England, Germany should produce another classic

Soccer Betting Lines

06/26/2010 - Bloemfontein, South Africa (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - England and Germany have played just four games in the FIFA World Cup, but three of those - including the 1966 final - were not decided until extra time or penalty kicks.

So, when England and Germany meet in the round of 16 on Sunday in Bloemfontein at Free State Stadium, the European powers should produce another classic.

"Any meeting with England is huge, and we're really looking forward to it," Germany captain Philipp Lahm said.

Germany defeated Ghana in its final match in Group D to advance as the winner, while England set up the showdown by finishing second in Group C to the United States on goal differential.

Since the countries first met in the World Cup 44 years ago, when England used two extra-time goals for a 4-2 win in the final, they've also battled in 1970, 1982 and 1990.

Germany beat England 3-2 in extra time in the 1970 quarterfinals, as it overcame a two-goal deficit. After a 0-0 tie in the second group stage in 1982, Germany got the best of England again in the 1990 semifinals on penalty kicks.

The Germans went on to claim the title in 1990, the most recent of their three crowns. England hasn't won since 1966. Now, one of the two faces an early exit in South Africa.

"We're not bothered about who we face next. We're not afraid of anyone," said German midfielder Mesut Ozil, who scored against Ghana, "because we know what we're capable of.

"We have to win every game from now on, and I'm convinced we can."

Germany may be very confident ahead of the anticipated round of 16 match, but so is England.

"This was the team that I know," Capello said after England beat Slovenia 1-0. "I'm also happy that I found the team that I knew from the qualifiers. This team can go forward now."

Germany opened the group stage with a convincing 4-0 win over Australia, as it got goals from Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose, Thomas Muller and Cacau. Serbia stunned Germany in its second match, when Klose was sent off late in the first half, with a 1-0 win.

But Germany responded in a must-win game against Ghana and claimed the group. England secured its spot earlier that day as it followed draws against the U.S. and Algeria with the win over Slovenia.

Klose and England's Jamie Carragher return from one-game suspensions, but the Germans face injury concerns, with Bastian Schweinsteiger the big unknown.

Schweinsteiger left the Ghana match in the 81st minute with a thigh injury and would leave a huge void in midfield against England if he is unable to play.

German coach Joachim Loew said Schweinsteiger will be a "last-minute decision" and "could definitely imagine Toni Kroos taking his place" if necessary.

"Bastian is the heart of the team, the midfield motor, who both defends and attacks well. It wouldn't exactly be to our advantage if he can't play," Loew said.

Both Lahm and England captain Steve Gerrard admitted before the game the teams are preparing for penalties, but history has shown that's not the scenario the Three Lions want to face against the Die Mannschaft. Germany also beat England on penalties in the semifinals of Euro 1996.

"We need to find consistency now in the knockout stages," Gerrard said. "If we turn up and we play close to our potential we are a match for anyone."

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Eastern Conference Playoff Betting Trends

We all know by now that the “public” loves to put their money on the FAVORITES and the OVERS.  Just by taking a quick glance at Sportsbook.com’s “Betting Trends” it appears as is this tendency will continue as far as the Eastern Conference games are concerned.  For the inaugural games of the first round, 69% of the early money is on Toronto -4.5; 59% of bettors prefer Chicago -4.5; 84% are backing Detroit -9; and 56% think Cleveland -11.5 is the way to go.  As far as TOTALS are concerned, the only UNDER the “public” is backing is the Cleveland/ Washington game in which 83% are pounding the UNDER (190).  Remember, there is no better way to predict a possible line change than by monitoring MySportsbook.com’s “Betting Trends”.   By determining who the “public” is backing, you can get the most ideal line for your bet.  For example, if you are siding with the public you better place your bet before the line moves in the wrong direction.  On the other side of the coin, if you prefer the team that the “public” is betting against; you might be able to get and extra ½ or even more by placing your bet a bit later.  Under the “Betting Trends” section, Sportsbook.com also provides plenty of statistical data and trends in order for the bettor to make the most informed pick.  Below are some extremely important trends for the first round opponents of the Eastern Conference match-ups, more can be found at MySportsbook.com

New Jersey Nets vs. Toronto Raptors

Toronto was the most reliable covering team this season with a 48-33-1 ATS record but covered the OVER only 41.5% of the time.
The last 20 times these teams have played, the TOTAL has gone UNDER 16 times.
Versus Eastern Conference teams, Toronto is 33-19 ATS including 17-9 at home.
 New Jersey has covered four games in a row while Toronto has failed to cover their last four games.
When playing a team with a winning record during the second half of the season, New Jersey was just 5-13 ATS this season.
After scoring 105 points or more, Toronto has covered the OVER only 28% of the time this season. 
 
Miami Heat @ Chicago Bulls

Miami has failed to cover their last 7 games whereas Chicago has covered 6 out of their last 8 games.
Miami has covered the UNDER in four of their last five games whereas Chicago has covered the UNDER in five out of their last six.
When playing on Saturdays, Miami covered 80% of their games this season.
Away from home, Chicago is just 16-25 ATS this season.
At home, Miami covered the UNDER about 66% of the time whereas Chicago covered the UNDER about 61% of the time.
The last 13 times these teams have played each other, Chicago has covered 9 times.
In Miami’s last 11 road games, the UNDER covered 9 times. 
 
Orlando Magic @ Detroit Pistons

Detroit has covered 5 out of their last 6 games.
Away from home, Detroit is 28-13 ATS but just 14-26-1 ATS at home.
At home, Orlando covered the UNDER 64% of the time while Detroit covered the UNDER in 63% of their away games.
The last five times these teams have played in Detroit, the OVER covered each time.
Versus Eastern Conference teams, Detroit is 8-17-1 ATS at home but 17-9 ATS away.
Detroit covered the spread 5 out of the last 6 times they played Orlando.
After a Division game, Orlando covered the UNDER 87% of the time this season. 
 
Washington Wizards @ Cleveland Cavaliers

In a home game where the TOTAL is between 190 and 194.5 points, Cleveland is 9-1 ATS this season.
Washington has covered the UNDER in their last 6 games and in 8 of their last 9 games.
The last 6 times these teams have played each other, the UNDER covered each time.
When playing on 3 or more days of rest, Washington is just 18-37 ATS since 1996.
Since 1996, Washington is 28-16 ATS versus Cleveland including 11-5 over the last 3 seasons.
In their last 7 road games, Washington is 6-1 ATS.
Versus Eastern Conference teams at home, Washington is just 6-18-2 ATS. 
 
For even more betting trends for not just the NBA but for all of the major sports, log on to Sportsbook.com and click on “Trends”.  With only two months left in the NBA betting season it is important to be as well informed as possible in order to maximize your profit.  Also for all of you poker players, check out MySportsbook.com’s “WSOP Low Bid Auction”. You could be on your way to Vegas to play against the world’s best poker players for under a buck.

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