Sports Betting, Sports News, Sports Updates, Australia

Centrebet.com.au: The more weeks that pass, the more things stay the same. This could easily be applied to describe the weekly AFL updates at Centrebet.com. St.Kilda and Geelong remain well ahead of the rest – on the ladder and in betting terms – and their clash in Round 14 is on everybody’s mind.

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The “Killer Cats” and “Divine Saints” markets at Centrebet.com focus on the chances of an undefeated season. Obviously, after Round 14, one market will be erased. Currently, Geelong is at $3.65 to complete a perfect season, while you can get $1.28 if you think it will suffer at least one defeat.

St.Kilda, meanwhile, is at $9 to go through the home-and-rounds undefeated, and $1.06 to record a defeat at some point.

In the flag market at www.centrebet.com.au, updates have Geelong listed at $1.95, while the Saints are $4.10. The white-hot Bulldogs are at $8, with Collingwood and reigning premier Hawthorn rated a $12 chance. Adelaide remains long odds at $26, despite its form-line, and that may prove good value later in the season.

In Brownlow market updates from Centrebet.com, there are a few options to ponder. Jobe Watson is at $2.65 to poll the most votes for Essendon, while you can get $3.45 for ball-magnet Leigh Montagna to do the same at St.Kilda. Hamish McIntosh is great value, at $4.50, to top the Kangaroos’ list, and Marc Murphy is $7 to lead the Carlton voting.

For all your AFL updates, visit Centrebet.com to view these updates and more in the run to the AFL finals.

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Centrebet.com.au: There is not a sport which is absent from the long-list at Centrebet.com.au. While most punters concentrate on horse racing and the AFL, Centrebet covers for fans of all sports. If you think your knowledge can win you some cash, there are countless options.

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American football, darts, elections, mixed martial arts and handball are all available. What about the World Series of Poker 2009? The card game has taken the world by storm and no longer do you have to be a poker player to gain a reward. And, judging from the latest odds, the rewards are huge.

Phil Ivey is the current favourite for the main event, at a whopping $126, while you can get $401 for Aussie Joe Hachem. While poker is now as popular as ever, it could also take over betting agencies. What have you got to lose from putting $2 on Joe Hachem? He has won big tournaments in the past and could do so again.

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If that does not take your fancy, why not try American Football? Odds for next season are available and, predictably, the New England Patriots are favourites at $7, with a number of other teams not far behind.

Betting early on Centrebet.com.au, which is courageous, and risky, can bring big rewards, as evidenced from the above data.

The upcoming Ashes series is another option. Peter Siddle, at $6, for most wickets appears to be tremendous value. His pace and accuracy may prove potent in English conditions. And he will get plenty of overs.

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Sportingbet.com.au: Gary Ablett is the best player in the competition in the best team and, deservedly, he is Brownlow favourite.

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But that does not change the fact that he should be in attendance at Geelong matches when he is injured. Ablett responded to his critics in Sunday’s herald sun, saying they were unaware of the circumstances and that football is not everything.

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It is not too much to ask, though, for him to watch the games his misses at the ground. It is a team sport. Opposition players have all said they expect their injured players to watch from the sidelines – there is no ‘I’ in ‘team’. Ablett is a selfless player on-field, but he was only out for two weeks and should have supported his teammates at the ground.

He thinks it makes no difference whether he is there or not, but that is not the point. It is simply part of playing a team sport. Why would Matthew Lloyd expect every injured Essendon player to attend matches if it doesn’t matter? Why does Matthew Richardson think the same?

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It is an intriguing argument. Ablett says he is too competitive to watch from afar. But he was only out for a fortnight, not 12 months. Football clubs run on codes of conduct, team rules, and not personal preferences.

Ablett is a wonderful footballer, a great role model, with football nous which is second to none. Next time he is injured, he may gain some satisfaction from watching his side in action.

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The Soceroos have promised to turn up the heat at ANZ stadium in their World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan next week and stamp their claim on a bid to contest a second consecutive World Cup.

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Australian Soceroos Coach Pim ver Beek has urged his players to stay abroad with their respective clubs for as long as possible to ensure they are at the top of their peak physical condition for the World Cup in South Africa next year. This is sure to cause a stir at SportingBet.com.au!

However, renegade Jason Culina will return home after nearly ten years playing abroad with Dutch club PSV Eindhoven to be the face of A-League side the Gold Coast.

Culina isn’t worried that defying the advice of Coach Pim ver Beek may harm his chances to play in the World Cup squad despite him being a regular over the years.

He will instead concentrate on playing the best football possible in attempt to build a strong club front at home in Australia.

He has also promised that while he is playing for Australia, in Australia he will do his utmost to present an attacking and entertaining style of football that he all but guarantees will see Australia take the field come South Africa 2010.

Whilst a goal less draw against Japan was hardly a thrilling match, the Soceroos played an extremely professional brand of football and snared a very valuable single point to remain at the top of their pool and in the box seat to qualify for the greatest sporting event known to man – the World Cup of Football. This is the ultimate sporting event to bet on with SportingBet so don’t miss out!

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Arsenal‘s victory of 3 – 1 against Newcastle have place them in a favorable spot in vying for the top few positions.

The first half of the match saw two very strong teams building up the attacking momentum. Both teams saw no goals at half-time.

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The action began during the second-half of the match when Martins created the one and only goal for Newcastle that night. Bendtner bagged Arsenal’s opening goal not soon after which and it came as no surprise as Bendtner pretty much seized the opportunity and responded to Newcastle’s slip up. Both teams came to a draw.

Soon after which, goals from Arsenal came pouring in with the efforts of Diaby and Van Persie. The strategic attack played out by both of the players managed an easy pass Harper. They were unstoppable and Diaby concealed the second goal for Arsenal.

At the 67th minute, not long after the second goal, the third goal came in swift from a corner by Nasri. While Newcastle was still in the midst of recovering from the second goal, Arsenal players were still very much focused on winning the title.

Although clearly both teams displayed great playing skills, Arsenal was the team who showed a greater desire for the winning title.

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www.iasbet.com.au – West Tigers may announce the shock return of injured skipper and star hooker Robbie Farrah following tests to take place in Sydney tomorrow.

Farrah is recovering after undergoing back surgery last season and no one is more surprised than the hooker himself – no one more delighted than Coach Tim Sheens.

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The Tigers will field their strongest playing list for some time in Saturday night’s clash against the Sydney City Roosters.

Coach Sheens did admit that there was a better than average chance that Farrah would take part in the match, albeit a fairly limited part and more than likely towards the back end of the match.

The tigers will be reunited with playmaker Benji Marshall who is returning from an absence incurred after a shoulder injury sidelined him.

They went through a horror season with injuries last year and finished just outside the top eight.

Roosters coach Brad ‘Freddy’ Fitler has also rushed big names Anthony Minichello, Craig Fitzgibbon and Mark O’Mealy back into his squad after they were thrashed by the St George Illawarra Dragons in Perth in the first pre season game of the year.

The Dragons have signalled their intent this year as a force to be reckoned with and will attempt to shake off the seemingly perennial title of the leagues under achievers.

They are confident that they are well placed both in terms of a genuinely strong player list couple with undisputedly one of the greatest and most skillful coaches the NRL has ever seen in Wayne Bennet. Iasbet.com.au

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Soccer Australia has received assurance from Telstra Dome officials that the A -League Grand Final will in fact take place at the Dome on the 28th of February despite the fact that it obviously clashes with the NAB Cup quarter final showdown between Collingwood and Richmond.

The problem arose after the Melbourne Victory completed a 6 – 0 demolition over a two leg series of Adelaide United in the semi-final qualifier last weekend and secured a home final – their home ground obviously being the Telstra Dome.

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Football Federation Australia spokeswoman Bonita Mersiades stated that the Hyundai A – League has received assurance that the Telstra Dome will be available to host the much anticipated Grand Final.

The NAB Cup qualifier will take on added interest after rumours surfaced that it could in fact be the first game that star recruit Ben Cousins plays for the Richmond Football Club.

To add further confusion to the already dire situation, the Melbourne Cricket Ground will be unavailable until the end of the Sheffield Shield series on account of the fact drop in cricket pitches will still be in place at the time of the two impending games.

The matter still remains unresolved despite the fact that potential fixtures for the NAB Cup were listed last October.

The problem arose because the dome was made available for potential fixtures, not taking into account the fact that the Victory, Collingwood and Richmond would all win.

Had either West Coast or Fremantle won their pre season games against Collingwood and Richmond respectively – the game would have been hosted at Subiaco.

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www.sportinbet.com.au – Hawthorn fans can rest easy tonight following a press release that in no uncertain terms has Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin re-injured the thumb that he had an operation on last year and he will be fit to take the field for the season opener – and Grand Final re-match, against the Geelong cats.

Franklin apparently injured the thumb during a marking drill over the weekend and the rumour mill kicked into full swing.

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Reports immediately surfaced that Franklin had in fact broken the thumb and would require further surgery to fix it.

The reports were further fuelled by speculation that a new – and extremely expensive – ad for the Hawthorn Football Club featuring Franklin taking a mark was shot while the star was injured.

In a press release given by Hawthorn’s general manager of Football operations, Mark Evans, it was stated that although Buddy ‘copped a football on the end of his thumb’ he had been sent of for scans purely as a precaution as it was the same thumb he had operated on.

He also pointed out that under no circumstance would the Hawthorn Football Club (or any club in it’s right mind for that matter) allow and injured player, particularly one of Buddy’s importance and profile, to take part in a commercial if he was seriously injured.

The injury will mean that Buddy will be rested for the side NAB cup clash against Melbourne in Launceston next week – a match that the reigning premiers are expected to win comfortable, even without their formidable full forward. www.sportingbet.com.au

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www.centrebet.com.au – The match between Portsmouth and Man City ended with a final score of 2 -0 making it their first win after having lost 9 matches in a role.

Paul Hart is extremely pleased with the team’s effort in ensuring a clear win against Man City. It is their first winning game against Man City after Tony Adams left. With hard work and a growing confidence, no wonder Portsmouth bagged the winner title for the night.

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The first goal came in late at the 70th minute by Glen Johnson as his quick reflexes ensured the opening goal for that night. The next goal came in not long after which at the 75th minute by Hermann Hreidarsson. Feeling even more confident for another goal, Hreidarsson attempted his second goal which failed to go pass the post.

The two goals boasted the team’s spirit but tested Man City’s will for winning.

Mark Hughes, Man City manager, appeared extremely frustrated and disappointed with his team’s lack of will to chase the two missed opportunities back. With some players putting in more effort than the others, it is no wonder a lack of team cohesiveness surfaced.

Man City had not display any football skills as they were seen trailing behind Portsmouth. The match came as a shocker for most of their fans, who would have assumed it was going to be an easy walk over. Centrebet.com.au

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www.sportinbet.com.au – The Soceroos have landed in Yokohama ahead of their World Cup qualifier tomorrow night.

The two sides have plenty to play for, with the winner of this match almost a certainty to gain automatic qualification into the next World Cup.

Who forget the last time the two sides met in the opening pool match of the 2007 world cup in which Australia carried a one – nil deficit into the final fifteen minutes before one of the most extraordinary passages of play in the history of the World Cup saw Australia pile on three goals in ten minutes to wow fans right around the world.

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However the Soceroos are under no pretences that they will see another fairy tale like ending to this match.

Striker Scott McDonald has warned that the ‘Blue Samurai’s’ top striker and not so secret weapon Shunsuke Nakamura will prove more than a handful.

Nakamura is McDonald’s partner in crime at Scottish club Celtic and McDonald has warned that he is not only technically a wizard on the football pitch – but has one of the most lethal and pin point free kicks in the game.

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He is usually on the end of just about every single one of them.

The Australian back line will have to nullify Nakamura effectively and legally in and around the box if they are to be any chance of victory.

To award Nakamura a free kick anywhere within striking distance will be punished, if not the first time then the second, third and fourth McDonald said. www.sportingbet.com.au

www.iasbet.com.au – The Melbourne Storm has set a new record by becoming the fourth club in four years to sack troubled footballer Arana Taumata after he was allegedly involved in yet another alcohol fuelled brawl over the weekend.

The five-eighths contract was torn up by Storm officials yesterday after the repeat offender was arrested on Saturday night along with three other Storm players after what was described as a physical altercation with another male.

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Despite no charges having been laid against the Storm five-eighth, the Storm were quick to distance themselves from Taumata he has had more warnings and chances than any footballer has any right to have had.`

In 2006, Arana Taumata was sacked from the Brisbane Broncos for what then officials labelled a serious discipline breach.

He was then let go by the Sydney Roosters for the a discipline breach about which Roosters officials would not be specific at the time.

Thrown a lifeline last year by the struggling Bulldogs who finished off 2008 with the wooden spoon, Taumata was then sacked by the Canterbury Bankstown club for breaking another mans jaw in an off field incident.

Despite being directly involved in the physical altercations, team mates Will Chambers, Dane Nielson and Wairangi Koopu escaped dismissal but not punishment.

Two of the three will face anger management and alcohol education classes as well as explaining there actions to the board of sponsors.

Taumata would be as well to try his luck in the U.K. who has a habit of picking up disgraced Australian players to play in their Super League. IASbet.com.au

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The match between West Brom and Man City was a close fight with both teams showing much desire to win. However, West Brom emerged as the winner for that night making it their first victory in a long run. The game ended with a final score of 2 – 1.

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West Brom felt that their perseverance paid off as they worked hard to emerge as the winner. Even supporters that still turn up for their game felt that they favorite team is finally experiencing the break through. It had appeared that the last 10 minutes was a threat to West Brom as Man City looked like they were coming close to an equalizer as the final score. Such things do occur often and everyone was feeling the heat.

The opening goal clearly displayed a team effort with Luke Moore finishing claiming his first goal. It marked a change as the team felt more encouraged and it set the pace for the entire match. Man City attempts to get ahead of West Brom was constantly met missed opportunities.

Carson went on to lit the light for Man City who thought that they finally had the chance for at least an equalizer. Amidst from rejoicing their equalizing shot, Man City let their guards down only to see Bednar coming in for West Brom’s second goal.

It would have been a fair game if the game resulted in a draw; however, it is reality that only the best team wins. Regardless, it is a good start for the festive session with West Brom emerging as the winner.

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www.iasbet.com.au – We usually hear tales of greatness and achievements as football clubs managers leave to seek greener pastures or retire, but for Sunderland’s manager, Roy Keane, his shock departure was met with celebrations among Sunderland’s players, which left the once glorious captain of the Red Devils being labelled as a coward.

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It seems that Keane’s management style was not very welcomed, with fear being his weapon of choice. An example was when he dropped Djibril Cisse and El-Hadji Diouf when Sunderland lost 0-5 against Chelsea.

It seems that the once distinguished midfielder has taken the easy way out, and even quit by texting Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn. It is believed that Keane will probably be never given a job ever again, for his unacceptable behaviour of leaving a team, which he nurtured to promotion in 2006, after spending 80million pounds on 24 signings.

Quite the insular character he is known to be, as the manger for Sunderland, he had no assistant manager or proper scouts, which did not really help him, given his series of bad buys in the market.

That said, no one will give him the opportunity to manage a foot ball club again, for he simply walked away given the bad results.

However, Alex Ferguson, who knew Keane better says it’s difficult to predict if Keane if ever to be back, as he is a very controversial character.

Regardless, as Keane says himself, "History suggests I’ve not been great at dealing with setbacks" which he admitted early last season, this probably means this might be the last we have heard from the 37 year old.

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After losing Didier Drogba, joe Cole, Michael Essien and Ricardo Carvalho for long periods, Chelsea is just behind Premier league front runner, Liverpool by just one point. But success is not without its price, Luiz Felipe Scolari is left with a squad faced with injuries just after the first half of the season.

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Scolari is now desperate and is trying to persuade Chelsea’s coffers to give him a new striker in the upcoming transfer window in January. Scolari says he needs another first class attacker given the number of injuries that his team has. He also knows that success will come a easier if Blues owner, roman Abramovich is a little more generous.

But the global credit crunch has spared no one, not even a billionaire like Abramovich. Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has mentioned many times this season, that there’s little to spend in January. But despite this, Scolari will continue to plead with Abrmovich and Kenyon to open their wallets on one player.

It appears to be a difficult time for change, but perhaps Scolari has no choice. In the Arsenal game, Di Santo and Drogba were lost, and in the Boltoh game, only Anelke was left. Without a new player, Scolari’s options are limited.

Scolari is probably eyeing CSKA Moscow striker Vagner Love, but in the meantime, the problem has gotten bad enough for him to suggest untried youngsters like Mirosalv Stoch, Michael woods and Scott Sinclair just to keep his players off the injuries bench.

Hence, it seems that unless the financial crisis ease up, it appears that Scolari’s solution can only lie with young players.

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www.sportingbet.com.au – There were many spills and trills the Man City and Manchester United match, of which the red devils watched with held breath when Stephen Ireland came close to scoring a goal, when he delivered a powerful kick, but could only graze the goal post. But nevertheless, Wayne’s Rooney 100th club goal is enough to give the devils their win over the very rich Man City.

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Of the many upsets, a major spill came for Man United when Ronney was sent off after a 2nd yellow card, which he got his first for bringing down Shaun Wright Phillips, the red card came out after an inexplicable hand ball by the much lauded Portuguese player, and that was pretty much the only blemish on otherwise what is a perfect day for Sir Alex Ferguson.

There were also many close moments for Manchester United such as when Richard Dune almost came close to level the score but his shot went over the line. Another was when Javier Garrido’s free kick who went onto Micah Richards who left the ball and hit outside of the post. In all, it took City almost half an hour to create any opening, but given all the opportunities, they shouldn’t have taken a nil score back.

Nevertheless, Manchester United, even down to 10 men in the last 20 minutes played superbly, and this game perfectly illustrated the gap in class and finesse between the two sides, which City’s new Arab owners will be trying very hard to close.

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www.iasbet.com.au – The prestigious "Ballon d’Or trophy" by France football magazine was awarded to Ronaldo. Only 23 years old, the Manchester United player scored 42 goals last seasons and help the club win both the champions league and premier league.

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Other contenders for the prize are Barcelona’s Lionel Messi who is second on the list; Liverpool’s Fernando Torres came in third. Other players that were running on the list are Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

Of the 96 journalists that voted on the panel, 77 were for Ronaldo as the player of the year, largely due to his defining role in Manchester United victory in both leagues.

This award to Ronaldo is indeed deserving and justified. The Portuguese player is only the fifth player to have scored more than 30 goals in a premier league season. His impressive 42 goals season has also earned him Europe’s top scorer award, the "Golden Shoe"

Of his 42 goals, the most impressive and memorable one has got to be his 42nd goal in Moscow as he equalized to draw 1-1 in this showdown with Chelsea, and despite missing in the penalty shootout, United still emerged tops.

Although there has been talks and fevered speculation that Ronaldo will be making a switch to Real Madrid, these talks has been squelched as Manchester United has announced recently last month that Ronaldo has pledged himself to the Red Devils.

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www.iasbet.com.au – The most crucial period for the match between Portsmouth and Blackburn was no doubt the second half of the game. Portsmouth managed a 3 – 2 win over Blackburn, who missed just by a single goal.

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Most fans would not have missed the UEFA cup which saw Portsmouth ending the game with a draw with the much established team, AC Milan. Hence, it came did not come as a surprise when Portsmouth managed a victory over their opponents. However, it was obvious that the action only picked up at the second half of the game where Portsmouth players decided to take things in hand.

This match was an interesting one as the team mangers of both teams have just started out in the position and are still trying to figure out what’s best for the team. With two newly appointed premier league managers, it was a ‘must-watch’ match for most as they are on an equal standing level.
Peter Crouch seemed to be the main attention grabber for that night both on a positive and negative notion. He had attempted to clear the area as the opposition team seemed to be threatening, yet; instead, it ended up in his home goal post. Kranjcar fed Defoe scored thereafter.

Blackburn was chasing intensely behind, and Benni McCarthy scored not too long after Portsmouth goal.

10 minutes into the second half of the game, both teams were standing on equal level. This brought the intensity level higher. Traore made sure that he used the opportunity to score as the ball was left unattended to.

Overall, Portsmouth victory lies in its player seizing the opportunity as it comes along bringing them to the next level.

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www.iasbet.com.au – The match held between Newcastle and Middlesbrough proved to be yet another goalless game after full-time. However, even though it was down to a draw, Middlesbrough left the stadium feeling happy and satisfied with their play as they have achieved a one point score advantage over Newscastle.

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The star player for the match that night came from Newcastle whose player, Obafemi Martins, can be said described as the only player who had the best opportunity to scoring the only goal for that night. The attack on Middlesbrough came fast, leaving many supporters in anticipation as teammate Danny Guthrie creating the perfect opening opportunity. However, Obafemi’s attempted attack had missed the goal post slightly, resulting in a deflected ball that hit the bar instead.

Middlesbrough, on the other hand, noticed the threat Obafemi brought and picked up the attacking game as seen from Stewart Downing and Tuncay. They both worked together, passing the ball swiftly and attempting to create a good opportunity for Alves to strike. Without much luck, the attempt failed to go through.

The first half of the game would have seen much or most of the action taking place. Due to the increase severity of the fog occurring at the stadium, the second half of the game brought about nothing but a slow moving game of caution.
What was surprising is the replacement of Obafemi who looked the most promising to score a goal that night. Instead, Mark Viduka was brought in at 65 minutes, which still left the game rounding up in a draw.

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The match between Arsenal and Dynamo had initially left many wondering if it will be yet another goalless match. For many Arsenal fans, the last 5 minutes was intense, but yet, a worth-while wait; with an extremely sweet ending. The final score of 1 – 0 had left Dynamo feeling frustrated.

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William Gallas had been the center of attention for the past few matches due to his public criticism of his team’s lack of cohesiveness. Although he had since left those negative sentiments behind, and it appears that his fans are still very supportive of him, this did not stop him from receiving more unwanted attention.

For one, his failed back pass had given an opportunity to the opposition team which enabled Bangoura to spring a surprise attack. It appears that even though his teammates were eagerly waiting nearby to receive his shot, he had rather kick the ball outside of the post instead.
It did not just end there. Arsenal was looking all confident for a goal as seen when Van Persie was in a rather strategic position to take one. Instead Gallas ended up being the only obstacle in the way.

On Dynamo’s side, it appears that there were several attempted of attack in favor of them as seen from Ismael Bangoura whose goal rebounded off the goal post, and Manuel Almunia whose beautiful ‘almost-goal’ was saved.

The deciding factor that brought victory to Arsenal was the replacement of Bendtner who scored the only goal for that night, bringing Arsenal on to the knock-out round

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www.iasbet.com.au – The game between Manchester City and Arsenal was all a matter of mental strength and team cohesiveness. The match was held at the City of Manchester Stadium whereby the showdown between both teams eventually led to a very disappointed Arsenal, as they were defeated by Man City.

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It was no doubt a stressful and extremely challenging week for Arsenal. With William Gallas out of the game due to his mid-week rage, as well as the negative comments he made, in public, about the teams’ seemingly lack of cohesiveness, this have all caused serious impending damage to the team’s overall spirit. The absence of William Gallas also saw a weak defense put up by Arsenal. This provided many opportunities for the opposition team to strike at its weakest link.

Manchester City on the other hand saw Robina seizing every opportunity presented. Although one of his goals was not taken into account (offside goal), he have managed to create several ‘goal-worthy’ opportunities, in which his team mates scored. Not long after which, he was substituted there after due to injuries.

However, the entire game saw little exhibition of football skills (which should have been better) but more of a game of mentality, strength and an overall team cohesiveness. With the defeat of Arsenal, the game ended with a final score of 3 – 0.

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www.centrebet.com.au – The Soceroos have turned in what can only be described as a worrying performance against Bahrain in their World Cup qualifying match early on Thursday morning.

Playing with a full strength squad, the Soceroos never looked like taking the three points until the 92nd minute when Marco Bresciano pounced on a loose clearance to hammer home the only goal of the match.

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In a game which more resemble an under fourteens rep match than a World Cup Qualifier, the Soceroos looke unsettled from the opening whistle and never found any rhythm or poise for the duration of the match.

The forwards put on a disjointed display in attack, squandering several opportunities through lack of communication and an inherent inability to finish.

Superstar Harry Kewell looked the likeliest early on but his attacks were quickly nullified by the solid Bahrain defense.

Tim Cahill struggled with an injured foot but there were no excuses for Kennedy and Carney who seemed ill at ease in the green and gold.

Bahrain looked the far more likely of the two side right throughout the game and were unlucky not to score on several occasions.

A normally well-drilled backline was made to look foolish on the need of several counteracts from Bahrain that resulted from cheap turnovers in their own half.

Australia now got well clear at the top of the group with three wins from three starts but coach Pim Verbeek was less than impressed with a lackluster and ill-constructed performance from his charges.

If they are to repeat the form that saw them become the unlikely stars of the 2006 FIFA World Cup they will have to lift more than a couple of notches.

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www.lasseters.com – The play-off that took place at Stamford Bridge, between Chelsea and Newcastle, can be described as a highly frustrating match especially for the blues, who passed by the many opportunities for gaining victory over Newcastle. It appears that the effort put in by Chelsea is not enough for a win, but just sufficient for a final score of 0 – 0.

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Chelsea haven’t been in much luck with their matches lately, and many on-lookers will agree that the entire game was full of opportunities for an ‘almost’ goal as seen from Ashley Cole and Branislav Ivanovic,, as well as an offside goal by Joe Cole which was effectively disqualified. This decision has definitely left Chelsea’s players extremely dissatisfied.

Newcastle on the other hand put up an extremely strong defense against Chelsea, as it was apparent that the entire second half of the match, the ball appears to be in Newcastle’s court all the time. Newcastle’s players were seemingly trailing the footsteps of the blues, as Chelsea attacked more aggressive at the second half. Newcastle had almost no choice but to assume the role of defense, guarding home grounds attentively. Credits do have to be given to a beautiful save by Given.

Overall, Newcastle should be given a pat on their backs for putting up a good show for that night. It was obvious that the hot favourite team was Chelsea, who was expected to win. Though a score of 0 – 0, at least one team (Newcastle) walked away happily.

In an extraordinary show of faith by the Collingwood Football club, Heath Shaw and Alan Didak were snapped side by side at a training camp in Arizona, confirming speculation that the two will indeed play for the Magpies in 2009.

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Both players’ futures hung firmly in the balance after an incident just two weeks before the 2008 final series that saw Shaw, his brother Rhys and Didak involved in a drink driving incident and all three players suspended.

Heath Shaw and Didak were given the remainder of the season to think about their actions in a move that left the Collingwood faithful crying out for heads to roll.

The incident itself did not so much infuriate coach Mick Malthouse and the leadership group as the fact that both players lied vehemently to fellow players, coaching staff and press in the aftermath.

Didak was already skating on thin ice having just had restrictions to his contract lifted after an incident in which he was the unwitting passenger in a car driven by a prominent underworld figure who decided to ‘loose a few rounds’ from his handgun after leaving a gentleman’s club on King Street.

Many felt it was necessary to de-list Didak and Shaw or at the very least trade them to send a message to other players that the drinking culture would not be tolerated.

Regardless of the controversy surrounding Shaw and the 2006 Copeland Trophy Didak, both have vowed to repay the faith of the Magpie masses in 2009.

Where and When: Saturday 25 October, Hisense Arena, 7.30pm (AEDT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
South Dragons 95-90 Cairns Taipans, round 21 2008.
Cairns Taipans 125-96 South Dragons, round 11 2007.
Cairns Taipans 118-97 South Dragons, quarter-finals 2007.

Season Series
First match

To Bet on NRL {lasseters:Link:CLICK HERE}

Current Standings
Dragons (6-2) first, Taipans (5-2) second

The South Dragons have been the surprise packet so far this season.

The ladder leaders have won their past four and will go into tonight’s top-of-the-table clash against the Cairns Taipans with plenty of confidence following their convincing 28-point win over the Melbourne Tigers last weekend.

The Taipans have won their past three but have suffered a major blow ahead of tonight’s clash with star guard Stephen Black sidelined with a chronic back injury which is set to sideline him indefinitely.

How well the likes of Aaron Grabau, Scott Cook and Gary Boodnikoff step up in the absence of Black will go a long way to determining the outcome of this match.

Despite the loss of Black, the Taipans still have plenty of scoring power with veteran Martin Cattalini, former Sydney King Ian Crosswhite and import Larry Abney capable of having big games.

The Dragons will be without centre Nick Horvath who is sidelined with a wrist injury but they should have too much firepower for the Taipans with Cortez Groves due for a big game, Joe Ingles in career-best form and impot Tremell Darden starting to hit top gear after a sluggish start to his NBL career.

Given the position of both sides on the ladder a close contest is expected, so a punt on a Dragons win by 1-10 offering $2.85 seems to be the best option.

IASbet.com.au – Where and When: Saturday 25 October, State Netball and Hockey Centre, 7.20pm (AEDT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Townsville Crocodiles 107-81 Melbourne Tigers, Round 10 2007.
Melbourne Tigers 84-74 Townsville Crocodiles, Round 7 2007.
Townsville Crocodiles 103-110 Melbourne Tigers, Round 19 2007.

To Bet on NRL {iasbet:Link:CLICK HERE }

Season Series
First match

Current Standings
Tigers (4-3) fifth, Crocs (4-2) fourth

So much talent has delivered so little – that’s the best way to sum up the Melbourne Tigers so far this season.

The reigning champions were expected to go through the season undefeated by some so-called experts given the acquisition of Sam Mackinnon and imports Ebi Ere and Rod Grizzard

But the Tigers All-Star roster is yet to click and Al Westover’s men currently find themselves in fifth place with a 4-3 win-loss record.

The Crocodiles have won four of their past five but suffered a 14-point loss to the Wildcats at home last weekend – they will be keen to atone for that performance.

Townsville represents a genuine danger for Melbourne given the form of star guard Corey Williams.

Williams was at his damaging best against the Sydney Spirit last Wednesday night, dropping 35 points as the Crocs won a thrilling contest by two points.

Westover said during the week that ‘Homicide’ will need to be stopped if the Tigers are to bounce back from their disappointing loss to the Dragons last weekend with a win.

But Melbourne needs to be careful that they don’t focus too much on stopping just Williams as the Crocs have a number of players that are capable of lighting it up.

The Tigers have so far this season played their best basketball after a loss – expect this weekend to be no different with Melbourne’s depth expected to be the difference between the two sides.

Both sides like to play an attacking brand of basketball, so a high-scoring clash is on the cards.

The $1.90 on offer for a total game score over 197.5 looks like a safe bet.

www.sportingbet.com.au – Where and When: Saturday 25 October, Distinctive Homes Dome, 7.00pm (ACT)

Past Three Head-to-Head
Adelaide 36ers 82-101 Perth Wildcats, Round 18 2008.
Perth Wildcats 90-88 Adelaide 36ers, Round 16 2008.
Perth Wildcats 95-91 Adelaide 36ers, Round 4 2007.

To Bet on NRL {sporting bet aus:Link:CLICK HERE }

Season Series
First match

Current Standings
36ers (2-4) ninth, Wildcats (5-5) sixth

Perth has won its past two against Wollongong and Townsville and is slowly starting to click into top gear after a shaky start to the season while Adelaide has lost its past four matches.

Logic would suggest that this should be an easy win for the Cats but the 36ers have not been defeated at home so far this season and will be desperate to get their season back on track.

Adelaide will also be fired up given it is Brett Maher’s 500th match and Maher himself will set himself for a big game after a slow start to what is his last season in the league.

The Cats had eight players in double figures in their win over Townsville last Saturday night and it is their vast array of attacking options that should get them over the line in what shapes as being a hard-fought contest between two sides that have had a pretty big rivalry in the past.

Two of the past three clashes between these two sides have been decided by four points or less so another close encounter is on the cards.

With this in mind, a Wildcats win by 1-10 offering $2.80 looks very tempting.

World Cup 2010 Qualifying Draws

After England’s disastrous exit from Euro 2008 last week against Croatia when all they need to qualify was a draw but ended up losing 3-2 to Croatia, in a twist of fate have now been drawn to face them again for the World Cup 2010 Qualifying Draws. England were Drawn in Group 6 and these are all the teams in England’s group –

Group 6

England

Croatia

Andorra

Belarus

Kazakhstan

Ukraine

As England are now not classed as one of the Top seeds, they could have come up against any of the big players in the World Cup Qualifiers, and they will now get their chance to make amends for their atrocious Euro 2008 failings, when the meet Croatia once again in South Africa.

Other Groups in the World Cup 2010 Qualifiers stand as follows –

Group 1           Group 2                       Group 3                       Group 4

Albania            Greece                         Czech Republic           Azerbaijan

Denmark         Israel                           N Ireland                     Finland

Hungary          Latvia                          Poland                         Germany

Malta               Luxembourg                San Marino                  Liechtenstein

Portugal           Moldova                      Slovakia                      Russia

Sweden           Switzerland                 Slovenia                      Wales

Group 5           Group 7                       Group 8                       Group 9

Armenia          Austria                                    Bulgaria                       Holland

Belgium           Faroe Islands               Cyprus                         Iceland

Bosnia             France                         Georgia                       Macedonia

Estonia                        Lithuania                     Italy                             Norway

Spain               Romania                      Montenegro                 Scotland

Turkey             Serbia                          Rep Ireland