in Soccer Betting Trends

USA lost 3-0 tothe Czech Republic

Whether one considers the Czech Republic as a huge upset or just a hugely upsetting experience, is neither here nor there. For the purpose of this article what matters is the question – what does this mean for the soccer betting enthusiast?

Following a crushing defeat at the hands of Czech Republic, the US set to face Italy in the second round of match-ups of Group E - the Group of Death - will be hard pressed at this point to replicate their World Cup 2002 success. Since FIFA went to a 32-team format, there has been only one team that has lost its opening game and advanced to the Round of 16 and that was Turkey in FIFA World Cup 2002, when it edged out Costa Rica on goal difference.

Hence is this the end of the road for the US? Certainly it would be no understatement to say that the odds are stacked against them. But does this mean that they do not warrant a wager?

If they had lost 1-0 that would have been bad enough, but losing 3-0 puts them in goal differential hell. Having turned in one of the worst performances in the finals, the US opening as hefty underdogs on the money line at (+761) face an almost impossible task against power house Italy, opening at (-110). With their backs against the wall they absolutely have to win not only against the Italians but also against Ghana, their next match-up, if they hope to advance to Round 16.

Of course betting on the US on the money line at (+761) would definitely be rewarding, provided that the US wins against Italy. But can they win convincingly? Frankly this seems highly unlikely when one considers not only the fact that they lost, but the way in which they lost – lifelessly, almost as if they had given up even before the first whistle blew. In addition, the public post-game dissent between team members and coach, Bruce Arena, could not have done much to improve their already shattered morale. Perhaps then it is slightly going out on a limb to believe they would play better against Italy, leaving Italy as the likely winning bet at (-110) on the money line.

While the draw bet opens at (+250), again with Italy eyeing a first place finish in this group - if not just to avoid meeting the likely winner - Brazil - of Group F in the Round of 16 you can bet they will be on the attack for most of the 90 minute match. With the Italians vying to conquer the world of soccer in true Roman fashion, playing for a draw is simply not an option for the Azzuris.

On the over/under, Italy is held over the US by two and a half points. Should the US strikers find their feet, the Over line at 2½ (+120) might be a good bet for your buck for certainly Italy’s offensive performance against Ghana promises that they will, at the very least, get on the score board. However, if the feeling is that US will continue in the same style of their opening match then the Under line at 2½ (-135) would be the way to go.

As for the Czech Republic’s next match-up against Ghana, they are set to face the shining Black Stars minus their top two strikers Jan Koller and Milan Baros. Not exactly their ideal line-up, however with, Tomas Rosicky - hero of the Czech – US game, Jaroslav Plasil, elegant playmaker Pavel Nedved, Karel Poborsky and Petr Cech guarding the goal, coach Karel Bruckner is not overly concerned.

But should the Czech Republic opening at (-185) on the money line as the clear favorites in this match-up be concerned especially considering the growing list of injured players on their squad?

At the onset of the World Cup finals, Group E was dubbed the Group of Death, not because of Ghana, but apparently because of Italy, Czech Republic and the United States. While it was largely accepted that Italy would clinch the first spot, experts were torn between tipping Czech Republic or the United States for the runner-up spot. Well, considering the US went down cowering in their opening match and Ghana is still struggling to come to terms with their 2-0 defeat by Italy, it would seem, thus far, that much of the speculation was idle flattery and the soccer domination of the old European guard would persevere.

As the World Cup progresses it is already becoming apparent that the African sides are not going to figure in a major role. To put the task at hand in perspective, Ghana ranked 48th by FIFA and opening at (+450) on the money line has to defeat Czech Republic, ranked 2nd by FIFA in order to keep its World Cup dream alive. If its opening match was a sign of things to come, then its dream will remain short-lived. The Black Stars outstanding midfield- with Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Stephen Appiah at its vanguard - ensured they had plenty of possession in that match but they were never able to convert that possession into the one thing that matters at the World Cup finals – goals for the coveted three points in victory.

Does Ghana have life left in this Group of Death? Given the tough nature of this group, (Italy still to come) the Czech Republic does not have the luxury to play for the draw that opens at (+250) on the money line and will, despite its injuries, play for the win against Ghana. Taking into consideration Czech Republics opening game and their brazen attacking front line, this game promises to be an offensive delight. No less can be expected from Ghana as the four time African Nations Cup winner will not only play to gain at least a point, but to resurrect the pride, spirit, and honor of their nation as well as the African continent.