2007 Women's World Cup Preview - England

Soccer Betting Lines

09/05/2007 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - With a string of disappointing results at the World Cup in recent years by the men's team, England's women's team will try to reverse that trend in just its second ever appearance in the competition.

The team boasts talented players in veteran Kelly Smith, captain Faye White and swift striker Rachel Yankey.

After failing to advance past the group stage in the 2005 European Championships, which was held in England, manager Hope Powell did well to guide England through qualification and into the World Cup. They knocked off favorites like France and the Netherlands along the way, but now face an even bigger challenge in attempting to get into the final eight of the World Cup.

The Three Lions did well in their first World Cup appearance in 1995, winning two of their three games in the group stage before bowing out in the quarterfinals against Germany.

In Group A, England will once again come up against the Germans, who are the prohibitive favorite to claim the top spot in the group. England will therefore compete with Japan and Argentina for second place in the group in an attempt to advance.

England, which was ranked 12th in the latest FIFA rankings, opens up play against Japan in what looks like a crucial contest for both countries. With Argentina likely to struggle for points, this game could decide second place. The Brits then play defending champion Germany in their second contest before finishing up against Argentina.

While Powell showed promise in leading England through qualification, it remains to be seen if she can duplicate that success on a world stage.

"Every team who have qualified from Europe have a chance to win it," defender Rachel Unitt told FIFA's website. "Our first target is to make it out of the group stages. Obviously, Germany and the USA are the favorites, but I am extremely confident that we can do well."

The question is just how well do they have to do to consider their World Cup campaign a success. Doing well for England would be to advance past the group stage and into the quarterfinals, and anything beyond that would be a bonus.

There is definitely talent on this England roster, but just not enough to push the team into the top four. England needs to put together a good showing at this year's competition and get to the point where the team can qualify on a consistent basis.

Then maybe they too can enjoy all the expectations that come from success, just like the men's team.

PAST ACHIEVEMENTS:

-- World Cup Qualifier - 2003

Vegaas Soccer Betting News

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American Idol Betting Odds: Season 6  

The online gambling websites are in the process of deciphering each American Idol contestant and his or her chances of winning Season 6 to come up with the early American Idol betting lines.

Tim Dalton of MySportsbook.com has been locked away in a soundproof room coming up with all the latest tallies, we are told. "American Idol has become one of the most significant betting events of the year," claims Jack Black of MySportsbook.com.  "Last year, millions were bet during the season across the globe, not just in America.

It's tough early on since we really do not have a glimpse as to how well each of these individuals will perform solo on a week-to-week basis.  It's like Week 1 of the NFL.  Pre-season means nada!

We do know the 24 finalists however.

Sanjaya Malakar is the young man whose sister failed to make it into the Top 24.  He's very low key but - unless he totally flubs - will probably win over the young girlie vote for a few weeks anyway.  He's too young to go all the way, according to Payton O'Brien. 

Brandon Rogers - Who?

Phil Stacy is the military guy who missed his daughter's birth because of the Memphis audition.  He should go a good distance.

Chris Sligh - He's got the humor and in many ways he's the Anti-American Idol much like last year's winner Taylor Hicks was.  And this is why he'll probably get pretty far in this competition.  He's chubby, white with a big curly afro....but more importantly, a great voice!  People love "real", not "real cute" to go all the way. 

"Blake Lewis should go far because of his uniqueness and looks.  He's the boy next store with a twist - he beat boxes.  But on top of this, he's a great singer, and I adore him," Payton O'Brien relayed.

A talented beat-boxer Blake Lewis was a hit during the group sing in Hollywood but Simon explained that this is a singing contest just before he told him he was “in.”

Paul Kim has caught our own roving reporter, Jenny Woo's eyes. 

"I love the fact that there is a Korean American on the show and he is bound to get more Asians tuning into the show," Woo said from her Miami Beach estate.  "There has never been a major presence of Asian-Americans on American Idol in the past.  He's a hottie with a nice voice so that should help to take him far.  Expect heavy betting action from the Asian community."

Sundance Head - He's not perfect, but he's got the personality that will take him through a few weeks, plus he's got the lineage (son of Roy Head - whose 1965 single, "Treat Her Right," hit No. 5 in the charts) 

And the others:

Rudy Cardinas
AJ Tabaldo - the 5th time is the charm
Nicolas Pedro
Chris Richardson
Jared Cotter

The girls

"Melinda Doolittle has one of the best voices," says MySportsbook.com Reporter and an acclaimed dancer in her own right, Destiney Lewis.  "It is great to see a back up singer step out like she has.  The girl needs to gain more confidence but that can also be a positive.  I think she will go far."

Alena Alexander - Those tears (she never seems to stop bawling) should get her far.

"Single mom Lakisha Jones I suspect will be a pretty big favorite entering Week 1 of the competition," says Destiny Williams.  Jones is an excellent singer and down to earth.  "She'll have a wide appeal," echoed O'Brien.

Nicole Trellis - Seems to exert confidence.

Amy Krebs - a powerful singer.

Antonella Barba
Gina Glocksen
Hailey Scanardo
Jordan Sparks
Stephanie Edwards
Leslie Hunt
Sabrina Sloan

MySportsbook.com is offering a 20% signup bonus with an initial deposit (i.e. open your American Idol betting account with $300, receive another $60 in which to bet with). 

Last two contestants will be?

1 Male/1 Female +100 (a $10 bet pays $10 plus your initial $10)

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