Northerner

Spain wins World Cup

Spain has won their first ever World Cup title in their history. They beat a tough Netherlands squad that endured 9 yellow cards with Jonny Heitinga being sent off in extra time for 2 yellow cards. The game was an intense one that was marred by some horrible tackles by Van Bommel and De Jong who is being labeled for his 'kung fu' kick on Xavi Alonso.

Iker Casillas was in tears as Andres Iniesta scored the extra time goal on a pass from Cesc Fabregas. The Dutch players cried foul claiming the play was offside but TV replays clearly show the play was well onside. One of the Dutch players received a yellow card for harassing the linesman for not blowing the whistle. 

For the Dutch the pain continues as they have made it to the final 3 times and lost all 3 times. Spain made it to their first finals and now have a perfect record. A huge celebration takes places in Madrid today featuring an estimated 1 million fans.

Paul Octopus picks Spain to win the world cup - bet Spain

Paul the Octopus picks Spain to win the world cup = bet on Spain! The World Cup finals on Sunday will feature a great matchup of Netherlands against Spain where both teams are looking for their first World Cup title. Spain makes it's first Finals appearance while Netherlands make their 3rd trip since the 70s and hope to add their first title to the small country that has produced some of the best footballers in the world in the past 50 years. Regardless of the outcome it features 2 entertaining teams where one will get their first championship.  

Bet on Spain 

Paul the Octopus has a perfect record in the World Cup predicting Germany loss to Serbia and Germany losing to Spain in the semi-finals. If you bet on all of Paul's picks then you would have a lot of money in the bank. Spain are the favorites to win this game and Paul picks Spain so

At Sportsbook.com here are the prices

Netherlands +250
Draw +235
Spain +100 

Betting for Netherlands will probably be considered the value bet even though Spain will be seen at the big favorites going into the final. They did outplay a top German team to get make it to the finals game and seem to be playing with a confidence perhaps no other Spanish team has shown. This is their best chance to make their country proud.

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Netherlands Spain preview - World Cup Finals

The World Cup finals on Sunday will feature a great matchup of Netherlands against Spain where both teams are looking for their first World Cup title. Spain makes it's first Finals appearance while Netherlands make their 3rd trip since the 70s and hope to add their first title to the small country that has produced some of the best footballers in the world in the past 50 years. Regardless of the outcome it features 2 entertaining teams where one will get their first championship. 

At Sportsbook.com here are the prices

Netherlands +265
Draw +225
Spain +100 

Betting for Netherlands will probably be considered the value bet even though Spain will be seen at the big favorites going into the final. They did outplay a top German team to get make it to the finals game and seem to be playing with a confidence perhaps no other Spanish team has shown. This is their best chance to make their country proud.

Place your bets
 
Think you know who will win the very last game? Put your money where your mouth is and if you know your stuff you'll not only have bragging rights but more money in your wallet.  
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Zidane headbutt Materazzi World Cup Final

Do you remember the last World Cup 2006 in Germany? How about the finals France versus Italy or rather Zinedine Zidane versus Marco Materazzi where the French captain lost his cool and delivered a vicious headbutt to the chest of Materazzi.

Rumours of what was said was that Zidane said 'if you really want my shirt you can have it after the match' with Materazzi replying 'I would rather take the shirt off of your wife'. Other rumours surfaced that the Italian said something offensive like his sister was a whore or he was the son of a terrorist whore. The Italian denied saying that but didn't deny it had something to do with Zidane's wife.

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Headbutt Zidane on Materazzi

Maybe if Zidane didn't make his headbutt then France could have won the tournament which ended in penalties. Zidane was still awarded the tournament MVP. At least Zidane will also be known for his 2 goals against Brazil to award the first World Cup to France on home soil.

Relive the moment here of the famous headbutt heard around the world. 

World Cup shocking moments

Almost every World Cup has a storyline and one story that dominates the entire tournament. Just ask anybody some of their most memorable or most shocking world cup moments and you'll get an answer from every person. Without giving away any secrets here is out top 5 most shocking and most memorable World Cup moments. 

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Headbutt Zidane on Materazzi

The World Cup 2006 finals saw Zinedine Zidane win the tournament MVP and he was certainly the highlight of the tournament in a good and bad way. Unfortunately for Zidane his last playing role will always be remembered for the vicious headbutting incident delivered to Marco Materazzi. 

Baggio misses penalty kick and loses final match

If you watched the final of the World Cup in 1994 in America you would have seen a great tournament come down to 2 great teams in Italy and Brazil. Roberto Baggio was certainly the star of the tournament and in the knockout rounds he produced 5 goals to give him 6 in the tournament. But the final game was against powerhouse Brazil and the game was a 0-0 draw going to penalty kicks. Baggio was the last player to shoot for Italy and needed to score to keep Italy alive. With his goal scoring touch everyone expected the star of the tournament to come up big for his country but instead the striker blasted the ball a little too high over the cross bar. 

It might be painful for some to watch but here is the final play of the 1994 tournament in USA

Maradona Hand of God Goal against England

In the 1986 World Cup tournament where Argentina became the World Champions against England he scored one of the most controversial goals ever scored. For this famous and shocking goal the goal itself was awarded the name 'Hand of God' goal and these words are synonymous with Diego Maradona. A goal that needs little introduction: 

Battle of Santiago violent game

Fortunately this game has happened so long ago that most wouldn't know that footage existed but it goes. Probably known as one of the most violent games in World Cup History it featured Italy versus Chile in the 1962 World Cup where both teams seemed intent on injuring each other. 

Andres Escobar Columbia player murdered after own goal

For some players when playing for their country in the World Cup must have events like this in the back of their mind. Nobody wants to have an own goal hurting their team but what is worse is when people from your own country turn against you. 10 days after scoring the own goal in the 1994 tournament in America, Escobar was shot 12 times near a bar of his home town of Medellin. It is suspected that a sports betting team was behind the murder as it most likely cost them a lot of money for the loss of that game.

World Cup Upsets

There are some huge upsets in the making at this year's World Cup 2010 in South Africa. Teams that were thought to be contenders have nearly hit rock bottom while a few others have surprised the world with their superior play.

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World Cup Upsets

Germany

The Germans lost a crucial game to Serbia and need a win to ensure they qualify to the World Cup. Germany have played well despite the poor showing in the standings.

England

England were strong favorites heading into the tournament now their fans have turned their backs on the team. Reports are swirling around that coach Fabio Capello is going to be fired by the FA or will quit after the tournament is over should England fail to qualify. The players are taking a lot of heat including the likes of Wayne Rooney who hasn't come close to scoring a goal in the tournament. 

France

This team was destined to fail and reports that Florent Malouda wanted to attack coach Domenech suggests the team unity wasn't there. Now Nicolas Anelka has been suspended from the squad and now the entire team has boycotted their own practise with their fitness coach resigning saying the players' actions make him disgusted. 

Italy

This team tied Paraguay and nearly lost to New Zealand in a chippy affair. If it wasn't for the gracious diving of the Italians the Kiwis would have had their best victory in a world cup and make for one of the biggest upsets of all time. Unfortunately the referee fell for a De Rossi dive and gave the Italians a penalty kick to redeem themselves. This is a team waiting to fail.

Spain

This team choked against the Swiss. If they want to qualify they better win the rest of the games in their group.

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World Cup Highlights

The 2010 World Cup in South Africa has been full of interesting story lines from actual game results to behind the scenes drama. Here is a recap of some of the events that have highlighted this year's World Cup event. Looking for a place to bet on the tournament get a 50% signup bonus at Sportsbook.com

Shocking Results at World Cup

Some teams have been shocked and upset with either shock defeats or draws that have left people wondering who is going to win the world cup this year. Some teams that have been labeled as perennial contenders are looking like average teams that might bow out of the tournament and fail to qualify.

England in poor form at World Cup

England have no wins in 2 games at the World Cup and might fail to qualify. They were labeled as being in the easiest group in the tournament but have drawn 1-1 against the Americans and had a 0-0 draw against 30th ranked Algeria. Now they must play Slovenia in the last game and need a win to advance. Wayne Rooney has no goals in the tournament and lashed out to the English fans on camera and swearing at it, being sarcastic of the England supporters and fans. Well the fans must be royally pissed off with their poor performance thus far. If they can't handle the pressure in the group stages against 'easy' teams then what will happen when they face a powerhouse team?

Germany robbed, Undiano is man of the match

Germany had a shock defeat against Serbia where the referee Alberto Undiano became the man of the match by dishing out 9 yellow cards including 2 to Miroslav Klose. The decision to card Klose twice left many in wonder if this referee received a large sum of cash to throw the game and make calls against Germany to help Serbia win. One must wonder if underground sportsbetting syndicates have influenced the match this way. Germany need to win their last game against Ghana to stand a chance to qualify. I think Undiano should be awarded man of the match since he was the centre of attention in all aspects of the game. Way to ruin a good match up, just let the teams play please.

Spain shocked by Switzerland

Spain were the favorites to win the tournament with bookies giving them the toughest price to bet on. They were humbly defeated by the Swiss for a score of 1-0 and never really put any good pressure on net. The team had plenty of possession but when connecting passes sometimes they would go astray and you got the sense that they just didn't show up to play that day. Perhaps Torres should have started the game but if Spain fail to qualify expect the players to take a lot of heat.

France falling apart

France was falling apart before the tournament started. The '98 World Cup champs have shown poor form ever since they won the Euro Championship in 2000. Benzema was left off the team who was their potential #1 striker and instead the team have 0 goals in the touranament with Nicolas Anelka left as the lone striker. Well Anelka has been sent home early in the tournament for insulting coach Domenech. However it was rumoured that Florent Malouda nearly attacked the French coach before the tournament started and this team was a time bomb waiting to happen.

Italy uninspired

Italy tied their opening match against Paraguay which is a team they are supposed to beat and nearly were defeated by them. Their team seems weak and on the pitch they don't look like the defending champs or a team that could contend even for the world cup finals. Boring football at it's best.

Exciting teams to watch

Argentina playing perfectly

They are playing beautiful football and Messi is showing the form he displayed at Barcelona the past 2 years. Higuan is now the leader of the tournament in goals and this team looks focused on qualifying and going deep into the tournament. If you want to watch some exciting goals and great passing forget watching England, watch Argentina. 

Uruguay featuring Forlan and Suarez

Uruguay look comfortable in their group and expect their strikers to get on a roll and be unstoppable. The striking duo of Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez are looking like the best striking tandem ever. Although Suarez doesn't have a goal yet he looked dangerous in his last game and it's only a matter of time before he will break through and challenge Forlan and Higuan for the goal scoring lead. If you missed Forlan's wicked strike the other day go to youtube to relive the moment. 

Netherlands on a roll

The Dutch look like a team that will qualify easily and are now favorites to win the tournament after teams like Germany, Spain, England, France and Italy are stumbling. They might not have Van Niistelrooy but Kuyt and Huntelaar can get the job done and their midfield attack with Robben and Van Persie are one of the best in the tournament. 

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Top 10 Best World Cup Goals

Want to see some of the best World Cup goals of all time? Our Top 10 Best World Cup Goals will show you our selections of the best goals ever scored in the tournament. See some great team efforts and a fabulous collection of individual efforts as players carry their team on their backs with performances to remember. 

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Top 10 Best World Cup Goals 

Maxi Rodriguez: Argentina vs. Mexico 2006 World Cup Germany

Also known as Maxi, he is featured on the 2010 Argentina squad and his talents should add to the wealth of offensive weapons. Watch this fantastic goal against Mexico to break a 1-1 draw and go on to win the game 2-1.

Roberto Baggio: Italy vs. Czechoslovakia 1994 World Cup USA

Baggio was the star of the tournament but unfortunately when you search youtube for Roberto Baggio you find his infamous miss that gave Brazil the World Cup in 1994. Still a great striker of his time and arguably the best player in the tournament. 

 

Dennis Bergkamp: Netherlands vs. Argentina 1998 World Cup France

The Dutch commentator completely freaks out over this goal. It is an amazing goal but the commentator could have been a bit more creative in describing the goal and having a bit more to say than ... you can watch the video. This goal comes as the winner against Argentina in the World cup in France. Yes this guy is known as the flying dutchman who doesn't fly. 

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Manuel Negrete: Mexico vs. Bulgaria 1986 World Cup Mexico

Possibly one of the best goals ever scored in a World Cup. This beautiful goal commonly goes unnoticed in highlight reels probably because it's not a goal from team England. Enjoy this brilliant effort. 
 

Pelé: Brazil vs. Sweden 1958 World Cup Sweden

This world class Brazilian striker could almost fill the top 10 with his goals alone. This one is a great effort and makes the opponent's defenders look like a bunch of pylons. Need some inspiration to start your day? Watch this amazing goal. 
 

Esteban Cambiasso: Argentina vs. Serbia Montenegro 2006 World Cup Germany

Here is an example of the way team football should be played. Great passing that leads to a fantastic finish that could only demoralize any opponent. Worth watching over and over again. 
 

Diego Maradona: Argentina vs. Mexico 1986 World Cup Mexico

Diego Maradona will go down as one of the best footballers of all time and is currently writing a new chapter in his life as the current coach of Argentina at this years World Cup in South Africa. Maradona is equally known for his 'hand of god' goal and this is a great solo effort against England at the World Cup 1986 in Mexico. 

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Zico: Brazil vs. New Zealand 1982 World Cup Spain

Great individual effort to scissor kick this cross giving the goalkeeper no chance. 
 

Jurgen Klinsmann: Germany vs. South Korea 1994 World Cup USA
 
 

Klinsmann is one of the greatest Germany players and is one of the top all time goal scorers in the World Cup. Watch him score a goal that he had no business scoring. What talent and what skill to pull off this move.
  

Jurgen Klinsmann: Germany vs. South Korea 1994 World Cup USA

What would a top 10 best goals be without England? Surprisingly this amazing goal comes from an unlikely source and from an awkward play that surprises both teams and even the commentators. 
 

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Top 5 World Cup Favorites

Some of the best teams are starting to take form and people should take notice. Teams that are not on the favorites list include the likes of Brazil, France, Italy and Portugal. Brazil struggled against North Korea, France played uninspired in their opening match. Portugal tied against Ivory Coast and Italy simply don't have what it takes to win the tournament.

So which teams are favourites to win? Read my team Analysis of the top 5 teams in the tournament that matter.

Team Netherlands

Holland, the Dutch, Netherlands. Call them whatever you want. They have never won a world cup but have a team that could change that this year. Their team is stacked with talent and have one of the best midfields in the tournament featuring Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie. They had a good showing at the euro championships despite losing to Russia but walked through their previous games in convincing fashion against top quality teams. With Japan and Cameroon left in their group expect them to finish on top and use these teams to prepare for tougher matches.

Holland/Netherlands + 800 at Sportsbook.com

Team Argentina

In their opening match the Argentinians looked very strong and seem focused on the task at hand. Their team is stacked with midfielders and strikers and expect them to put on a show this tournament despite much criticism leading up to their opening match. The critics said this team doesn't have a legitimate coach with Diego Maradona and that they struggled to qualify for the world cup. Lionel Messi is no doubt the best player in the world and he is surrounded by some of the worlds best players: Maxi Rodriguez, Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Diego Milito. Tevez and Milito alone could do all the damage for all of their goals. Expect this team to play most of their games in their opponents half torturing the goalkeeper.

Argentina +650 at Sportsbook.com

Team England

The British are mad and passionate about their football but have some of the best fans in the world. Having the best fans in the world also adds a lot of pressure that other top teams seem free of. The opening game of the tournament saw Robert Green let in an easy goal which some are suggesting that he is a specialist of spills and should be the new CEO for BP. Jokes aside, team England have one of their most complete teams in a long time and have a coach that has instilled a confidence that no other English team have had in the past 30 years. Expect this team to get stronger in the tournament and Wayne Rooney to find his goal scoring touch. Emile Heskey is proving that he is useless as a striker and that means more time for Peter Crouch who can disrupt any defence just by his height alone with defenders fearing any cross. 

Expect England to get stronger as the tournament goes on and fans around the world to get behind their team to win. If England are to win the tournament they will have to beat at least 2 top contenders and that won't be an easy task. 

England +900 at Sportsbook.com

Team Germany

The German teams have a history of winning with 7 appearances in the final and 11 if you count semi-finals. Their opening match against Australia saw them win easily 4-0 and could have easily added a few more goals on top of that if it wasn't for wasted opportunities. The German team is a bit underrated at this tournament with teams like England, Spain, Brazil and Argentina taking the spotlight for teams that might win. Germany are very strong despite being without former captain Michael Ballack. Their midfield is strong with Bastian Schweinsteiger who is great at scoring and advancing the ball down the field driving fear into defenders. He can lead the pace and let their wide selection of strikers do the damage. 

Germany's arsenal of strikers includes Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski, Cacau, Mario Gomez and Mesut Oezil. The only problem Germany has is which lineup of strikers to use as they all are capable and can do the job. 

Germany +800 at Sportsbook.com

Team Spain

The tournament favorites are the Spanish squad who are winners of the Euro championships in 2008 and have one of the best teams on paper. In addition to having a good team they have confidence and have walked over many teams en route to qualifying for the world cup. There is not a position on this team that is considered a weak spot and could be the best in all the positions.

Goalkeepers

Iker Casillas who should be considered the best goalkeeper in the world who plays for Real Madrid. Backups include Pepe Reina and Victor Valdes. 

Defenders

Include Carles Pujoy, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Raul Albiol, and Carlos Marchena.

Midfielders

Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Xavi, Xavi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, and David Silva.

Strikers

David Villa, Fernando Torres, Pedro and Jesus Navas.

Spain + 333 at Sportsbook.com

Drogba set to open against Portugal with cast

Didier Drogba has been cleared to play in the world cup in wearing a protective cast on his arm for the tournament. This means Drogba can challenge for the most goals scored in the tournament and also help Ivory Coast qualify in a group featuring North Korea, Brazil and Portugal.

Drogba broke his arm in a friendly against Japan before the start of the tournament. 

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