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09/18/2007 - Chengdu, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - In three previous World Cups, Australia posted a combined record of 0-7-2 and didn't come close to sniffing the quarterfinals.
However, the Matildas not only picked up their first win in World Cup play but are now just a draw against Canada from making their first ever appearance in the quarterfinals.
Canada, meanwhile, had loftier expectations for this year's tournament after a fourth-place finish in 2003. The Canadians played well in qualifying and nearly beat the United States, the number one ranked team in the world, in the Gold Cup final.
Things have not gone quite as well for manager Even Pellerud's side in China as the team dropped its opening match 2-1 despite holding a one-goal lead at halftime. The North American's rebounded to hand Ghana a 4-0 defeat, but they are still left with needing a win against Australia to get back to the quarterfinals.
Australia has shown that it is one of the most improved teams in the world, with a back line that is anchored by captain Cheryl Salisbury and a balanced attack that features Sarah Walsh and super-sub Lisa DeVanna.
DeVanna in particular has been a huge part of Australia's success, coming on after halftime to score twice against Ghana and once against Norway. DeVanna's goals helped the Aussies pull away from Ghana, but it was her work against Norway, with Australia down a goal that proved most impressive.
A good Norway back line had held Australia's attack in check over the first 45 minutes, but things turned around when DeVanna was introduced in the second half.
It will be tempting for manager Tom Sermanni to include DeVanna in his starting 11, but the boost that she has given Australia in the first two games is something Sermanni may not want to mess with.
If DeVanna is to add to her goal total, she will have to beat Canada's Erin McLeod between the posts, which is something that has proven to be difficult.
McLeod is the reason that Canada lost only 2-1 to Norway, as the Norwegians thoroughly outplayed Canada over the second half and should have scored four or five goals.
The Canadian attack looked good against Norway in the first half, but was nowhere to be found in the second. They put away four goals against struggling Ghana but the it remains to be seen if they are capable of carrying Canada deep into tournament.
Christine Sinclair is by far the most talented striker on the team and she owns two goals in Canada's first two games. Sinclair is a prolific scorer that is capable of setting up her teammates as well, but she will need more help from her supporting cast if Canada is to move on.
Canada has been in big games on a big stage before, while Australia is in uncharted territory. However, the Matildas have shown their mettle in this tournament and will not be easily unnerved.
<< Hester not slowing down in year two for Chicago
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Sometimes when you cage the beast, the beast gets angry.
Words of wisdom from perhaps a famous general, a ruthless dictator, or maybe
even a high-energy athlete?
Actually, it was Wolverine (played by Hugh Jackman) from X
<< King ousts Bartoli in Kolkata
Kolkata, India (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - American Vania King upset top-seeded
Marion Bartoli in first-round action Tuesday at the $175,000 Sunfeast Open.
The 18-year-old King dismissed the Wimbledon runner-up Bartoli in 6-1, 7-5
fashion
<< Schaub, defense lead Texans to 2-0 start
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - There's a buzz going on right now in Houston and it has
nothing to do with the Astros on the cusp of missing the postseason for a
second consecutive year.
It's too early to start talking playoffs in the NFL, but the Housto
<< Harrison cleared to play
Pittsburgh, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Pittsburgh Steelers revealed some
positive news regarding the injury of linebacker James Harrison. Harrison was
diagnosed with a stiff neck and is not expected to miss significant time.
Harrison
Favre's legend continues to grow >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - I guess Brett Favre does have something left in the tank
after all.
Just when you think the 17-year veteran is washed up and past his prime, he
has his Packers 2-0 for the first time since the 2001 campaign after
completi
These Lions have a lot of heart >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - It is games like Sunday's contest against the Minnesota
Vikings that turn a team that was a joke last season into a winner this
season.
Jason Hanson's 37-yard field goal with 8:55 left in overtime gave the Lions a
big win
Clemens, Jets come up short in Baltimore >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Through the first three quarters of their loss to the
Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, the New York Jets would have been better off with
Clarence Clemons under center rather than what they had in Kellen Clemens.
But, in the fou
Phils activate Hamels >>
St. Louis, MO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Philadelphia Phillies have activated
All-Star left-hander Cole Hamels for Tuesday's start against St. Louis.
Hamels, who has been on the disabled list since August 17 with a left elbow
strain, ex
MySportsbook.com and Kentucky Derby Offer Bonuses
The 2008 Kentucky Derby has announced a $1-million bonus for this weekend’s 134th ‘Run for the Roses’ and MySportsbook.com is doing the same.
Well, not quite $1 million, but MySportsbook.com is offering a 75% rebate for Kentucky Derby lines. Check out the exclusive horse racing bonus for all the details.
According to MySportsbook.com, the favorites for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky are: Curlin (+250); Street Sense (+500); Scat Daddy (+700); Circular Quay (+750); and Nobiz Like Shobiz (+800).
Derby organizers announced this week that there will be a $1-million bonus at the 2007 Kentucky Derby odds if the first-place horse wins by more than 6 1/2 lengths – the margin of Barbaro's victory last year. The bonus would be divided Saturday among the winning trainer, jockey, owner and a charity, with each receiving 25 percent. The designated charity is the Barbaro Memorial Fund.
''It's certainly creative, it's certainly fun and it has something for the horsemen, which we always want to embrace,'' Churchill Downs president and chief executive Robert Evans said at a news conference. ''What's really cool is it will force us to remember Barbaro.''
Meanwhile, the Derby favorite – Curlin – is going against the odds this year. It's been 125 years since Apollo won after skipping his 2-year-old season, and not since Regret in 1915 has such a lightly seasoned horse worn the blanket of red roses.
Arkansas Derby winner Curlin – unbeaten in three career races – tries to overcome both those obstacles in Saturday's 133rd Derby.
''We're not running against history,'' trainer Steve Asmussen said Monday. ''We're running against who they load up.''
Six other horses have run in the Derby without benefit of 2-year-old races and with three or fewer starts. The best any of them managed was a sixth-place finish by Showing Up last year.
Asmussen dismissed suggestions that Curlin's lack of racing experience could keep him from the winner's circle.
”He exudes confidence and he's got a great presence about him,'' the trainer said. ''I feel great about the position we're in. He's not worried about anything, why should you be?''
The Kentucky Derby is at 4:04 p.m., ET Saturday.
For complete odds on the Kentucky Derby, visit MySportsbook.com. Mysportsbook.com online sportsbook accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
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