6-30-14

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World Cup 2014 knockout betting: France vs. Nigeria
By Pinnacle SPORTS

Pinnacle Sports has everything you need to wager on World Cup 2014. Find odds and info on all the exciting soccer action in Brazil.

The 2014 World Cup is now at the knockout stage, read this Round of 16 betting preview before placing your bets. With a number of shock results in the tournament so far read for the latest odds, implied probability, handicap form and news surrounding each game.



1998 World Cup winners France are favorites to beat Nigeria and progress to the Quarter-finals.

The French looked explosive in their opening two games – beating Honduras 3-0 and Switzerland 5-2 – before drawing 0-0 with Ecuador to top the group.

Perhaps most importantly manager Didier Deschamps’ squad look happy and well-balanced which France have not had for many years – in 2010 Nikolas Anelka was sent home in the aftermath of a fallout between players and coaching staff.

Despite conceding just two goals there are still doubts defensively, while Karim Benzema has been excellent so far, scoring three times – with another ruled as an own-goal and one more coming just after the final whistle against Switzerland.

Nigeria in comparison qualified behind Argentina after drawing 0-0 with Iran, beating Bosnia and losing 3-2 against the group winners.

As they showed against Argentina, Nigeria are dangerous on the break with the strength of Emmanuel Emenike and the ruthlessness of Ahmed Musa.

On the 1X2 market France are the big 1.529 favorites – which according to the odds gives them a 65.40% chance of winning. On the handicap both teams have covered in two out of three games, and the line is set at 1 goal in favor of France.

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Nigeria has its work cut out Monday
Andrew Avery

Despite going tit-for-tat with Argentina in its final group stage game, Nigeria never really looked like they were going to win against Messi and Co.. Monday could prove to be an even tougher challenge as the Screaming Eagles face France, which has been one of the top teams in the World Cup.

France scored eight goals and conceded just two in the group stage, but dominated various statistical categories in the process. Les Bleus lead the World Cup in shots per game with 21 and have dominated aerial duels, winning 65.5 percent of the time, also the best mark in Brazil.

Pinnacle Sports currently lists the French as -214 faves in their first knockout round matchup, with Nigeria +725 and the Draw +359.

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Weather report for France-Nigeria
Stephen Campbell

The forecast is currently calling for a clear and sunny afternoon Monday in Brasilia for France and Nigeria's Round of 16 contest. A temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit is expected at gametime.

Pinnacle presently has the French as -220 faves with a total of 2.5.

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2Haves2Win MLB...

WEEK 15 TO DATE: 4-1-0 FOR +3.35 UNITS (google it if u must).

COMP PICK:

1* GAME - COL @ WAS: Nationals ML - TBD

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Monday's World Cup Tips
By Toby Maxtone-Smith


France vs. Nigeria (ESPN, 12:00 p.m. ET)

Both last 16 matches on Monday see a European team, as heavy favourite, play against one of the two African teams left in the World Cup. A double on France and Germany to win in normal time against beat Nigeria and Algeria respectively pays out at just 1.76/1. Will there be an upset, or will the favourites progress?

First up, France face Nigeria at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia. France have been one of the teams of the tournament so far. They scored eight goals in three games in winning Group E, and look a team to be feared. Having been available at around 25/1 to win the World Cup before the tournament started, well done to those who backed Les Bleus at those prices. They look a force to be reckoned with.

Nigeria qualified largely thanks to one good performance. Their 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, where admittedly they deserved victory, came between a dour 0-0 against Iran and a 3-2 defeat to Argentina, and there was little to suggest from their group stage performances that the Super Eagles would go far in Brazil. They are arguably the least impressive team in the last 16.

France are the 2/5 favourites with sportsbook.ag, with Nigeria out at 27/4. A draw is 15/4. These prices seem about right, and there is little room for manoeuvre. I just can’t see Nigeria troubling France here. Their defence is decent without having enough to frustrate the best, while their attack is weakened by the midfield trio’s inability to create. In the ‘To Qualify’ market, you can get France at 5/25, while Stephen Keshi’s Nigeria are 19/5.

Bookies are expecting goals, but only one of the four last 16 matches so far have produced over 2.5 goals. Under 2.5 goals looks appealing at 1/1. Nigeria will find it difficult to break through the French backline, and they will have few chances to do so anyway. If France go ahead early, it is easy to imagine them playing it cautious, conserving energy for the next round. The heat will be strong in Brasilia, and Didier Deschamps will be anxious that his side to not push themselves too hard ahead of a potential quarter-final against Germany.

Top Bet: Under 2.5 goals at 1/1


Germany vs. Algeria (ESPN, 4:00 p.m. ET)

Germany meet Algeria at the Estadio Beira-Rio, in Porto Alegre. After three games in high humidity, it will be the first time Germany play in moderate temperatures, and they are heavy favourites to go through. They topped Group G, but were only genuinely impressive once, in a 4-0 win over Portugal, who had 10 men for most of the match.

Algeria were favourites to finish bottom of Group H, but showed their quality with three impressive results: they were unlucky to lose 2-1 to Belgium in their opening game, before thrashing South Korea 4-2 in their second tie. They secured the draw they needed against Russia, and Vahid Halihodzic’s side are worthy of their place in the last 16. After adding little to World Cup 2010 (they didn’t even score in the three matches they played), they have shown that their squad is full of quality in Brazil, and they will be a force in years to come.

Germany are, of course, heavy favourites. They are 13/50 to win the match in normal time, but given the fact that their first team is so uncertain, this cannot be recommended. A draw is 5/1, with a shock Algeria win, which would make them the first Arab nation to make the quarter-finals of the World Cup, is at 10/1. In the ‘To Qualify’ market, which may be of more appeal to punters, Germany are as short as 1/8, with Les Fennecs (the Desert Foxes) at a much more appealing 23/4.

Germany’s three matches so far have all been played in tough, ultra-humid conditions. No matter how good their preparation has been, this will have taken something out of them. Joachim Löw declined to rotate too much for their essentially dead game against USA, and this may come back to haunt him.

Algeria, meanwhile, have been in peak physical condition, and their relentless hard work in their game against Russia proved how fit these players are. In Sofiane Feghouli and Yacine Brahimi they have two fine playmakers, while Islam Slimani is a good all-round centre-forward. They are surely worth a bet in the handicap market. Algeria +1.5 is a 1/1 shot, and this looks good value to me.

Top Bet: Algeria +1.5 at 1/1

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Carlos Salazars Monday Night MLB Bookie Crusher

Texas +143 7:05 pm

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Today's MLB Picks

Chicago Cubs at Boston

The Cubs head to Boston tonight to open up an interleague series and come into the contest with a 5-0 record in Jake Arrieta's last 5 starts as an underdog of +110 to +150. Chicago is the pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Cubs favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+130). Here are all of today's MLB picks.

MONDAY, JUNE 30 Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. EST

Game 951-952: Colorado at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Flande) 14.673; Washington (Zimmermann) 13.703 Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 9 Vegas Line: Washington (-225); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+190); Over

Game 953-954: NY Mets at Atlanta (7:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Wheeler) 13.826; Atlanta (Wood) 16.977 Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 3; 6 Vegas Line: Atlanta (-180); 7 Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-180); Under

Game 955-956: Cincinnati at San Diego (10:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Latos) 14.280; San Diego (Hahn) 15.506 Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 6 Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-135); 6 1/2 Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+115); Under

Game 957-958: Texas at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Saunders) 15.206; Baltimore (Jimenez) 14.258 Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 11 Vegas Line: Baltimore (-160); 9 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Texas (+140); Over

Game 959-960: Oakland at Detroit (7:08 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Kazmir) 16.406; Detroit (Sanchez) 17.467 Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 7 Vegas Line: Detroit (-135); 8 Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-135); Under

Game 961-962: Tampa Bay at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Archer) 16.667; NY Yankees (Phelps) 14.451 Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 2; 9 Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-110); 8 Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-110); Over

Game 963-964: Kansas City at Minnesota (8:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Duffy) 14.033; Minnesota (Pino) 15.560 Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: Kansas City (-130); 8 Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+110); Under

Game 965-966: Seattle at Houston (8:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Walker) 15.745; Houston (McHugh) 13.307 Dunkel Line: Seattle by 2 1/2; 9 Vegas Line: Houston (-110); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-110); Over

Game 967-968: LA Angels at Chicago White Sox (8:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Richards) 15.100; White Sox (Noesi) 16.039 Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 8 Vegas Line: LA Angels (-160); 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+140); Under

Game 969-970: Chicago Cubs at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Arrieta) 15.569; Boston (Peavy) 14.643 Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 9 Vegas Line: Boston (-150); 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+130); Over

Game 971-972: Cleveland at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Kluber) 16.688; LA Dodgers (Haren) 15.037 Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 9 Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-110); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-110); Over

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Nigeria tries to upset France on Monday
By: Brian Graham - StatFox


2014 WORLD CUP SOCCER

FRANCE vs. NIGERIA

Kickoff: Monday, 12:00 p.m. EDT
Nacional – Brasilia, Brazil

Line:
France -277, Nigeria +700, Tie after Regulation +375
Over/Under: 2.5 Goals (Over -140, Under +110)

France looks to continue its impressive World Cup run when it opens up the knockout stage versus Nigeria on Monday.

France had little problem with Honduras to begin their World Cup quest, winning easily by a 3-0 score, and followed that up with a 5-2 pummeling of Switzerland. Although Les Blues failed to score versus Ecuador, that 0-0 draw was good enough to give them enough points to win Group E. Nigeria did not allow a goal in its first two World Cup contests, drawing 0-0 with Iran before prevailing 1-0 over Bosnia-Herzegovina to end a 16-year win drought at the World Cup that had spanned nine straight winless matches. Nigeria then played very well against heavily-favored Argentina in a virtual home match near their country's border in Porto Alegre, with the Super Eagles falling 3-2 in an entertaining, back-and-forth affair. The one bit of troubling news to Nigeria fans is the inter-squad drama going on with the players skipping practice last week in protest about their bonuses. This matter has still not been resolved.

France star forward Karim Benzema has three of his team's eight goals so far in the World Cup, with one goal apiece for forwards Olivier Giroud and Moussa Sissoko, and midfielders Blaise Matuidi and Mathieu Valbuena. Other stars for Les Blues in this tournament include midfielders Paul Pogba and Yohan Cabaye, and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris who has recorded shutouts in two of the three matches. Although France throttled Switzerland with five goals, they did allow two goals after the 80th minute of that game and got out-possessed 57% to 43%. However, Les Blues buckled down on defense in their most recent match by holding the ball for 60% of the scoreless draw versus Ecuador and reached 20 total shots for the second straight match, putting 13 of those on net. That gives the club a whopping 62 shots for the tournament, with 39 of those on net. After France committed 29 fouls and four yellow cards during their two wins, they committed only six fouls against Ecuador with zero yellow cards.

The Super Eagles were able to get a pair of goals from Ahmed Musa in their loss to Argentina, which saw them get outshot 18-12, including 13-7 for shots on goal. Nigeria had the ball for just 43% of the time. Although goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama surrendered three goals in the most recent match, he also made 10 saves, giving him 20 saves in the three World Cup contests. Nigeria trimmed its fouls from 16 versus Iran to nine against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but the Super Eagles committed 17 fouls against Argentina with defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Juwon Oshaniwa both booked for yellow cards. To pull off the huge upset, the Super Eagles know that star forward Emmanuel Emenike, who netted 15 goals in 32 games at the club level this season, will likely have to find the back of the net. But Nigeria has plenty of speedy attackers, such as Musa and Peter Odemwingie that could put France in an early hole.

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World Cup Game of the Day: France vs. Nigeria

France vs. Nigeria (-200, +650, Draw +340)

With the temperatures soaring and the games becoming even more important, a little rest could go a long way for France as it prepares to face Nigeria in second round action Monday at the World Cup. The French coasted to back-to-back wins in group stage play, allowing coach Didier Deschamps to rest several regulars in a 0-0 tie with Ecuador. Nigeria is in tough after winning just one of three group stage games, and comes in off a 3-2 loss to Argentina.

The French have traditionally been a tough out whenever they've advanced past the initial group stage, reaching the semifinals five straight times in those situations. They're heavily favored against a Nigerian side that squeaked through Group F and will be without talented midfielder Michel Babatunde. "The team is young, but it's growing fast and learning quickly," Nigerian captain Joseph Yobo told fifa.com. "I don't see what we should be afraid of."

TV: 12 p.m. ET, ESPN

WORLD RANKINGS: France: No. 17; Nigeria: No. 44.

INJURY REPORT: France: D Mamadou Sakho is dealing with a hamstring injury and is considered doubtful. Nigeria: MF Michel Babatunde is out following a broken arm suffered when he was hit with a shot against Argentina; MF Victor Moses is dealing with a muscular problem and his status is in doubt.

WHAT THE SHARPS SAY: "A much revived French side comes into this second round match with high hopes of reaching the Quarter Finals. Nigeria's dismal record of only winning one of their last 11 World Cup games is surely in the players minds and It will be interesting to see how both teams approach this one." Covers Expert Footy Tipster.

ABOUT FRANCE: The French are looking at changes to their lineup despite outscoring opponents 8-2 in group play. with Sakho not expected to play, one of either Laurent Koscielny or Raphael Varane will assume the starting center-back role for Deschamps' team. The changes extend to the team's core offensive options, with Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann making a serious challenge to Karim Benzema's starting spot and Moussa Sissoko in the running to start in place of Paul Pogba.

ABOUT NIGERIA: The loss to Argentina was a difficult one to digest, but did feature at least one encouraging moment provided by Ahmed Musa. The Spartak Moscow forward had a sensational goal in the match at Porto Allegre after failing to impress in his team's opening two games. Team manager Stephen Keshi believes his team is in the right frame of mind, telling reporters: "Whether we are playing Spain at the FIFA Confederations Cup or playing against Liberia in a friendly match, I always tell the boys that victory is non-negotiable."

TRENDS:

* Nigeria earned a 1-0 victory in their only previous meeting at Saint-Etienne in 2009.
* The Nigerians have won just one of their previous 11 World Cup matches.
* France is unbeaten in three previous second-round matches at the World Cup, outscoring its opponents 6-1.
* No team had more shot attempts than France (50) during group stage play.

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CAPPERS ACCESS

Reds-125
Yankees-110

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StatFox Super Situations™ – FoxSheets

MLB | TAMPA BAY at NY YANKEES
Play Against – All teams when the money line is +125 to -125 (NY YANKEES) terrible offensive team – scoring <=4.2 runs/game on the season (AL), after allowing 8 runs or more
163-96 over the last 5 seasons. ( 62.9% | 57.4 units )
20-16 this year. ( 55.6% | 1.9 units )

StatFox Situational Power Trends™ – FoxSheets

MLB | CLEVELAND at LA DODGERS
LA DODGERS are 42-17 (+23.1 Units) against the money line after having won 6 or 7 of their last 8 games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was: LA DODGERS (4.4) , OPPONENT (3.0)

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BEHIND THE BETS (World Cup Soccer)

3* France -220

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Paul Leiner

100* Yankees -110
50* Royals -130

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PowerPlayWins

Power Play Of The Day

Detroit Tigers -122 (Sanchez)