World Cup 2006 - Betting, Odds, News and More.
Looking for some of the more informative World Cup coverage for 2006? You came to the right place. Below we will be adding numerous articles about the 2006 World Cup as well as World Cup Soccer betting information.
Here are just some of the topics we will be covering.
World Cup Betting
World Cup Predictions
World Cup odds
U.S. Soccer Still Searching For Leader
by Trevor Whenham - 01/11/2007
The World Cup has been over for six months now and, from the American perspective, the picture hasn't got any better. It was still a performance that was awful to the point of embarrassment. There has been lots of soul searching on all fronts about what happened and why. Everyone seems to have different answers about what went wrong and what to do about it, but there is one belief that seems to be universal - it was all coach Bruce Arena's fault.
Read more about U.S. Soccer Coach.
Sportsbooks: World Cup Handle Exceeded All Expectations
by Jeremy Martin - 07/14/2006
If there is one negative about the business that sportsbooks did for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, it would have to be that they will have to wait four more years for another chance to rake in big soccer money. The next World Cup will take place in 2010 in South Africa.
Read more about World Cup Handle.
World Cup Final Props Advice
by Celso Chamochumbi - 07/07/2006
At the historic Olympic Stadium in Berlin, this Sunday, Italy and France look to produce a memorable match to close what has been an otherwise unspectacular World Cup.
Read more about World Cup Final Props.
World Cup Finals Preview
by Trevor Whenham - 07/06/2006
The match-up for the World Cup finals is a lot of things - historic, unexpected and unpredictable. It would have been difficult to find two teams that would be more evenly matched, that have an advantage to make up for every deficiency they may have, and that would create a contest that is more wide open than this one. Italy has been consistently solid throughout the tournament, beating teams without overwhelming them.
Read more about World Cup Finals Preview.
World Cup Quarter-Finals Preview for Saturday
by Celso Chamochumbi - 06/30/2006
We've heard it all along and we've said it all along: World Cup soccer is about the favorites. Well, now the favorites collide. And now, just maybe, finding an underdog will no longer be hapless endeavor.
Read more about World Cup Quarter-Finals.
19 Things We Learned From Round of 16
by Trevor Whenham - 06/28/2006
We're down to the last few games of the World Cup. When you're making your picks for the quarter-finals and beyond there often isn't much to separate the teams. The decisions, then, often come down to the small little things you noticed about the teams that are advancing that put them ahead or behind their next opponents. With that in mind, here are 19 things I learned about the quarterfinalists in the round of 16:
Read more about Round of 16.
World Cup Quarter-Finals Preview for Friday
by Celso Chamochumbi - 06/28/2006
Down to eight teams, the possibilities for World Cup 2006 abound. Soccer rivalries supersede political or historical antagonisms as the sporting world ponders whether there can be an all-European semi-finals, or even a South American final?
Read more about World Cup Quarter-Finals Preview.
Italians Have The Skill To Beat Brazil
by Jim Riggio - 06/28/2006
Although no one is mentioning this pairing as a possible World Cup final, I believe it will be Brazil and Italy playing for the Cup on July 9.
Read more about Italy Brazil Final.
World Cup: A Look Back, Forward
by Jordan Adams - 06/24/2006
"Beauty is a joy forever" and this year's World Cup has been a brilliant display of passion, commitment and true excellence in this sport at its highest levels.
Read more about Group Play Recap.
World Cup Digest - Friday, June 23
by Trevor Whenham - 06/23/2006
By Tuesday, six of the eight second round matches will be in the books. They should be spectacular. Keep in mind that moneyline betting only runs to the end of regulation and ignores extra time and shootouts, so draws are possible in betting, even though they can't happen in the games. Here's a look:
Read more about World Cup Digest 11.
World Cup Digest - Thursday, June 22
by Trevor Whenham - 06/22/2006
Zinedine Zidane is out of action after receiving two yellow cards so he could have played his last game for France. Whether they will advance is anyone's guess, but they should finally figure out a way to score and win this game fairly easily. However, that they have struggled so much offensively makes the -600 price a bit scary, though.
Read more about World Cup Digest 10.
World Cup Previews for Groups G and H
by Celso Chamochumbi - 06/22/2006
By and large, the games from groups G and H have been an afterthought during the first round due to the fairly unbalanced composition of the groups. Of the eight teams, only Spain has emerged within discussions of the squads capable of having a lasting impact on the tournament. Even that possibility, however, is severely mitigated by the fact that Spain could face Brazil in the quarter-final round.
Read more about Group G and H Preview.
World Cup Digest - Wednesday, June 21
by Trevor Whenham - 06/21/2006
It's a nice day for value tomorrow as Argentina at even is the only team without a positive value line. As long as ties are minimized you could have a great day:
Read more about World Cup Digest 9.
World Cup Previews for Groups C and D
by Celso Chamochumbi - 06/20/2006
The last round of group play concludes this week. Some teams have already secured their pass to the round of 16. Others will be hoping to parlay one final magical performance with the outcome from another match, thus working themselves into the elimination phase of the tournament.
Read more about Group C and D Preview.
World Cup Digest - Tuesday, June 20
by Trevor Whenham - 06/20/2006
It's a nice day for value tomorrow as Argentina at even is the only team without a positive value line. As long as ties are minimized you could have a great day:
Read more about World Cup Digest 8.
World Cup Digest - Monday, June 19
by Trevor Whenham - 06/19/2006
History doesn't give us much help in picking the games involving those teams that have already earned advancement. In the last two World Cups, seven teams have clinched after two games. Those teams have gone 3-3-1 in their third games. Eliminated teams provide more consistency - posting a 2-6-4 mark in the 12 games played by teams already dumped from contention.
Read more about World Cup Digest 7.
Are the Red, White, and Blue Through?
by Celso Chamochumbi - 06/16/2006
One has to ask what it means that the US will be playing with their World Cup lives at stake. One should question whether the butt-kicking from the opening game was simply a bad game, as the ESPN commentators suggested, or a symptom of deeper problems with the American side.
Read more about USA vs. Italy.
World Cup Digest - Friday, June 16
by Trevor Whenham - 06/16/2006
Argentina was supposed to win, but they weren't supposed to rob Serbia of the will to live. Phenom Lionel Messi finally saw some playing time and showed that he is worth the hype. He only came in at the 73-minute mark, but managed to score a goal and set up two others in his first twenty minutes of World Cup experience. Any team that is deep enough to have a player that good on the bench is one to watch.
Read more about World Cup Digest 6.
World Cup Digest - Thursday, June 15
by Trevor Whenham - 06/14/2006
If you said you expected Ecuador to clinch a berth in the second round after two games, I would call you a liar. They're pulling it off in a big way, though. After upsetting Poland they cruised past Costa Rica. They have scored more than many teams, they haven't allowed any goals and they have shown an incredible ability to pass and to take control of a team. In the second round they will be a treat for bettors - a live underdog on a roll.
Read more about World Cup Digest 5.
2006 World Cup: Start of Something Special
by Jordan Adams - 06/14/2006
We're not even halfway through group play and the World Cup is just getting into its grove. Some teams have impressed, while others have depressed. There have been a boatload of spectacular goals that will only continue to pile up, and we have to understand that a lot of the anticipated group play match-ups are still to come.
Read more about World Cup: Something Special.
World Cup Recap - Groups A-D
by Celso Castilho - 06/15/2006
Midway through the first week of play, the World Cup has for the most part gone according to expectations. What follows are some statistical benchmarks and general observations:
Read more about World Cup Recap.
World Cup Digest - Monday, June 12
by Trevor Whenham - 06/12/2006
What can you say about that 3-0 loss against the Czech Republic? It was an absolute American disaster. The offense, with just one striker on the field, was non-existent; the defense had more holes than 200 golf courses; the team refused to use anything but the middle of the field; and they showed little energy. Even the most optimistic fan would struggle to find a bright spot for the performance. Unless they find a way to right the ship quickly the Americans don't stand a chance against Italy.
Read more about World Cup Digest 2.
World Cup Digest - Opening Weekend Recap
by Trevor Whenham - 06/11/2006
Here's a stat that would be unbelievable if it weren't true - 82% of teams that advance out of the first round in the World Cup won their first game. In the last two World Cups, only Turkey in 2002 rebounded from an early loss to move on. That's bad news for fans of upset victim Poland and the disappointing Swedes, who were shocked by a Trinidad and Tobago team that shouldn't have been able to stay on the pitch with them.
Read more about World Cup Digest.
World Cup Digest - Wednesday, June 14
by Trevor Whenham - 06/14/2006
German fans had visions of their home team sweeping to World Cup glory before the tournament started. That may still happen, but the road hasn't been as smooth as many would have hoped. They played reasonably well against Poland, and never looked to be out of control, but the score was much closer than it should have been.
Read more about World Cup Digest 4.
World Cup Digest - Tuesday, June 13
by Trevor Whenham - 06/13/2006
I'm not saying I'm an elite athlete or anything, but Ronaldo is huge. At the last World Cup he was the scariest player on the pitch. Now he looks like he has been entering more eating contests than soccer matches. He has a John Goodman-esque gut and he's in relatively awful shape. He looked lethargic and out of place when he played, and left the game in favor of Robinho, who was a major upgrade. It's hard to put a superstar on the bench but Ronaldo may need to sit down. Or quit eating.
Read more about World Cup Digest 3.
World Cup 2006: Opening Match Total
by Celso Chamochumbi - 06/06/2006
The frenzy surrounding the World Cup is overwhelming. The latest scrimmage results, practice developments and even team rules regarding sex have been under a global microscope for the past month.
Read more about Germamy/Costa Rica Total.
Will Time Differential Cause U.S. World Cup Bettor Apathy?
by Robert Ferringo - 06/06/2006
The United States men's soccer team is moving up in the world. I'm not talking about its appearance on multiple magazine covers currently peppering airport newsstands and bathrooms across the nation. I'm referring to its triumphs over the STIHL Timbersports Series and World's Strongest Man reruns - staples of afternoon programming on the Worldwide Leader in Sports - in the journey into the Hearts and Minds of the American Public.
Read more about World Cup Time Zone.
World Cup Props Picks
by Jordan Adams - 06/05/2006
The 2006 World Cup starts this Friday. If betting on individual match-ups is still too mundane for you, have a look at the wide array of World Cup props that will have you glued to your television set following these interesting angles of the tournament.
Read more about Props Picks.
Bitter World Cup Rivalries
by Robert Ferringo - 06/05/2006
On the United States Sports Scene we think we know a little something about rivalries. Yankees-Red Sox. Duke-North Carolina. Michigan-Ohio State. These conflicts may be regional scuffles, but they define their respective sports and are ingrained in our national psyche as the personification of animosity. Fans of the opposition are constantly bickering, and there's always the risk of a heated shouting match or some chest bumping when supporters cross paths.
Read more about World Cup Rivalries.
World Cup: Five Top Matches in the First Round
by Robert Ferringo - 06/05/2006
Just four short sunsets lie between us and the beginning of the World Cup in Germany. Here's a quick look at the five must-see match-ups in group play:
Read more about World Cup Five Top Matches.
World Cup - Finding Value in the Middle of the Pack
by Trevor Whenham - 06/02/2006
As I see it, the World Cup field of 32 teams breaks into three groups when it comes to picking a winner. There are 11 teams at odds of 36-1 or lower. That's the group that the winner will most likely to come from. The bottom 11 teams, starting with Ghana and South Korea at 190-1 and going up from there, would need a bit of a miracle to hoist the trophy when it's all over. It's that middle group of 10 teams, however, that offers both a challenge and an opportunity.
Read more about Middle of the Pack.
Betting the Draw for the World Cup
by Trevor Whenham - 06/02/2006
If you're a North American sports fan, you probably think that the draw is a ridiculous concept. Leaving a game without a winner defeats the purpose of playing the game. Thankfully, they almost never happen here. They're rare in football, impossible in basketball and now in hockey and, except for in the all-star game, they can't happen in baseball, either.
Read more about Betting the Draw.
World Cup Props at Bodog Offer Plenty of Betting Options
by Trevor Whenham - 06/02/2006
If you can't get enough action on the world's biggest soccer tournament to keep you happy just from betting on the winner of each game and who you think will win the groups and the title, then what you need are World Cup props. By the time the tournament really gets rolling you will be able to lay prop bets on almost anything you can imagine, and a lot of things you could never think of. For now, though, Bodog offers several categories of interesting props that can help us find extra value for the teams we like. Here's a look:
Read more about World Cup Props.
World Cup Spreads, Group Exactas Now Available from Pinnacle
by Jordan Adams - 06/02/2006
Germany kicks off the 2006 FIFA World Cup in less than a week. If you have been scrambling to find a sportsbook that offers something new with this event, then Pinnacle might be your selection. This book has the props you have already seen, such as picking the World Cup winner, individual group winners and top goal scorer. However, Pinnacle also offers two rare options that are not accessible from some of the other major sportsbooks.
Read more about World Cup Spreads.
World Cup Favorite Cursed?
by Trevor Whenham - 05/31/2006
Brazil is the overwhelming favorite to win the World Cup. Initially installed at 5/2 to win it all at Bodog, they are already down to 11/5, and could quite likely fall even further before the first ball is kicked in Germany. Though some may balk at the low price, they are unquestionably the best team in the field.
Read more about Brazil Report.
World Cup Shop Window - Players Looking For the Big Bucks
by Daryl Grove - 05/31/2006
While their focus will be on helping their teams, some players will be using the world's biggest stage as the world's biggest shop window this summer, looking to impress potential buyers with their World Cup exploits. Some are famous names looking for a final payday, others are tomorrow's superstars looking to attract a big-name club.
Read more about World Cup Shop Window.
Is the USA Ready for the World Cup?
by Trevor Whenham - 05/31/2006
Tomorrow, Team USA will be heading to Germany to toil in the tough Group E. They carry heavy expectations, having made the quarterfinals in 2002 and heading to the World Cup ranked 5th in the FIFA World Rankings. Unfortunately, almost no one who isn't on the roster would consider that ranking to be an accurate representation of the team's chances at the tournament.
Read more about USA at the World Cup.
African Nations Look To Impress In Germany As They Host Next World Cup
by Jordan Adams - 05/31/2006
Football fans across the globe anticipate the day when an African nation will contend for and win the FIFA World Cup. With so much attention given to the perennial powers in South America and Europe, not much is ever expected of these smaller African nations come tournament time.
Read more about African Nations at World Cup.
African Nations Look To Impress In Germany As They Host Next World Cup
by Jordan Adams - 05/31/2006
Football fans across the globe anticipate the day when an African nation will contend for and win the FIFA World Cup. With so much attention given to the perennial powers in South America and Europe, not much is ever expected of these smaller African nations come tournament time.
Read more about African Nations at World Cup.
Argentines Head to Germany in Search of Respect They Deserve
by Jordan Adams - 05/25/2006
The team was ranked ninth in May's FIFA World Rankings, has been seeded seventh in the 2006 World Cup and was also given the third best odds at 9/1 to win gold in Germany, but why is no one speaking highly of Argentina? Well, maybe because they come from the same qualifying region as the best football nation in the world: Brazil.
Read more about Argentina Ignored.
World Cup Futures - An Array of Match-up Possibilities
by Jordan Adams - 05/24/2006
By now you know Brazil is the favorite to win Germany's 2006 World Cup. You may also be aware of the depth of teams that can be extremely competitive and vie for FIFA gold. With that information intact, you can now place World Cup futures bets for several new props at Bodog: Which group will produce the winner of the World Cup and which teams will meet in the Final?
Read more about World Cup Futures.
Softly Spoken Brazilian Striker Awaits Coming Out Party in Germany
by Jordan Adams - 05/24/2006
Ronaldo is a three-time FIFA World Player of the Year and a double FIFA World Cup winner. Ronaldinho has twice won the FIFA World Player of the Year along with being named European Player of the year in 2005. While these infamous strikers are the faces of the Seleao, it is another Brazilian phenomenon labeled 'Imperatore' (the Emperor) that will confirm his world-class standing and continue the success of South America's top football nation this summer in Germany.
Read more about Brazil Adriano.
Some Teams Made Too Many Mistakes in World Cup Player Selections
by Jim Riggio - 05/24/2006
It is never easy for a coach pick 23 players to bring to a World Cup - especially the top teams with a deep talent pool. Teams like Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France, Spain, England, Germany and the Netherlands always leave off some outstanding players. But there are some players that are usually a Must Have, and I have been surprised that some of those with that label will not be in Germany.
Read more about World Cup Player Selections.
2006 World Cup TV Schedule
by Doc's Sports
Matches will take place for a full month leading up to the World Cup Final July 9 in Berlin. While only time will tell if this year's summer spectacle will live up to past FIFA tournaments, the 2006 World Cup will be like no other for fans viewing around the world. Doc's Sports has put together a 2006 World Cup TV schedule as a guide for viewers in the USA.
Read more about 2006 World Cup TV Schedule.
Italian Soccer in Disarray
by Trevor Whenham - 05/18/2006
Every time that you look at baseball and think that the steroid problems, the contract squabbles and everything else that has plagued the game for the last ten years is bad, you just have to look at Italian soccer and you will feel a whole lot better. Italy's top domestic league, Serie A, has been rocked by a wave of scandals, each of which is more unbelievable than the one before it.
Read more about Italian Soccer Problems.
Germany Using Home Advantage to Reinvent Itself
by Michael Phillips - 05/16/2006
"When you came out of the tunnel, the first thing that hit you was the change from darkness to light, and then, a second later, it was the noise. It was like a solid wall, and it either terrified you, or it made you feel eight feet tall. God knows what it did to the other team" This is former England player Jack Charlton, talking about playing for his country at Wembley, the ground where his team won their one and only World Cup.
Read more about Germany Home Field Advantage at the 2006 World Cup.
England Brings Romper Room To World Cup 2006
by Michael Phillips - 05/16/2006
Leonil? Messi. Ryan Babel. Philipe Senderos. Doc's Sports has a comprehensive list of mercurial talents to look out for at this summer's World Cup. But there is one massive omission. It's not the fault of the writer, Jordan Adams, who produced a comprehensive list; how could he have known, when the entire British press pack was caught unaware by the inclusion of a 17-year old striker who has never played Premier League football?
Read more about England at the 2006 World Cup.
2006 UEFA Champions League Final Sets Stage For World Cup
by Robert Ferringo - 05/16/2006
The World Cup has earned its billing as the Ultimate Global Competition. It is the athletic manifestation of passion that is produced by nationalism within countries and cultures everywhere. The winner not only brings home a little gold trophy, but earns one of the most powerful prizes on the planet: Pride.
Read more about 2006 UEFA Champions League Final.
First Round Match-Ups - Wagering on the World Cup
by Trevor Whenham - 05/16/2006
The odds have been released for the first game for all 32 teams at the World Cup. For the gambler interested in wagering on the World Cup, there is a little bit of everything available, from one-sided potential blowouts, to evenly matched games. Here's a look at some of the betting highlights of the first set of games:
Read more about Wagering on the World Cup.
U.S. Announces World Cup Roster for Germany
by Robert Ferringo - 05/05/2006
I remember back in fifth grade when I got to represent my school in the city spelling bee. To me that was the Pinnacle. And at the time I honestly didn't think that there could be any greater honor than that.
Read more about US World Cup Roster.
Injuries Hurt World Cup Plans
by Trevor Whenham - 05/02/2006
Qualifying for the World Cup is just the beginning for a team. It still has to play the games. To do that well, a team needs its best players playing at their best. History is riddled with teams in all sports that lose a key player and crumble (Bengals, anyone?). Several teams are facing some injury problems that threaten to derail their World Cup dreams. There are still almost six weeks until the World Cup starts, so some injuries will heal, but not before the country's citizens lose a little sleep.
Read more about World Cup Injuries.
World Cup Totals Betting
by Celso Chamochumbi - 4/24/2006
The betting tendencies for soccer are similar enough to those that characterize other major sports.
Read more about World Cup Totals Betting.
World Cup: Seeded Teams Have Easiest Road To Final
by Murad Ahmed - 4/20/2006
Eight teams were seeded by FIFA in the World Cup draw; Brazil because they were reigning champions, Germany as they are hosts, and the rest through a combination of their FIFA world rankings and their performance in the last few World Cups.
Read more about Seeded Teams.
Key World Cup Players Propel Top Teams To Greatness
by Murad Ahmed - 04/19/2006
Every team has a star, a leader or a key player that is pivotal to its success or failure. If a side doesn't have one, it means they're not good enough to win anything - much less even be at the World Cup. All the favorites for this year's World Cup have a key player - but with domestic seasons coming to an end, an update on the form, fitness and quality of these players is required before you put your bucks on the team that they lead.
Read more about Key World Cup Players.
Soccer's Bizarre Coaching Carousel
by Trevor Whenham - 04/18/2006
Guus Hiddink is the coach that led the Netherlands to a fourth place finish in the 1998 World Cup. That result was expected from the strong Dutch side. What wasn't expected was that Hiddink led the upstart South Korean team to the same finish four years later. That result was the kind of thing that creates coaching legends.
Read more about Coaching Carousel.
Youth Movement: The World Cup's Best Footballers, 21 and Under
by Jordan Adams - 04/17/2006
For one month this summer, the 2006 World Cup will be the playpen for the world's best soccer players aged 21 and under. Beginning June 9 we will witness a changing of the guard in the world's most popular sport.
Read more about Youth Movement.
England Fields One of The Strongest Teams In Germany
by Murad Ahmed - 04/15/2006
A glance at the England's team sheet should be intimidating for everyone other than the very best teams attending this summer's World Cup finals. It is a team stacked with world-class performers. In defense, John Terry of Chelsea is a colossus.
Read more about England at World Cup in Germany.
FIFA Rules and Regulations
by Jordan Adams - 04/13/2006
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) first ratified the official rules of soccer, entitled "Laws of the Game," when it was founded in 1886. These original laws have only changed slightly over the years, in accordance with specific evolution and demands of the sport. The purpose of the laws is to be applicable in the same way at any level from World Cup final to a local game with your friends at a park.
Read more about FIFA Rules and Regulations.
2006 World Cup Stadiums
by Jordan Adams - 04/13/2006
The matches for the 2006 World Cup will be played at 12 venues in Germany. Berlin, Dortmund, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Hanover, Kaiserslautern, Cologne, Leipzig, Munich, Nuremberg and Stuttgart are the host cities and their selected 2006 World Cup stadiums will be used throughout the summer to host this worldly affair.
Read more about 2006 World Cup Stadiums.
World Cup Failures: Which Big Name Teams Could Go Home Early?
by Daryl Grove - 04/10/2006
The great thing about the World Cup is its unpredictability. France entered the 2002 tournament as World and European champions. Strongly fancied to put in another strong performance, they crashed out at the group stage, failing to record a victory and finishing bottom of Group A. More than likely, at least one high profile team will be going home earlier than expected this year.
Read more about World Cup Failures.
World Cup Favorites Not Always Best Bet
by Murad Ahmed - 04/10/2006
Brazil is such an overwhelming favorite for the World Cup you would think the team already have its name inscribed on the trophy for the 2006 World Cup. But a look at the history of past World Cup favorites for the World Cup shows that it rarely works out that way.
Read more about World Cup Favorites.
World Cup Lines -- How They Are Set And Why They Move
by Jordan Adams - 04/10/2006
June's 2006 World Cup will be the 18th world tournament to proclaim soccer's best nation, its inaugural event taking place in 1930. Held in Germany, this year's World Cup is generating a great deal of hype and could go down as one of the most anticipated tournaments in quite some time. The buildup comes not just from soccer fans excited to watch their respective nation in action, but the betting world has also opened its eyes to soccer and this is the creme de la creme of the sport.
Read more about World Cup lines.
African Nations Face Uphill Battle At 2006 World Cup
by Murad Ahmed - 03/31/2006
Africa's heavyweight soccer nations have had a fantastic run up to this year's World Cup. The continent's top teams were involved in the African Nations Cup this January - Africa's premier tournament. The competition's host country, Egypt, stormed to victory, winning the tournament for a record fifth time. Cameroon looked scintillating on their way to the semi-finals.
Read more about African Nations at 2006 World Cup.
2006 World Cup Long Shots: Worth A Futures Wager?
by Trevor Whenham - 03/30/2006
Leading up to this summer's 2006 World Cup in Germany, all you will hear is what a 'lock' Brazil is to win the tournament. That may or may not be true, but if you are like me you probably don't like getting only 5/2 for a team to win a tournament involving 32 teams, no matter how good they are. With a favorite as strong as Brazil there will be teams in the bottom half of the field in terms of odds that will offer big enough prices to make them attractive. Live World Cup long shots, in other words. Here are five that might be worth a look. All odds are from Bodog.
Read more about 2006 World Cup Long Shots.
Ten Most Memorable World Cup Goals
by Michael Phillips - 03/30/2006
Lists like this run the risk of becoming boring, with the same goals cropping up again and again. Often, the goals featured are all modern, because of the increased television coverage of the World Cup in recent years. So rather than just picking the 'best', we've decided on the most memorable; goals of quality, sure, but also goals that stick in the mind because of their timing or their wider effect. So, in reverse order:
Read more about World Cup Most Memorable Goals.
Sportsbooks Anticipate Increased Handle for 2006 World Cup
by Jordan Adams - 03/29/2006
With the 2006 FIFA World Cup only a couple of months away, sportsbooks everywhere have begun to gear up for soccer's most prestigious event. This summer's tournament will give bettors the opportunity to wager on a sporting event only available once every four years.
Read more about Sportsbooks World Cup Handle.
2006 World Cup Predictions
by Celso Chamochumbi - 03/29/2006
Predictably, the list of teams favored to win the 2006 World Cup in Germany rings very familiar to soccer fans globally. Even though surprise teams such as Belgium (1986), Sweden and Bulgaria (1994), Croatia (1998) and Turkey and Senegal (2002) have played their way into the semi-finals of recent World Cups, the fraternity of World Cup champions has only welcomed one new member (France, 1998) in the last 24 years.
Read more about 2006 World Cup Predictions.
2006 World Cup Games To Watch
by Trevor Whenham - 03/24/2006
The closer the World Cup gets, the more excited I get. Every second of it will be great to watch with the emotion and the upsets, the heroes and the villains. Looking over the schedule, however, there are six first round games that jump out at me as ones I absolutely can't miss. If you aren't a huge fan and want to make sure that any games you watch are great, choose from this group. You won't be disappointed. Here then, in order of their occurrence, is my list of 2006 World Cup games to watch.
Read more about 2006 World Cup Games.
World Cup 2006: Most Underrated Players
by Jim Riggio - 03/21/2006
The following is a list of some players that are underrated heading into the 2006 World Cup in Germany. I think that these players could have a major impact on the outcome of the tournament. Some of these players are known by many soccer fans, but they are players I feel are not given enough credit for what they have done on the field.
Read more about Most Underrated Players.
FIFA Rankings: Are They Flawed?
by Trevor Whenham - 03/17/06
If you're a fan of American sports there is a pretty good chance you have cursed the BCS at some time, complaining that the wrong team got in and the right team didn't. You've probably laughed at a system that overcompensates for teams with history like Notre Dame and punishes teams like Utah that play in a weak conference.
Read more about FIFA Rankings.
Dutch Looking To Shed 'Underachiever' Label
by Michael Phillips - 03/17/06
If sporting cliché is to be believed, second place is the first loser; as Jamie Foxx's character in Any Given Sunday asks: 'Can you remember who came second in the 100 yard dash at the Olympics?'
Read more about Dutch Underachievers.
Notable Absentees from the 2006 World Cup
by Eric McGrath - 03/17/06
The World Cup is only months away now, and for the 32 countries taking part, the excitement and the tension can only build to even greater heights before the start of their first game. However, there are some teams out there who will be able to do nothing but turn the TV on, sit back, and relax while another team of players fulfills THEIR dreams on the world stage.
Read more about Teams that missed the 2006 World Cup.
2006 World Cup Group D Preview
by Timmy Espozito
Group D doesn't figure, at least on paper, to provide nearly the drama of Group C. Mexico and Portugal are solid teams paired up against two outsiders - Angola and Iran. The odds give Portugal and Mexico a big gap to finish ahead of their other two competitors. Portugal is at 10/11 to finish atop Group D, Mexico is at 8/5, then Angola is far back at 16/1 and Iran further back at 20/1.
Read more about World Cup Group D.
2006 World Cup Group C Preview
by Timmy Espozito
Group C stands out as the "group of death" in this World Cup. Argentina and the Netherlands are two giants of World Cup history and it would be a shock for either to miss out on the knockout rounds. At 13/2 odds to win the cup, Argentina is as powerful as ever, while The Netherlands, at 12/1 odds, complete the most highly-ranked twosome to face off in an opening group.
Read more about World Cup Group C.
Switzerland World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Joseph Mattern
A couple of decades ago, most sports fans in the USA barely knew what soccer was, let alone where and when the World Cup was held. Football meant the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants. Ever since the USA's appearance at the 1994 World Cup, however, interest in soccer throughout the USA has grown exponentially.
Read more about Switzerland World Cup 2006.
2006 World Cup Group B Preview
by Timmy Espozito
As Germany is in Group A, England is the celebrity team of Group B. As the birthplace of soccer, every World Cup brings talk of 'football coming home' with an English championship. It happened in 1966, when the finals were on England's home turf. But ever since, the Three Lions have had to endure frustration and agonizing heartbreak.
Read more about 2006 World Cup Group B.
2006 World Cup Group A Preview
by Timmy Espozito
Group A is Germany's group to win or lose. As host nation of the World Cup, every move Germay makes will be magnified. Expectations will be huge to reach the final and to win, exactly as it happened the last time it hosted the World Cup in 1974. Back then, of course they were a divided country, as it was West Germany that won both in 1974 and again in 1990 - a sentimental title won the summer after the Berlin Wall fell.
Read more about 2006 World Cup Group A.
Croatia World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Trevor Whenham
Let's make this clear from the very beginning - Croatia is playing for second place in its group. There is no such thing as a sure thing in sporting events, but Brazil is the closest thing to a lock to win the group as you can have.
Read more about Croatia World Cup 2006.
Korea Republic World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Joseph Mattern
Korea Republic, or South Korea, hopes to continue in Germany where it left off in the 2002 World Cup. As Asia's most successful team, they had an incredible run in 2002 as the host squad, reaching the semifinals with wins over Spain and Italy before losing to Germany. In a group with only one big favorite, anything is possible.
Read more about Korea Republic World Cup 2006.
Togo World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Joseph Mattern
Togo finished first in Africa to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, two points ahead of African favorite Senegal, with a 7-2-1 record. This is the team's first World Cup appearance ever.
Read more about Togo World Cup 2006.
Ghana World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Christopher Shepard
The Ghana Black Stars will play in the World Cup for the first time in more than forty years. In their history of international soccer, Ghana has never qualified for a World Cup finals, but Ghana has won the prestigious African Cup of Nations four times and won the under 17-Champions twice. The Black Stars are four times CAF/African Cup of Nations Champions but have not won a significant title since 1987.
Read more about Ghana World Cup 2006.
Iran World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Christopher Stout
At every World Cup, there is one team that comes out of nowhere to make a major impact. The other teams in Group D (Portugal, Mexico, and Angola) need to be aware of an emerging menace on the international scene. Put simply, Iran poses a threat to the entire world, and the rapid development of its soccer program demands immediate investigation.
Read more about Iran World Cup 2006.
Portugal World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Christopher Stout
Portugal has simply glided into the tournament. The No. 10-ranked team in the world won nine of their 12 qualifying matches. Portugal scored more goals than any other European team. They dominated the light competition of Group Three, a group that included Slovakia and Russia.
Read more about Portugal World Cup 2006.
Mexico World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Christopher Stout
Mexico is an experienced team looking to make a statement in Germany. With 12 World Cup appearances under their belt, including three consecutive qualifications in which the team advanced past the group stage, Mexico is a team out to earn respect.
Read more about Mexico World Cup 2006.
Angola World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Christopher Stout
On Oct. 8, 2005, 11 million Angolans celebrated the unthinkable. After beating Rwanda 1-0, Angola's qualifying campaign was over, and the African nation found itself level on points with Nigeria for the lead in Group Four. During the 10 rounds of qualification, Angola beat Nigeria 1-0 at home, and an away match against Nigeria ended in a draw.
Read more about Angola World Cup 2006.
USA World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Christopher Shepard
A couple of decades ago, most sports fans in the USA barely knew what soccer was, let alone where and when the World Cup was held. Football meant the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants. Ever since the USA's appearance at the 1994 World Cup, however, interest in soccer throughout the USA has grown exponentially.
Read more about USA World Cup 2006.
Czech Republic World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Christopher Shepard
For only the first time since the Cold War ended, the Czechs will play for the FIFA World Cup finals under their country's new name, Czech Republic. As Czechoslovakia, this team had qualified for World Cup eight times and reached the Finals in 1934, losing to Italy in extra time, and in 1962. However, it has been more than 16 years since the Czechs last qualified for the World Cup tournament.
Read more about Czech Republic World Cup 2006.
Brazil World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Celso Chamochumbi
The sense permeating the soccer world that Brazil is poised to win another World Cup championship is eerily familiar to fans of the verde e amarelo. A perennial favorite to win just about every international soccer competition, the Brazilian side struts into Germany confident and pretty much assured of a pass to at least the quarterfinals.
Read more about Brazil World Cup 2006.
Ecuador World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Greg Melikov
Ecuador coach Luis Fernando Suarez was unable to hide his delight after viewing the World Cup Trophy in Quito during its stop on the FIFA tour.
Read more about Ecuador World Cup 2006.
Italy World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Christopher Shepard
The Italian's are one of the most successful teams in the World Cup; the Azzurri have made the finals 16 times and won the tournament three times. It has been more than a quarter of a century since Italy hoisted the trophy while Italy won their two other titles in the 1930s in what is considered the World Cup's Stone Age. Needless to say, there is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately attitude when it comes to World Cup play and Italy certainly seems to have had the fates against them.
Read more about Italy World Cup 2006.
Costa Rica World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Greg Melikov
Costa Rica didn't have an easy time qualifying for the 2006 World Cup despite being heavily favored.
Read more about Costa Rica World Cup 2006.
Tunisia World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Trevor Whenham
Tunisia's World Cup career started with a bang. The team upset a strong Mexican squad 3-1 in its first ever game at the 1978 World Cup. That was the first time that an African team had ever won a World Cup game.
Read more about Tunisia World Cup 2006.
Saudi Arabia World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Trevor Whenham
If Saudi Arabia were able to escape the first round, heads would certainly be turned. The team comes into the tournament facing a huge uphill battle. Few people give it any chance at all. It isn't a completely inexperienced team, however. It is playing in its fourth consecutive World Cup. In its first appearance in 1994, it was among the biggest surprises, beating Morocco and Belgium before losing in the second round to Sweden.
Read more about Saudi Arabia World Cup 2006.
Ukraine World Cup 2006 Team Information/Outlook Page
by Trevor Whenham
Ukraine is making its first appearance in the World Cup, 14 years after gaining independence when the USSR dissolved. At that time the team essentially had to start from scratch, since many of the best Ukrainian players who had played internationally for the USSR chose to play for Russia after the break up.
Read more about Ukraine World Cup 2006.
World Cup Top 10 Most Overrated Players
by Jim Riggio - 03/07/2006
The folowing is a list of the most overrated players heading into World Cup 2006:
Read more about Most Overrated Players.
Betting On The World Cup Scoring Crown
by Jim Riggio - 03/06/2006
Many times judging the World Cup can be difficult. There are always certain teams that are favored over others, but many factors can occur before the first whistle is blown in Germany this summer. Often times, betting on the World Cup scoring crown can be just as difficult as picking the winner of the tournament, but a little research can make this task much more manageable. The following will give you some tips on betting the scoring crown, also known as the Golden Boot, at the 2006 World Cup.
Read more about Betting On The World Cup Scoring Crown.
2006 World Cup Group E Preview
by Trevor Whenham
If Group C is being called the group of death for the 2006 World Cup then Group E could rightfully be called the group of serious injury. Ghana, ranked No. 50 in the world as of February, has drawn three teams in the world top 12 to play against.
Read more about 2006 World Cup Group E.
2006 World Cup Group F Preview
by Trevor Whenham
In Group F at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, there is Brazil - and then there is everyone else. Brazil is not only the unquestioned class of Group F, but it is the oddsmakers favorite to win the entire tournament.
Read more about 2006 World Cup Group F.
2006 World Cup Group G Preview
by Trevor Whenham
Group G is a mixed bag. On one side you have a team, France, which should win the group easily if it can manage to play to its potential. That has been easier said than done for les Bleus since 2000, though. On the other side you have three teams in South Korea, Switzerland and Togo that will most likely be fighting for second place, but will have to play much better than anyone expects them to if they want to make an impact in the second round and beyond.
Read more about 2006 World Cup Group G.
2006 World Cup Group H Preview
by Trevor Whenham
Unless there is an unexpected break in form, Group H may well be the least suspenseful group in the first round of the World Cup. Spain is a world class team which would surprise no one by going deep into the tournament. The Ukraine is in its first World Cup, but it is a fast-rising squad that should qualify for the second round without too much problem.
Read more about 2006 World Cup Group H.
World Cup Groups Preview - Who Will Make The World's Sweet 16?
by Timmy Espozito - 02/27/2006
Germany is a heavy favorite to plow through the opening group and secure a place in the knockout rounds. Historically, host countries have performed excellent at World Cups. The Germans are historically one of the strongest World Cup teams and they always field a squad that has the capabilities to win it all. This team may not normally dazzle as bright as Brazil, but typified by the rock-solid defense of goaltenders Oliver Kahn and Jens Lehmann -- they are always a well-organized, cohesive team that rarely makes mistakes.
Read more about World Cup Groups.
2006 FIFA World Cup Betting: Group Outcomes, Qualifiers and Continents
by Christopher Shepard - 02/20/2006
The number of straight bets and propositions available for the sports investment broker on 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany are as numerous as the thigh-priced talent at the minted Berlin brothel Artemis. We are now less than four months from the first World Cup match in Munich, Germany on Friday June 9 and from a bettor's perspective I see a few 2006 FIFA World Cup bets that I'll look to take advantage of now before the action starts and the whole world steps all over high percentage short odds.
Read more about World Cup Betting.
FIFA World Cup Trophy: Not As Golden As It Appears
by Jordan Adams - 02/13/2006
Originally known as the Jules Rimit Cup, FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) decided to commission a new trophy after the 1970 FIFA World Cup. After Brazil had won its third FIFA title in Mexico, they were permanently given the Jules Rimit Cup for being the first-ever team to win three World Cups and, therefore, a new design would be voted on for the upcoming tournament in 1974.
Read more about World Cup Trophy.
FIFA World Cup Winners
by Jordan Adams - 02/13/2006
Doc's looks at previous World Cup winners in anticipation of the 2006 World Cup in Germany:
Read more about World Cup Winners.
2006 World Cup Odds: Wie viel kostet es für eine Prostituierte?
by Christopher Shepard - 01/26/2006
As part of Group E, the United States faces feisty Italy, upstart Ghana and they'll have to play No.2 in the world Czech Republic in the first draw at Gelsenkirchen if they hope to improve upon their quarter final finish in 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Read more about 2006 World Cup Odds.
2006 FIFA World Cup Germany: The Desert Fox and the Quest for the Golden Boot
by Chris, the Impaler - 12/12/2005
The good news for FIFA World Cup Germany punters is that with the variety of offshore betting parlors you can lay your hard won cash on the 2006 Golden Boot Trophy, awarded to the top goal scorer in FIFA World Cup Germany play, the bad news is that it is one damn hard proposition to nail.
Read more about Golden Boot betting odds.
World Cup History: A Long, Eventful Trail
by Greg Melikov - 11/22/2005
Federation Internationale de Football Association's (FIFA) decision to hold the initial World Cup in Uruguay was criticized because in 1930 Europe was in the midst of an economic crisis. It didn't help that traveling to Uruguay involved a long, costly ocean journey.
Read more about World Cup History.
The U.S./Mexico Soccer Rivalry
by Celso Chamochumbi - 10/28/2005
At some point, familiarity is said to breed contempt. Just over a decade ago, the Mexican and U.S. national teams were the darlings of the soccer world as both countries surprisingly advanced beyond the first round of the 1994 World Cup. Mexico's run included an unlikely first-place finish in group play that featured Italy, Ireland, and Norway.
Read more about US-Mexico Soccer Rivalry.
World Cup: Players to Watch
by Dallas Jackson - 10/14/2005
With 24 of the 32 World Cup spots filled we are kicking off our coverage today by taking a look at some lesser-known World Cup players that you simply cannot miss. Assuming everyone already knows that Renaldo, of Brazil, and Pauleta, of Portugal, are studs; we want to point out some of the guys that will have an impact on the lesser-known teams. Outside of some hard-core soccer fans, most of these names will be obscure, but you will be hearing them in the near future.
Read more about World Cup players.
Wold Cup Soccer -- A No. 12 of Continental Proportions
by Celso Chamochumbi - 10/13/2005
In ten months, a new World Champion may be crowned. Twenty-four nations have already guaranteed themselves a trip to Germany next summer, the site of the 18th edition of the World Cup. This week, FIFA, soccer's governing body, will release the pairings for the teams still vying for the remaining eight spots. Within a couple of months, FIFA will ceremoniously announce the grouping of the 32 squads, and a month before the inaugural game, all nations will submit their final rosters.
Read more about World Cup Soccer.