Embarrassed Argentina moves on against Japan

Soccer Betting Lines

09/13/2007 - Shanghai, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Argentina will try to pick up the pieces from an 11-0 loss to Germany on Monday and move forward in search of points against Japan on Friday.

The Japanese were fortunate to come away with a draw against England on Tuesday as Aya Miyama scored on two free kicks, including the equalizer right before the final whistle.

England outplayed Japan for much of the match, but a stubborn defense and resilient attitude kept the Japanese in the game and in position to steal a point.

Despite the draw, Japan has plenty of room for improvement, especially in the offensive third.

Star midfielder Homare Sawa had little impact on the match, and it is usually the play of Sawa that determines Japan's fortunes. The Japanese showed little creativity in the offensive third and failed to seriously threaten the England net outside of the two free kicks.

While Miyama emerged as a true threat from dead-ball situations, Japan must get more from strikers Eriko Arakawa and Azusa Iwashimizu if it wants to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1995.

If the Japanese attack fails to hit their stride against Argentina, the South American side is capable of snatching points despite its horrendous result in the opener.

There is talent on the Argentina side, it just didn't show on Monday.

Manager Carlos Borrello made a questionable decision to start keeper Vanina Correa instead of veteran Romina Ferro, and the young netminder struggled mightily, scoring two own goals and generally looking lost throughout the match.

Better play in goal and a few adjustments in defense are good places to start for Borrello, but he feels that his side is capable of making things difficult for its next two opponents.

"I don't want to comment a great deal about tactics. We have to congratulate the German team on this overwhelming victory," Borrello said. "Our players were very nervous about taking on such powerful opponents as Germany, the World Cup holders. It was a nightmare for our team. Our goalkeeper had a very unfortunate day and gave away two own goals. Obviously, my players are disappointed after such a heavy defeat, but they have plenty of character. We're not yet at 100 percent, but I'm certain we'll see a very different Argentina in our next two matches."

Argentina was overwhelmed in every aspect of the game against the Germans, but should stand a chance to hang in there with a very average-looking Japan side.

The Japanese must take three points from this game if they want to move on, but don't expect Argentina to make things easy for them.

This game will give Sawa and the rest of the Japanese attack a chance to find their form before they take on Germany in the final group stage match.

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Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl Odds

Will he or won't he?  Now that the Dallas Cowboys have a new head coach in Wade Phillips, the big question will be: Does Terrell Owens stay with the team.

Jerry Jones continues to suggest that Terrell Owens will remain with the team.

"I've said that he's back, he's here, he's under contract," Jones said. "In the interviews I've just been through (to hire a new coach), it was very clear to me how highly he's thought of and how much of an impact he had on our offensive success."

Just to be sure though, Terrell Owens cleared out his locker and removed his name plate.

Terrell Owens was among the Cowboys most productive players this past season, catching 85 passes for 1,180 yards and a league-best 13 touchdowns.

But T.O. is due a $3 million roster bonus in June, then a $5 million salary this season. Cutting him before then would save a lot of money and headaches.

Aside from the questions surrounding Terrell Owens, the oddsmakers at MySportsbook.com have concerns over starting quarterback Tony Romo's state of mind and whether he will remain a starting quarterback.  It is also not known how players will adjust to new head coach, Wade Phillips.

Here are the football odds as seen at MySportsbook.com and subject to change after February 10, 2007 if not locked in prior to that date.
Arizona Cardinals 60-1


Atlanta Falcons 50-1


Baltimore Ravens 15-1


Buffalo Bills 50-1


Carolina Panthers 18-1


Chicago Bears 10-1


Cincinnati Bengals 15-1


Cleveland Browns 100-1


Dallas Cowboys 15-1


Denver Broncos 15-1


Detroit Lions 100-1


Green Bay Packers 50-1


Houston Texans 100-1


Indianapolis Colts 6-1


Jacksonville Jaguars 30-1


Kansas City Chiefs 30-1


Miami Dolphins 40-1


Minnesota Vikings 75-1


New England Patriots 10-1


New Orleans Saints 18-1


New York Giants 20-1


New York Jets 30-1


Oakland Raiders 100-1


Philadelphia Eagles 18-1


Pittsburgh Steelers 10-1


Saint Louis Rams 60-1


San Diego Chargers 6-1


San Francisco 49ers 75-1


Seattle Seahawks 20-1


Tampa Bay Buccanneers 75-1


Tennessee Titans 40-1


Washington Redskins 50-1

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