Germany faces tougher test against England

Soccer Betting Lines

09/13/2007 - Shanghai, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Germany flexed its muscle in the opening match of the Women's World Cup on Monday, setting records for most goals scored and largest margin of victory as the defending champions handed Argentina an 11-0 pounding.

On Friday, the Germans will try to continue to prove their dominance in Group A as they meet England, which played to an exciting 2-2 draw with Japan on Tuesday in its opening contest.

After a slow start, Germany got things going and managed to score five first- half goals on its way to an easy win, with Sandra Smisek and Birgit Prinz each recording hat tricks in the match.

The three goals for Prinz allowed her to move into a first-place tie with American Michelle Akers atop the all-time scoring list in Women's World Cup history with 12 goals.

It is not a matter of if, but when she will score her next goal and take sole possession of the record, but despite the lopsided score line on Monday, Prinz feels there is still room for improvement.

"It was much more straightforward than we thought it would be, although it was made easy for us because they gave us so much room," Prinz said. "The coaches did tell us that beforehand, but we didn't really want to believe it. Would I say we played to perfection? No, I wouldn't say that. OK, we scored more goals than we ever thought we would, but we still made too many mistakes. Everything has to come together for perfection."

The only improvement that Germany could make would be to get off to a better start in the first 15 minutes of the match. The Germans looked slow at the outset, but soon came to life and the goals started pouring in.

In addition to Prinz and Smisek, midfielder Melanie Behringer played a strong match, scoring a goal and setting up a few others with dangerous crosses from the wing. Renate Lingor has established herself as one of the best midfielders in the world, and while she managed to score one goal, she was not called upon to produce a stellar effort.

The Germans promise to be tested a bit more on Friday, with England boasting star midfielder Kelly Smith, who scored two goals in three minutes in the second half against Japan.

With her team trailing 1-0 and 10 minutes to play, Smith put England on her back and in the blink of an eye, had her team ahead. It will take quite an effort from Smith to give England a chance in this game, but she will be helped by improved finishing from players like Eniola Aluko and Rachel Yankey.

England would be wise to try and test a German defense that was not forced to answer many questions in its opening match. The biggest of which is whether or not goalie Nadine Angerer is able to replace longtime starter Silke Rottenberg.

Angerer proved herself to be a quality keeper in qualifying, but how she will handle the pressure of such a big stage remains to be seen.

There is plenty of talent on this England team, with defenders Alex Scott and Faye White as well as midfielders Fara Williams and Karen Carney. However, it will take quite an effort for this team to topple the mighty Germans, who have too much talent offensively to be tripped up at this point in the competition.

Germany should handle England and move one step closer to a spot in the quarterfinals, and maybe by then any remaining questions will be answered.

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Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value

If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture.  Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).

For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot.  The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.

TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the  drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.

"While 'Babel' lost several guild awards to 'Sunshine' and 'Departed,'  it still enjoys loyal support, and historically Oscar voters favor dramas with social messages over comedies like 'Sunshine' and violent crime movies like 'Departed'."

"It hasn't done well in the guilds, which means there isn't much industry support," said Tom O'Neil of awards site TheEnvelope.com, "But several critics are expecting it to win, and that gets my attention." Babel had 7 to 2 odds at press time.

Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash.  Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win. 

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El Duque expected to throw Tuesday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday.

Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine.

El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.

MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds. 

Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.

New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele.

Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.''

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