World Cup 2010 Preview: Denmark capable of deep run
Soccer Betting Lines
05/20/2010 -
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Denmark features one of the most
experienced cores in the world, led by captain Jon Dahl Tomasson and his 107
international appearances, but 22-year-old Nicklas Bendtner could ultimately
determine just how big of an impact the Danes have in their fourth World Cup.
Dahl Tomasson, Jesper Gronkjaer, Martin Jorgensen, Christian Poulsen, Dennis
Rommedahl and Thomas Sorensen were key members of Denmark's last World Cup
team in 2002, and enter the 2010 tournament with well over 500 combined
international games played - and all over the age of 30.
Bendtner has already racked up more than 30 appearances for Denmark, and
sparkled in World Cup qualifying. He scored three goals for the Danes,
including strikes in a win and a draw against Portugal and a draw against
Albania, and an assisted on the winning goal in one of Denmark's two wins over
Sweden.
The Dane played as the lone striker for England's Arsenal for much of the
Premier League season and scored 12 goals in all competitions, helping the
Gunners reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League and to third place in
the Premiership.
Now, Bendtner appears on the big stage for the first time. He debuted for his
country as an 18-year-old in 2006, but the Danes failed to reach the World Cup
in 2006 and the Euro 2008 finals.
Denmark doesn't always qualify for the world's biggest stage, but the three
previous times the country advanced to the World Cup, it has survived the
group stage and even reached the quarterfinals once. Denmark also has a major
title to its credit, the Euro 1992 championship.
Cameroon, Japan and the Netherlands are also in Group E, but there's no reason
why Denmark can't advance once again.
"If we don't qualify from our group it will be a huge disappointment. We're
going to be up against three teams with different styles, so it's certainly
going to be a tricky test for us," Bendtner said on FIFA's website.
Denmark needs its veterans to continue to provide leadership, especially
goalie Sorensen. He dislocated his elbow in April playing for England's Stoke
City but seems to be on course to play in the World Cup. The Danes can't
afford any injuries, as they're not one of the deepest teams in the 32-team
field. If Sorensen isn't able to play, Stephan Andersen is the only other
goalie on the roster with an international appearance.
The Danes' starting lineup, which should also feature Daniel Agger and Per
Kroldrup in the back line and Daniel Jensen in midfield with some combination
of the veterans, proved just how strong they are in qualifying. Denmark scored
16 goals and allowed just five, and its only defeat was in the last game in
qualifying to Hungary when it already had first place in Group 1 in European
qualifying secured.
"We don't have as many options as some of the big nations, and it's therefore
very important that our best players are available." Bendtner said. "It's
especially crucial that those who play in positions in which we don't have
many alternatives remain fit."
That, of course, includes Bendtner, who is a threat to score every time he
touches the ball. If he can hit his stride early in the group stage - and
score - a healthy Denmark has enough quality to make a surprising run in South
Africa.
"If (our best players) can remain fit throughout the tournament," Bendtner, "I
believe we can go far."
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NFL Sports Betting
NFL betting action is back! At MySportsbook, all of the pro football odds are posted for the NFC North.
Check out how we see the four teams in this cloudy division stacking up this year in the chase for the playoffs! Green Bay Packers (+125) - With QB Aaron Rodgers leading the offense and DC Dom Capers working his magic on defense, the Packers are a real force to be reckoned with.
Virtually nothing changed on this offense for Green Bay from last year to this year, save for the addition of rookie OT Brian Bulaga to the bunch. Expect more huge numbers from the Pack, and a relatively favorable schedule should get them over the hump and into the playoffs once again this season. My NFL Betting Predictions: 11-5, 1st place in NFC North Minnesota Vikings (+130) - There are still too many unknowns about the Vikes this year. There is a huge difference between QB Brett Favre and either Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels under center. Plus, is Favre comes back, is he really going to be able to keep his pick total under double digits again? Depth at running back looked like it might have been an issue with RB Chester Taylor fleeing in free agency, but drafting RB Toby Gerhart should pick up the difference. This defense is still suitable, but with a first place schedule, making the playoffs is going to be very tough regardless of whether #4 comes back or not.
There is a huge difference between QB Brett Favre and either Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels under center. Plus, is Favre comes back, is he really going to be able to keep his pick total under double digits again? Depth at running back looked like it might have been an issue with RB Chester Taylor fleeing in free agency, but drafting RB Toby Gerhart should pick up the difference. This defense is still suitable, but with a first place schedule, making the playoffs is going to be very tough regardless of whether #4 comes back or not. Play this weekly NFL Football Contestto see if you can win.
Chicago Bears (+350) - The Bears are probably a bit of an overhyped team once again this year.No, we don't think it is plausible for QB Jay Cutler to have as bad of a season as he did last year, and we do think the additions of RB Chester Taylor and DE Julius Peppers are going to help immensely, but there's still something in the water in the Windy City that we aren't so sure about. Maybe Chicago finds its way to .500... but then again, maybe it doesn't. If Favre comes back, Cutler might be the worst quarterback in this division this year.
Detroit Lions (+1500) - The Lions are probably once again going to be the whipping boys for the rest of the teams in the NFC North, but they aren't just going to roll over and die once again. There is some real talent amassing on this team offensively, as the combination of QB Matt Stafford, RB Jahvid Best, WR Calvin Johnson, and TE Brandon Pettigrew should put a bunch of points on the board if the offensive line can even remotely hold up. The questions really lie on defense, where it feels like DT Ndamukong Suh is going to be trying to stop opposing teams all by himself. This year should show some marked improvement in the Motor City.
The Patriots will make NFL betting fans a lot of money this season, get in early and enjoy the cash. NFL Betting
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Oddsmakers have released the odds for the 2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and Seattle Seahawks linebacker Aaron Curry has been made the opening favorite.
Bet on NFL Football
Seattle took Curry with the fourth overall pick in April's NFL draft and plan on inserting him into its starting lineup right away. The Hawks traded linebacker Julian Peterson in the offseason, so Curry is expected to have a significant role in Seattle's defense next year and that's one of the primary reasons he is the favorite to win the NFL ROY Award.
Oddsmakers from online sportsbook MySportsbook.com have made Curry a 5/1 favorite to win this year's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Given that he was the best defensive prospect in this year's draft and how he'll have plenty of opportunities to make plays in '09, Curry offers a ton of value at 5/1.
Another thing working for Curry is the position he plays. A linebacker has won the defensive ROY award six straight times and eight of the last nine years. Jerod Mayo, Patrick Willis, DeMeco Ryans, Shawne Merriman, Jonathan Vilma, Terrell Suggs, Kendrell Bell and Brian Urlacher were the most recent linebackers to take home the award.
Following Curry at 5/1 are Tyson Jackson (Chiefs) at 7/1, James Laurinaitas (Rams) at 8/1, Brian Orakpo (Redskins) at 10/1, Rey Maualuga (Bengals) at 10/1 and Jerry Peria (Falcons) at 10/1.
All the players mentioned above are expected to start for their respective teams, but Jackson and Peria are going to have a tough time being recognized on a national level given they're both defensive linemen. D-linemen rarely put up the numbers that it takes to win an individual award like the ROY.
A couple of players with some value are Clay Matthews (Packers) at 12/1 and Larry English (Chargers) at 15/1. Matthews is expected to start at outside linebacker in Green Bay's new 3-4 defense and could rack up a ton of tackles. English, who was an impressive player at Northern Illinois, is expected to be a situational pass rusher for the Chargers and could rack up a ton of sacks.
For complete odds on the 2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, see below. And for complete odds for the 2009 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, click the link provided.
2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award
Robert Ayers (DEN) 12/1
Ron Brace (NE) 25/1
Everette Brown (CAR) 16/1
Darius Butler (NE) 40/1
Patrick Chung (NE) 30/1
Aaron Curry (SEA) 5/1
Brian Cushing (HOU) 12/1
Vontae Davis (MIA) 30/1
Louis Delmas (DET) 30/1
Larry English (SD) 15/1
Evander Hood (PIT) 25/1
Tyson Jackson (KC) 7/1
Malcolm Jenkins (NO) 25/1
Paul Kruger (BAL) 50/1
James Laurinaitas (STL) 8/1
Sen'Derrick Marks (TEN) 20/1
Clay Matthews (GB) 12/1
Aaron Maybin (BUF) 15/1
Rey Maualuga (CIN) 10/1
Roy Miller (TB) 20/1
Michael Mitchell (OAK) 45/1
Fili Moala (IND) 30/1
Brian Orakpo (WAS) 10/1
Jerry Peria (ATL) 10/1
B J Raji (GB) 7/1
Clint Sintim (NYG) 35/1
Alphonso Smith (DEN) 40/1
David Verkune (CLE) 20/1
Jason Williams (DAL) 30/1
Field (Any Other Player) 6/1
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