal 25/1
Uruguay 33/1
Chile 40/1
Russia 40/1
USA 40/1
Croatia 50/1
Mexico 50/1
Paraguay 50/1
Ivory Coast 66/1
Serbia 66/1
Czech Republic 80/1
Ecuador 80/1
Ghana 80/1
Sweden 80/1
Australia 100/1
Belgium 100/1
Colombia 100/1
Romania 100/1
Turkey 100/1
Denmark 125/1
Japan 125/1
Republic of Ireland 125/1
Ukraine 125/1
Cameroon 150/1
Greece 150/1
Nigeria 150/1
Norway 150/1
Poland 150/1
South Korea 150/1
Switzerland 150/1
Bulgaria 200/1
Egypt 200/1
Slovenia 200/1
Hungary 250/1
Peru 250/1
Scotland 250/1
Slovakia 250/1
Venezuela 250/1
Algeria 300/1
Austria 300/1
Israel 300/1
Montenegro 300/1
Morocco 300/1
Tunisia 300/1
Honduras 500/1
China 1000/1
Jamaica 1000/1
New Zealand 1000/1
Northern Ireland 1000/1
Wales 1000/1
Canada 1500/1
North Korea 1500/1

Portugal - Betting on the World Cup

2011-02-08T18:38:00.001-08:00

With Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani on the roster, the Portuguese could surprise and upset a few teams. They aren’t a serious threat to win the title but they should advance from the group round. Portugal is in Group G with Brazil, North Korea and the Ivory Coast.

Chelsea's Ashley Cole - 2010 Player of the Year - World Cup Blog

2011-02-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

Despite being jeered by the Wembley faithful in the past and having his public image affected by matters in his private life, left-back Cole – one of the few England players to return from last summer’s World Cup with his reputation intact – topped a poll on the FA’s website to win the honour ahead of midfielders Gerrard and Johnson.

The poll, now in its eighth year, saw fans pick the best performer in an England shirt during the previous 12 months,

England manager Fabio Capello used a total of 44 players during 12 games in 2010, of which Cole missed just three – all friendlies against Egypt, Mexico and France.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney won the award in 2009 and 2008, while Gerrard picked up the prize in 2007.

Argentina

2010-05-06T17:40:00.001-07:00

Fútbol powerhouse Argentina has long been one of the favorites to win the 2010 World Cup. They are coming into this competition coached by one of the best players in the history of the game, Diego Maradona. They’re currently ranked 7th in the World and they will start in Group B along with Nigeria, South Korea and Greece. Argentina should easily win its group.

Odds for the 2010 World Cup - First week, First round

2010-05-03T07:52:00.001-07:00

These are the odds for all of the opening World Cup games as of May 1, 2010. Up to dated odds can be found here - LINK

The first round has some very interesting bets. Betting on France on the first day is almost even money. If you want a big gamble, you can bet on Noth Korea vs Brazil for +2000. That means that if you bet $100 on North Korea and they win, you would win $2,000.

This is the complete list -

Friday, June 11, 2010
World Cup 2010 - South Africa
South Africa +185
Mexico +140
Draw - +220

World Cup 2010 - South Africa
Uruguay +275
France -105
Draw - +230

Saturday, June 12, 2010
FIFA World Cup 2010 - South Africa
South Korea +210
Greece +125
Draw - +220

FIFA World Cup 2010 - South Africa
Argentina -155
Nigeria +425
Draw - +250

FIFA World Cup 2010 - South Africa
England -175
United States +450
Draw - +275

Sunday, June 13, 2010
FIFA World Cup 2010 - South Africa
Algeria +230
Slovenia +115
Draw - +220

FIFA World Cup 2010 - South Africa
Serbia +140
Ghana +185
Draw - +220

FIFA World Cup 2010 - South Africa
Germany -175
Australia +500
Draw - +260

Monday, June 14, 2010
FIFA World Cup 2010 - South Africa
Netherlands -138
Denmark +375
Draw - +240

FIFA World Cup 2010 - South Africa
Japan +240
Cameroon +110
Draw - +220

World Cup 2010 - South Africa
Italy -120
Paraguay +330
Draw - +230

Tuesday, June 15, 2010
FIFA World Cup 2010 - South Africa
New Zealand +500
Slovakia -200
Draw - +300

FIFA World Cup 2010 - South Africa
Ivory Coast +170
Portugal +150
Draw - +220

FIFA World Cup 2010 - South Africa
Brazil -1000
North Korea +2000
Draw - +700

Wednesday, June 16, 2010
FIFA World Cup 2010 - South Africa
Honduras +400
Chile -150
Draw - +255

FIFA World Cup 2010 - South Africa
Spain -275
Switzerland +700
Draw - +350

South Africa and Jamaica Football Odds

2010-04-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

South Africa will meet Jamaica in the International Friendly match on Wednesday at Offenbach Kickers Stadium.

South Africa is playing in the second International friendly match with Jamaica. These warm-up matches are really very helpful for all the South Africa players in the upcoming 2010 Football World Cup. All South African players are willing to perform their best inorder to grab the place in the 2010 Football World Cup squad.
South Africa is going to host this big event.South Africa is looking to show their best performance so that their will be some threat for all the big teams, who are participating in the 2010 Football World Cup. There will be big expectations on South African soccer team. South African fans are very eagerly waiting for the 2010 Football World Cup. Because, many star players like Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham etc., are all playing in the 2010 Football World Cup. All these star players have lot of fans through out the World.

2010 Football World Cup will start on June 11th and in first match South Africa will meet Mexico at Johannesburgh. The final match is on July 11th at Johannesburgh.

South Africa's President weighs in on Zimbabwe

2008-04-12T06:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this isn't about placing a bet on the World Cup. This isn't about betting or the World Cup in general. This is about the elections in Zimbabwe (which you probably could have bet on at some point.)

South Africa's President, Thabo Mbeki, has an hour long meeting with the Zimbabwe president, and shortly afterward, said that the election stalemate was not a crisis and that the election committee just needed more time before releasing the results. Why it is taking so long is very odd.

It has been 14 days since the presidential election was held, and most people think that the ruling party in Zimbabwe lost the presidency to the opposition MDC. The delay in releasing the results has caused people to think that the current party is trying to manipulate the results and do this during the period of delay.

South Africa's president said that the 2 weeks period since the election is normal in Zimbabwe politics and that people should not be worried about the results.

There were recent riots in Kenya over their election results. I don't this would in anyway effect the World Cup.

World Cup Qualifiers – European Zone

2008-04-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

The European Zone begins it’s qualifiers beginning in August of 2008, and just what, you can bet on the World Cup First Stage Qualifiers.

For these purposes, Europe is divided into 9 groups (8 groups of 6 teams and 1 group of 5). The 9 group winners will qualify for the 2010 World Cup. The best 8 teams that don't win a group will have a playoff against each other for 4 additional World Cup spots awarded to the zone.

The first group consists of Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Albania, and Malta. Portugal has to be the odds on favorite to win this group, but I don’t think that Sweden and Denmark are such pushovers. This would be a fun group to bet on and watch, but I do expect Portugal to win it.

The second group (Group 2) is made up of Greece, Israel, Switzerland, Moldova, Latvia and Luxembourg. No one in this group really jumps out a team that will dominate, but I like either Greece or Switzerland to go the World Cup.

Group 3 has the Czech Republic, Poland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and San Marino. I would expect to see Poland or maybe the Czech Republic come out of here. I would like to see Ireland, but I doubt that would happen.

Betting on Group 4, I would have to put my money on Germany. They match up against Russia, Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan, and Liechtenstein. Russia or Finland might give Germany some problems, but even so, they should be able to win this group easily.

Group 5 has a very good Spanish team going against Turkey, Belgium, Bonsia-Herzegovina, Armenia, and Estonia. I would bet on Spain to dominate this group.

The British are coming to group 6, and they should no problem conquering this one. England goes up against Croatia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Andorra. I feel bad for all the other teams in this group, because they really have not shot.

Group 7 has France, Romania, Serbia, Lithuania, Austria, and the Faroe Islands. If I got any kind on odds on France to make it to the World Cup, I would take them.

Italy will be the team to come out of Group 8. They are matched up against Bulgaria, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Georgia, and Montenegro. Ireland should really stop playing as North and South and create just 1 team. They might be a lot better then.

The last group is 9. The five (only five) teams that make up this group are Netherlands (who I would bet on), Scotland, Norway, FYR Macedonia, and Iceland. I can’t see anyone but the Netherlands coming out of this group.

Well that’s the list for teams that are trying to get to the World Cup out of the European Zone. We’ll have to wait a bit to see who makes it, but it should be fun!

South Africa is in the World Cup

2008-04-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize this until now, but appartently the World Cup host country gets an automatic bid into the tournament. I guess that makes sense, and you really can't say that it fair. The locals want to watch, root for and bet on a local team. And the local team should be damn competative. In 2006, Germnay go a lot farther than any odds makers where saying they could. Yes, I'm proud to have bet on them in the 2006 World Cup to win their group. They were favored, but I bet big and cleaned up. Unfortunately, I stopped betting on them after that.

In 2010, I'll probably place a bet on the South African team to come out of their group, if not win it. It always seems like the home teams do better than people would expect them to. Honestly, I'm not sure how home teams don't get more respect. They don't have to travel or deal with jet lag. They don't have to sleep in hotels for weeks on end. They should be familiar with even field that they play on. And they should be surrounded by family and friends.

Anyway, the good news for South Africa is that they are in the World Cup. I think more than a few people will bet on them to come out of the group too. This guy probably will. After all, I'm sure to bet on the World Cup. Might as well bet a home team.

Early World Cup Groups

2008-04-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

World Cup 2010 will be held in South Africa, and the people of Africa are thrilled. This should be a big boost to the local economy of the continent and a great way to help spread the customs of the local people to the world. New stadiums are under construction adding a boost to the construction industry. Tourism is going to go through the roof during the games. And sponsorships will be at an all time high for the country.

Teams most now get ready to compete for the qualifying rounds of the tournament. The bracket draw for the preliminary matches happened in November of 2007 in Durban. Here all 170 teams participating found out who they would be up against to qualify of the 2010 tournament.

For this drawing, all teams were grouped into one for 4 zones as follows:

European Zone – Made up of the heavy hitters like Italy, England, France, Spain and others.
African Zone – Made up of African teams from South Africa to Ghana.
Asian Zone – Made up of teams from the Middle East (Iran) to Japan and Australia.
North, Central American and Caribbean Zone – Consisting of teams from the USA to Jamaica.
South American Zone – Strong teams like Brazil and Argentina
Oceanian Zone – From New Zealand to Fiji

Each zone has different brackets with a different number of seeds advancing to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. As time goes by, we will take a look at each zone and see how many teams will advance and how the different groupings will play out.

World Cup - Soccer is the biggest game in the World

2008-04-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

Soccer aka Football to the rest of the world, is the most watched and the most bet game across the planet. It is sick the amounts of money wager on this sport. More money is bet on the World Cup than any other event in the world. Sure worldwide, people watch the Olympics, they watch the Super Bowl, they might even watch the World Series (Hello Japan). But people don;t watch any single event more than they watch the Football World Cup.

Of course there are a few other World Cup's as well. There is the World Cup of Cricket, the World Cup of Rugby, the World Cup of Beer Pong, etc.

The next World Cup is in 2010 in South Africa. South Africa is at the bottom of Africa and produces a lot of Diamonds. They also have some great casinos there. I even think that online gambling is legal there, and they have a few online sportsbooks and casinos based in South Africa.

The 2014 World Cup will be held in Brazil. Land of the carnival, the real Madri Gras. Countries are currently submitting bids to try to host the 2018 World Cup.

Adu leads U.S. into Under-20 World Cup

2007-01-22T11:35:00.000-08:00

Phenom scores two of team's five goals in qualifying win vs. Panama
Freddy Adu scored twice as the United States beat Panama 5-0 Sunday night to win its qualifying group for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

Robbie Rogers, Johann Smith and Jonathan Villanueva also scored for the United States, which qualified for this year’s tournament in Canada when Haiti upset Guatemala 2-0 in the first match of the doubleheader. The Americans will be making their sixth straight appearance in the tournament, formerly known as the FIFA World Youth Championship.

“Our team was highly motivated this morning, wanted to finish the job on a high note and we did,” U.S. coach Thomas Rongen said. “We showed in this game what we’re capable of. We are a good team that came into a very tough surrounding against a very good opponent.”

Panama earned the other berth in the tournament from the four-nation group. Mexico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and St. Kitts and Nevis will play from Feb. 21-25 for the other two sports from the North and Central American and Caribbean region.

The Under-20 World Cup begins June 30. The draw is March 3.

FIFA Chief Regrets Not Handing World Cup Trophy To Italy In Person

2007-01-09T12:56:00.000-08:00

FIFA president Sepp Blatter wishes he could do the World Cup trophy presentation over again. He missed the ceremony after Italy won the World Cup in the summer of 2006, and has now expressed his regret that he did not make certain that he was there to make the handoff. He met with members of the Italian team on Monday and apologized. His apology may also put to rest the claim that FIFA has "anti-Italian" tendencies.

Blatter told AFP, "History will say it was a mistake for the FIFA president not to award the Italians the World Cup, and it was indeed an error on my part."

The FIFA president reportedly did not want to be in the center of attention after being booed and hissed by fans, which led some to conclude that Blatter was disaffected by the Italian victory. In fact, in trying to avoid causing a stir, his absence did just that.

Blatter told AP he decided to skip the ceremony before the game began.

"I wanted to avoid creating an ugly scene because the Germans had shown they would whistle at the word FIFA.

"Yes, Italy deserved to win the World Cup," Blatter added. "The Italians found themselves in a difficult situation at the World Cup and they showed a great capacity to play soccer, producing a great effort."

Hayden in preliminary World Cup squad

2007-01-05T16:35:00.000-08:00

SYDNEY: Matthew Hayden’s World Cup hopes received a big boost Friday when he was included in Australia’s preliminary 30-man squad for the Caribbean tournament.

Test opener Hayden, 35, who was not part of Australia’s successful Champions Trophy campaign in India in October-November, was also named in the 13-man squad for the triangular one-day series against New Zealand and England, starting in Melbourne on January 12.

Hayden and Cameron White replace the retiring Damien Martyn and the injured all-rounder Shane Watson in the 13-man squad.

Australia’s chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said in a statement Friday, “Damien Martyn’s retirement provides captain Ricky Ponting with an opportunity if he chooses to elevate Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey in the batting order and to bring back into the squad Matthew Hayden and Cameron White”.

He further said that Hayden’s inclusion was well deserved given his performance in the DLF Cup (in Malaysia in September), his terrific form in domestic one-day games and the recently concluded Ashes series.

About Cameron White, Andrew wasn’t short on praise again adding, “He adds depth to the batting and balance to the bowling and hopefully we can see him seize his chance.”

Defending champion Australia’s 30-man squad for the World Cup will be cut to 15 before the February 13 deadline, Cricket Australia said.

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World Cup winning former coach Jacquet steps down from French soccer's top job

2006-12-29T15:35:00.000-08:00

Aime Jacquet, the former soccer coach who led France's national selection to victory in the 1998 World Cup, stepped down Friday from his post as French soccer's technical director.

Jacquet was appointed to the top job in 1998, following his wildly successful four-year stint at the head of the national team. As coach, he led "Les Bleus," who failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup, to a 30-game winning streak and a surprise win over Brazil in the World Cup final in 1998.

Jacquet is credited with having discovered three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Zinedine Zidane.

The 65-year-old former soldier in the French-Algerian war began as a midfielder for French clubs Saint-Etienne and Lyon before coaching for Lyon and Bordeaux.

Assistant technical director Jean-Pierre Morlans is to take over for Jacquet until a permanent replacement is found.

Jones begins Samoa's World Cup preparations

2006-12-26T18:33:00.000-08:00

Samoa rugby coach Michael Jones will use a five-match tour of South Africa and Australia next month to blood some young players ahead of the World Cup.

The Samoans will play against Super 14 opposition in three games in South Africa, before heading to Australia for another two games.

They open with a match against a Lions/Pumas combination in White River on January 6, followed by games against the Bulls in Polekwane on January 10 and Cheetahs in Kimberley on January 13.

They then head to Australia for matches against the Reds in Brisbane on January 20 and the Western Force in Perth on January 25.

On the South African leg, the legendary former All Black, Jones, is expected to blood several young players in preparation for Samoa's tilt at the World Cup in France.

The squad of 28 players are mostly Samoa-based and include International Rugby Board (IRB) sevens player of the year, fullback Uale Mai.

Also in the team is Auckland Blues halfback Junior Poluleuligaga while some of the touring squad have also played in the New Zealand domestic championships this year.

Their South African representative, Willem Strauss, told the planetrugby website Samoa would use the tour to expand their brand of running rugby in the hope of delivering a few surprises at the World Cup, as they have done in their previous appearances.

Samoa will return to South Africa in June for a test against the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld.

Samoa are in the same group as South Africa and England at the World Cup.

Samoa squad:

Props: Donald Kerslake, Muliufi Salanoa, Iakopo Eti Vaimoso, Pena Falefa.

Hookers: Silao Vaisola Gagaifo, Loleni Tafunai Vaiala.

Locks: Luti Pese Alafua, Mike Sala Leauvaa, Chad Slade Vaivase.

Loose forwards: Ray Stark, Justin Purdie, Wil Brame, Manaia Salavea, Ulia Ulia (captain), Marlon Sione Tafitoala, Mussolini Faalupega.

Halfbacks: Junior Poluleuligaga, Notise Tauafao.

First five-eighth: Douglas Sanft Sinamoga,

Midfield: Jerry Meafou, Willy Lafaele, Pati Fetuiai, Mika Senio.

Wings: Keli Arteria, Asalemo Malo, Timoteo Iosua,

Fullbacks: Uale Mai, Esera Lauina.

South Africa: Mbeki - SA is Leagues Ahead in World Cup Preparations

2006-12-23T10:44:00.000-08:00

PRESIDENT Thabo Mbeki has defended SA's ability to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup, saying the country is further along in its preparations than any other host nation at a similar time.

"We have beaten all previous records with regard to preparations for the successful hosting of the World Cup, including the benchmarks set by the highly successful 2006 German World Cup. This includes the financial sponsorships without which it would be impossible to hold the tournament," he said in his weekly online newsletter.

Since Germany's successful hosting of the tournament this year, criticism has been levelled at SA from many quarters. There have even been reports that Australia has been put on standby as host should SA fail to meet the 2008 deadline for building stadiums.

Although Fifa, soccer's governing body, has continuously insisted SA is perfectly capable of hosting the cup, construction delays and internal squabbles prompted Fifa president Sepp Blatter to offer shovels and picks to ensure the 10 stadiums are built on time.

However, Mbeki said it was imperative that the processes were conducted properly and transparently, and that construction contracts were awarded following structured tenders.

Other problems have included perceptions that the CEO of the local organising committee, Danny Jordaan, and its chairman, Irvin Khoza, cannot stand each other, a rumour the two have been at pains to quash.

Organisers have had to deal with opposition from residents to the building of a new stadium in Green Point, Cape Town, as well as the squabble between Cape Town mayor Helen Zille and Western Cape premier Ebrahim Rasool.

Khoza has warned the city that the organising committee may have to look for an alternative venue to Cape Town.

Mbeki, as part of a list of what SA had achieved this year, wrote that despite the country's accomplishments, people in the country and elsewhere had done their best to convince South Africans that they would fail to host a successful World Cup.

He said that through the joint efforts of Fifa, the local organising committee and government, solid foundations had been established for an exceptional event.

Mbeki said that the work done to prepare for 2010 represented one of the most prominent items of good news, of which South Africans should be proud.

He also expressed the hope that the fortunes of the national soccer team would improve.

"History suggests that an uplifting performance by the host country is often an integral element in a successful Fifa World Cup, and we are confident that the hope of the nation, Bafana Bafana, will rise to the occasion in 2010."

Ahly ready for Club World Cup

2006-12-03T13:32:00.000-08:00

Ahly have moved to first place in the league table with a 5-1 win over Olympic as they prepare for the Fifa Club World Cup in Japan.

The win has moved Ahly two points above Ismailia and the African Champions League holders have a game in hand. Flavio Amado and Emad Moteab were both on the scoresheet.

Ahly travel to Japan to face Auckland City of New Zealand on December 10th and the pressure is on the Egyptian side to improve on their performances over recent years in the Club cup.

Let's stage the World Cup now, jokes O'Driscoll

2006-11-24T11:22:00.000-08:00

Ireland proved beyond all reasonable doubt yesterday that they deserve to be regarded as the second best team in the world at present.

Eight days after running South Africa ragged, they battered the Wallabies into submission. Eddie O'Sullivan's side made it abundantly clear amid a November storm that their epic triumph over the Springboks was no fluke, no flash in the pan.

With just 10 months to go until the World Cup they are reaching the height of their powers and on this evidence, only one nation can live with them.

What a terrible pity that when Brian O'Driscoll and Co play their last ever match at Lansdowne Road next weekend, New Zealand are not the opposition.

Because if the All Blacks are blazing a trail at the summit of the international game, Ireland are gamely giving chase.

It would be entirely fitting for the Kiwis to end their latest European crusade in Dublin, for a match which could be billed as the very best of north v south.

They would start as favourites, but as an experienced team who have several strings to their bow and ample stocks of confidence, Ireland would take them to the very edge.

Instead, it is the Pacific Islands who must try to stem the green tide and they cannot fancy their chances.

Given the trials and tribulations experienced by England and France in recent weeks, O'Sullivan's team are Europe's form horse - the best bet for the Six Nations title. Unless injuries intervene, they must start the championship as nailed-on title favourites and genuine Grand Slam contenders.

In appalling conditions yesterday, Ireland used their heads and settled for winning 'ugly', but still managed to sprinkle some gold dust on an otherwise drab, grey occasion.

Given the resourcefulness, cohesion and power of the Australian defence, the hosts' ability to score two tries amid driving rain was an achievement in itself.

While the backs had called the tune against South Africa by exposing their aggressive, blitz defence, it was the Irish pack who put paid to the Wallabies' hopes.

In a spiteful contest up front, flanker Neil Best stood head and shoulders above all those around him.

Having done enough to keep his place at the expense of Llanelli's Lion, Simon Easterby, the 26-year-old Ulsterman was always in the thick of the action, never taking a backward step.

At one stage in the first half, he flattened Lote Tuqiri with a tackle of startling ferocity and if his defensive work was good, so was his running game and his handling at the lineout.

The extent of Ireland's dominance of possession and territory in the first half was remarkable. After Stirling Mortlock had kicked Australia into a 3-0 lead, the home side commenced a lengthy siege, pounding the Wallabies' 22, searching for that elusive opening.

They found it in the 12th minute, when a multi-phase assault ended with Geordan Murphy apparently touching down in the right corner, only for video replays to show he had knocked on. No matter, Ronan O'Gara kicked the subsequent penalty and back came Ireland again.
From a close-range lineout in the 26th minute, the visitors' were finally stretched too far. Gathering possession on the 22, O'Gara chipped to the left touchline where Denis Hickie collected the ball, jinked in-field and burrowed over to mark his international comeback in fine style.

Three minutes before the break, Ireland struck again, with a try that stemmed from Donncha O'Callaghan's theft of Australian lineout ball on the left. Denis Leamy thundered forward and when the ball was shipped right at high speed, Horgan passed inside to Murphy who raced in to touch down.

O'Gara converted and O'Sullivan's side were in the box seat at 15-3. The second half was a grim spectacle as the weather worsened, but still Ireland kept up the attacking momentum.

A further penalty from Mortlock was trumped by two from O'Gara as Australia lost their discipline and composure.

While Ireland played the percentages - kicking for territory astutely, the Wallabies seemingly had no Plan B to fall back on.

Hickie almost struck again in the closing stages, only to be bundled into touch. Another try would have been fully deserved but there was still no doubt about the scale of Irish supremacy.

Their celebrations at the end were distinctly modest, suggesting that beating southern hemisphere teams is no longer a big deal in Dublin. O'Sullivan has moulded a team who are beginning to realise just how good they really are - arguably the finest in their nation's history.

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Brazil beats Uruguay 4-1 to win Beach Soccer World Cup

2006-11-12T15:38:00.000-08:00

Brazil scored two goals in the final period to beat Uruguay 4-1 Sunday and win FIFA's Beach Soccer World Cup.

Buru, Duda, Benjamin and Sidney scored a goal each for the hosts, who clinched their 10th beach soccer title. Brazil was held to third place in FIFA's inaugural tournament last year on Copacabana beach.

Brazil won all six of its matches en route to this year's title, its first since 2004.

Buru scored first in the first period, while Uruguay equalized in the second with a goal by Ricar. Brazil retook the lead still in the second when Benjamin scored, and Duda and Sidney sealed the victory in front of nearly 7,000 fans with goals in the third period.

Defending champion France, upset by Uruguay in the semifinals, finished third by beating Portugal 6-4 in a rematch of last year's final.

This year's tournament had 16 teams, four more than in 2005. More than 40 nations tried to qualify for the competition.

Portugal striker Madjer finished as the tournament's leading scorer with 21 goals.

The championship trophy was presented to Brazil captain Junior Negao by former FIFA president Joao Havelange.

Beach soccer is played on a sand field about 40 meters (120 feet) long and 30 meters (90 feet) wide. Each match is divided into three periods of 12 minutes, and substitutions are unlimited.

Online Sports Betting in the US

2006-11-05T07:58:00.000-08:00

With the recent crack down in the USA on online gambling, Bodog.com is the only online sports book, poker room and casino that this site can recommend. Many sites across the board (like party poker, bet on sports, and 888) have closed their doors to US players. Meanwhile, Bodog has committed to keep servicing the US. Check them out and good luck.

Africa: 2010 World Cup is for Africa to Lose

2006-11-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

In the history of the FIFA World Cup, perhaps the 2010 edition has the greatest significance for Africa. For the first time, the continent is scheduled to host the world's most spectacular sporting event. But importantly, the hosting comes with the huge expectation of winning the event. No African nation has won the World Cup and 2010 is seen as providing the continent with the perfect opportunity to re-write history.

Brazil is the only country to have denied the hosting continent the World Cup - in Sweden in 1958 and Korea-Japan in 2002 - hence history largely favours an African victory in 2010. The 2010 encounter has been said to be a make or break for African teams. The reality is that it will be the most demanding campaign for the continent given the high expectations associated with hosting. Some people think home advantage will be an incentive that will instil self-belief in the African campaign. The history of Africa in the World Cup is dominated by under-performances even from cou-ntries with huge potential like Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Nigeria. In many cases, the lack of self-belief and a winning mentality is patently evident in African teams at the World Cup. Even against the giants, they can control matches for long periods with brilliant football but fail repeatedly and miserably to deliver the killer blow only to succumb to the easiest of sucker punches.

Playing in the competition far away from home has each time seen a number of African teams finding the going tough with smaller crowds cheering them on. Hence, they play with less easiness and reassurance. On numerous occasions, African teams have unsuccessfully relented to the psychological and outstanding team strategies which some of their opponents employ. Their advantage in games hinge on the physical strength and endurance. They adopted a 'shoot and hope' game, which most of the time is ineffective.

In 2010, Africa should win the World Cup. In case this does not happen, at least improving on the two quarter-final appearances is a must. It is no longer flattering to state that a continent so rich in world class talent has only two quarter-final appearances at the Mundial. Hosting the World Cup provides the best opportunity to change this sorry record just like South Korea did in 2002 to break Asia's quarter-final record set by North Korea in 1966. If an African team wins the World Cup in 2010, it will be the first time that the title goes outside Europe or South America. The traditional African heavyweights such as Nigeria, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Senegal, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Cameroon and Ghana are likely to bear the hopes of the continent come 2010. Though times constantly change, it is highly likely one of these countries stand the best chance to win the competition for Africa. They have world class players making waves in the top leagues and competitions in the world and they have the experience.

The under achievement of African teams at the World Cup is bewildering in many ways considering the number of star players from the continent. Moreover, Africa has been an acknowledged power in age-limit competitions like the Olympic, the Under-17 and Under-20. Sadly, the run-away success in top leagues and age-limit competitions by African players and teams has not been transferred to the World Cup.

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S.Africa plans massive road works for World Cup

2006-10-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

South Africa unveiled a plan on Monday to ease traffic gridlock and cut road deaths as it prepares to host the 2010 soccer World Cup.

Vehicle accidents are one of the top 10 killers in South Africa, with about half of the estimated 14,000 fatalities each year involving pedestrians who were hit by a vehicle. With the country set to host the world's biggest sporting event in four years, the race is on to improve public transport to ensure the smooth flow of players and spectators to stadiums.

The government is seeking cabinet approval to spend 5 billion rand ($652.1 million) per year between now and 2014 to improve everyday transport. It already has the green light to spend 3.8 million rand to bolster infrastructure specifically for the World Cup.

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South Africa's transport minister said the government plans to widen and restore existing highways and construct new ones, lay rail tracks to link cities and outlying areas, and launch a campaign to discourage car use.

It will also create bicycle and pedestrian paths and improve bus routes in major centres.
Like elsewhere in Africa, South Africa's cities virtually grind to a halt during rush-hour and last week the country's Finance Minister Trevor Manuel described the peak-time commute as "hell."

Some have questioned whether ambitious transit projects will improve life for everyday citizens.
"All of the investment that we want to make on public transportation is not only for 2010 soccer but we want to leave a lasting legacy for the people of this country," Transport Minister Jeff Radebe told reporters at the close of a two-day transport conference in Soweto.

The government has already announced plans to invest about 700 billion rand over the next seven years to revamp the transport and electricity sector and on other major infrastructure projects.

Engineers, urban planners, labour groups, and officials from all tiers of government have backed the strategy, said Radebe.

The government also hopes the new transport strategy will help cut the number of road accidents that result in death and injury by half by 2015.

Africa seeks to share benefits of 2010 World Cup

2006-10-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

South Africa should turn to other African states first to help prepare for FIFA's soccer World Cup in 2010, senior African officials and investors said on Tuesday.

How Africa can tap investment opportunities from the first World Cup to be staged on the continent is a major topic at an investment conference that opened in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

"I think this is an excellent opportunity to ensure that excess skills available in some African countries are incorporated ... rather than outsourcing first from outside the continent," said Bernhard Esau, Namibia's deputy trade and industry minister.

"In Africa employment is a major source of concern. But it seems South Africa would face a dire shortage of 60,000 engineers by the time we stage the World Cup in 2010," Esau told government officials and business executives at the conference.

The conference was co-hosted by the New Partnership for Africa's Development, the Commonwealth Business Council and South Africa's Department of Trade and Industry.
South Africa boasts Africa's biggest economy but is struggling with a serious skills shortage.
Esau said fellow African countries should also share in preparations, and suggested African construction companies be given a chance to bid for the building of new stadiums.

He quoted studies showing that South Africa's hosting of the world's biggest sporting fiesta was expected to generate up to 21.3 billion rand including an estimated 12.7 billion rand in direct spending, and create some 159,000 new jobs.

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"It would be a complete tragedy if the rest of Africa does not feel part of the event," said Austin Gamey, CEO of the Ghana-based Gamey and Gamey Academy of Mediation.

About three million visitors are expected to arrive in South Africa during the three-week tournament.

Paul Baloyi, chief executive of the Development Bank of Southern Africa, said the World Cup offered a good opportunity for strengthening regional integration.

"We need to practically begin to engage with other African countries in and around the event in a manner in which they receive the benefits of this event," Baloyi said.

Other African countries should be involved in "all the key development initiatives, based around infrastructure, tourism and other major services", he said.

Sponsors of the three-day conference included the New Partnership for Africa's Development, the Commonwealth Business Council and South Africa's Department of Trade and Industry.

South Africa will be ready by 2010: World Cup chief

2006-09-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

Claims that South Africa's preparations for the 2010 World Cup were lagging behind schedule have been dismissed by organising committee chief executive officer Danny Jordaan.

"We are ahead of schedule, and we will be ready," Jordaan told AFP.

His comments came after a volley of criticism in recent weeks from both home and abroad about the readiness of his team to stage the first ever World Cup in Africa.

German football legend Franz Beckenbauer, Jordaan's counterpart in this year's finals, this week became the latest high-profile figure to raise question marks about the tournament saying it was "beset by big problems".

FIFA president Sepp Blatter also revealed last week that he planned to visit South Africa shortly "to fire up the organising committee."

Jordaan dismissed Beckenbauer's comments, saying his criticism was devoid of detail and there was no need to press panic button.

"He is not telling us what the problem is... We will write him a letter so that he can explain what the problem was about," said Jordaan who masterminded South Africa's bid to host the 2010 finals as well as the unsuccessful campaign to host this year's tournament.

Blatter also voiced concerns that construction and renovation of the 10 stadia due to stage the matches had yet to begin in earnest, saying that he had "yet to see the pickaxes and spades needed to start the work."

Jordaan, who said no firm date had been arranged for a meeting with Blatter, deflected suggestions that the stadia would not be ready for kick-off.

"We have the stadia, the infrastructure is in place and we also have the backing of FIFA and the government," he said. "All of us will be working towards the success of the tournament."

Senior municipal officials in the nine host cities accused the South African government and lawmakers last month of hampering their preparations.

The officials told a parliamentary committee they were still in the dark about the amount of money they would receive for the tournament.

They also complained that legislation on tendering contracts threatened to derail their organisation efforts.

New Blog!

2006-09-06T18:10:00.001-07:00

Nice right? I'll update soon :O)