Betting Tips: July 2014

#OMG Funny pictures of Germany 7 - 1 Brazil #WorldCup2014 :)

#OMG Germany 7 - 1 Brazil #WorldCup2014 :)

Our prediction: Holland vs Argentina #FIFA World Cup Semifinals 2014

The semi-final duels at the 20th FIFA World Cup in Brazil become a duel between South America and Europe. 24 hours later it will come to the second South America-Europe duel between Argentina and Holland. Argentina could again celebrate a semi finals for the first time in 24 years, had in the quarter-finals runner-up Holland far more trouble than expected and could only happy in a penalty shootout sensation prevail team Costa Rica. Although both Argentina and Holland have several top stars in the series, the game runs when both teams nearly only about each player. When the Albiceleste is the four-time world soccer player Lionel Messi and. In Holland, Arjen Robben is the heart. The winger is in the form of his life and also against Costa Rica has always been starting point for dangerous situations. What top star can play next Sunday at the world-famous Maracanã Stadium for the title? The second semifinal in Sao Paulo begins Wednesday at 22: 00 CEST. Bet on Holland vs Argentina

Argentina soccer team statistics and current form
For 24 years, Argentina had to wait for this moment. Since the World Cup 1990 in Italy Argentina could never qualify for the semi-final. Alejandro Sabella’s team could reach this point. But it’s not still long the end of the trip. The Gauchos were already before the tournament starts of one of the favourite for the title. For Argentina, the climatic conditions certainly are an advantage over Europeans, with Lionel Messi, it also has the best players in the world in its own ranks and otherwise quite a few top players cavort in the squad of the Albiceleste. But in recent years Argentina had a terrific team. Often, the neutral observers but had the feeling that eleven individual athletes stand on the playing field and no team. After the bitter elimination against Germany four years ago, Maradonna ended the era. With the 59-year-old Alejandro Sabella, a successor was found. Sabella played 1983 itself four times for the Argentina national team. Bet on Holland vs Argentina

And although it remains in the semi-final he is not without controversy. In many places it is rumored that he is actually only the puppet and Lionel Messi is the real leader of the team. The occurrence in the first group game against World Cup debutant Bosnia was a reason to do so. After the Gauchos began with an unusual chain of five who was to see much in the game. Lionel Messi could make then Sabella at half-time, to do more for the offensive. Finally, many world famous Argentine players because of their offensive game have become at all famous. Sabella obeyed Messi and changed its system. In the group stage, there were three victories for Argentina, really playful strong performances were not to see. But once again, Messi took the chestnuts out of the fire. With four goals in the group stage, he contributed a large part to the rise in the Knockout phase.

Against the Swiss confederates, Argentina struggled a long time. In the first half the Switzerland was closer to the 1-0 as Argentina. But at the latest in the second half, Argentina was then much stronger. Against a compact standing Swiss defense but no techniques and had to go to the extension. Everything with a penalty shoot-out was expecting was the large presence of Messi. Ball loss of the Swiss on the halfway line, an inimitable Sprint by Messi, perfect template on di Maria, and the consummate against Benaglio’s direction. Dark horses Belgium was waiting in the quarter-finals. Gonzalo Higuain scored the 1-0 after just seven minutes. His first World Cup goal was finally enough for a narrow victory. In the last 20 minutes, Belgium strong offensive laced a while Argentina, found but no compelling opportunities. Such a left just before the end when he failed in the 1-to-1 against Courtois Messi. But it had no more effect. Argentina is in the semi-final, will be deprived but Angel di Maria. Real Madrid winger picked up a hamstring and had to be replaced after 30 minutes. For him, Enzo Perez (Benfica Lisbon) will play well again. Marcos Rojo (left-back) returns, however, after his yellow lock in the team and takes over the position of Basanta there.

Argentina lineups
Romero – Rojo, Garay, Fernandez, Zabaleta – Biglia, Mascherano, Perez – Messi – Higuain, Aguero Bet on Holland vs Argentina

Argentina previous soccer games
16.06.2014 Argentina – Bosnia 2-1
21.06.2014 Argentina – Iran 1-0
25.06.2014 Nigeria – Argentina 2-3
01.07.2014 Argentina – Switzerland 1-0
05.07.2014 Argentina – Belgium 1-0

Holland statistics & current form
Hardly anyone would have the 2010 Vice World Champion expected a similar Hussar ride this year. Before the beginning of the finals, the home fans not even believed in a progressing in the group stage. Louis van Gaal is so often as controversial. The party beast is certainly a trainer who over and over again will split the fan bearings. But the success proves him right. There are actually only three top stars in the squad. In addition to Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder this predicate. The remaining players are largely in the domestic Eredivisie under contract and at the beginning of the career. But now a huge euphoria reigns in Holland again. The second World Cup finals in series is within reach. It has started with the removal of still world champion Spain. Despite a 0-1 backlog could disenchant Spain and send home with 5-1. After a narrow victory against strong fighting Australian, there was the head to head for top spot with Chile in the last group game. To Brazil in the second round out of the way to go, was called lose it prohibited. Also the third game could thanks to two Joker goals to decide and to survive the much-quoted group of death without loss of points.

With Mexico an unpleasant opponent waited in the first Knockout game and the Central Americans were a worthy opponent. Holland joined immensely hard and then also was 0-1 behind. Again, the offensive failed because of the strong goalkeeper Ochoa. As already no one expected more with Holland Wesley Sneijder pulled off after a short avoided corner and scored in the last minute of normal time compensation. But that was not all – seal went through on the side and provoked a foul. He waited and waited – until Mexico Captain Rafa Marquez has put the foot and seals dropped in his familiar way. The referee whistled the controversial penalty in the 93rd minute in fact and Joker Klaas Jan Huntelaar secured the victory with a penalty of the Oranje. Bet on Holland vs Argentina

The Holland squad seemed to have the easiest opponent in the quarter final with Costa Rica. The Los Ticos were the big sensation and they wanted to keep in the game with a very defensive style of play. In the first round, Holland had still some chances in the second then not more. Also it was fortunate that the Uzbek referee whistled not foul penalty after rüdem upgrade by Bruno Martins INDI. It went into overtime after 90 scoreless minutes. The Oranje squeezed still on goal, but Costa Rica got repeatedly counter-attacking opportunities. There are not a scoring yet. Van Gaal grabbed in the 119th minute, then to an unusual measure, he moved from goalkeeper Cillessen and it brought Newcastle legionnaire Tim Krul. The 1.88-metre Krul then with two held penalties also became the winner of the match. It is worth mentioning that Krul was at all five penalties in the right corner.

Van Gaal once more proved a lucky hand. After he was criticized for his unconventional 5-3-2 system prior to the tournament, this is now more and more generic. In possession of the ball of the opponent you want to get from a safe defensive, in private possession system is fast from the 5-3-2 a 3-5-2 system. The two outside defenders slide forward and to turn in the offensive. A system which requires enormous legwork.

Holland lineups
Cillessen – Martins indi, Vlaar, de Vrij – blind, Wijnaldum, Sneijder, Kuyt – Depay, van Persie, Robben Bet on Holland vs Argentina

Holland previous soccer games
13.06.2014 Spain – Holland 1-5
18.06.2014 Australia – Netherlands 2-3
23.06.2014 Holland – Chile 2-0
29.06.2014 Holland – Mexico 2-1
05.07.2014 Holland – Costa Rica 0-0

Argentina vs. Holland head to head
A total of eight times the national teams of Argentina and Holland faced already. In addition to four friendly matches (last time in February 2003), there were four duels at World Cup soccer games. The Gauchos never prevailed at the friendship games. In addition to two victories for Oranje, there were even two draw. Also in the four duels at a World Cup, the Europeans have the nose front. The Netherlands won the World Cup in the group stage in 1974 and 1998 in the second round against Argentina. Eight years ago in Germany, they parted with a goalless draw. A very important, however, was the only victory of Argentina against Holland. 1978 at the Home World Cup prevailed in overtime with a 3-1 the House of Lords and won the first World Championship title. Mario Kempes was a double pack for the match winner.

Argentina vs. Holland prediction
Usually only little things decide in a World Cup semi-final. Now will also be important there, who can deal with the pressure. The Netherlands van Gaal over a team, which consists almost solely of young spunden and who are confronted with such a situation for the first time was four years ago but now has already in this situation. In addition, the defensive of the Oranje is anything but world class. Cillessen could not so far always convincing. While Martins indi, de Vrij and Vlaar must deal first with Gonzalo Higuain, Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero. Argentina’s defense was also always laughed at, but was it the hardness test against Belgium and could withstand the pressure of the Red Devils. In addition, not had one in the extension and could save forces. Argentina had more recovery time, no extension in the feet, and all in all more quality. The Gauchos get beating Holland in the regular season and rejoice in the finals. Bet on Holland vs Argentina

More sport betting tips on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bettingtipcoza

Argentina v Holland: five things to look out for in the World Cup semi-final

How will Di María’s absence affect Argentina?

While Ángel Di María was Real Madrid’s best player in the Champions League final, he has been more fitful for Argentina. He scored the extra-time winner against Switzerland but had been having a torrid time before curling the ball past Diego Benaglio and the midfielder has performed in fits and bursts. All the same, Argentina would rather Di María had not suffered the thigh injury against Belgium that has ruled him out for the rest of the tournament. Enzo Pérez, the Benfica midfielder, is an able deputy but Di María is a special player on his day and still had time to become one of Argentina’s driving forces. Holland will be pleased not to see him. Take a bet on ARG vs HOLL

Van Persie’s form

Robin van Persie began the tournament with the header to end all headers, that staggering swan-dive improvisation that sent the ball looping over a baffled Iker Casillas and Holland on their way to a momentous 5-1 crushing of Spain. Then came an emphatic finish in the win over Australia, at which point it seemed that Van Persie was going to take the World Cup by storm after a disappointing season for Manchester United. However, it has not quite worked out like that – well, not yet at least. After impressing during the group stage, Van Persie has been below par in Holland’s two knock-out games. He was ineffective against Mexico in the second round and was replaced by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who played a key part in the late Dutch revival, and he was also underwhelming against Costa Rica, missing a good chance as the minutes ticked away. When Van Persie tucked away his penalty in the shoot-out, he looked relieved. Yet while Holland need him at his best against Argentina, it would be monumentally stupid to write him off and part of the problem for long spells against Costa Rica and Mexico was that both sides defended deep, negating Holland’s speed on the break. There could be more space to exploit against Argentina – and that is when Van Persie could come into his own. Take a bet on ARG vs HOLL

Higuaín and Lavezzi’s movement

Gonzalo Higuaín has never quite convinced in an Argentina shirt and there were many wondering whether he was worth his place leading into the quarter-final against Belgium. He had not scored and his impact had been minimal. But he managed an instinctive, deadly strike that beat Thibaut Courtois, a goal that showcased Higuaín’s poise and class, demonstrating that he can be the difference between failure and glory for Argentina. It also lifted the load on Messi, who was increasingly having to do it on his own as his fellow forwards floundered in their search for lift-off in Brazil. Obviously Messi is more than capable of deciding any match in Argentina’s favour with one imperious swish of his left foot but leaving it all to him is a high-risk strategy given that he will probably be confronted by at least two players when he receives the ball. And he will receive the ball a lot. Messi, of course, can wriggle his way out of the tightest of clinches but what if Holland do find that they have found a way to nullify him? When there was a lack of movement in the first half of Argentina’s opening game against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Messi struggled. When his team-mates moved and occupied the Bosnian defenders more in the second half, Messi scored a solo stunner. That is why it is crucial that Higuaín and Ezequiel Lavezzi, both excellent players in their own right but support acts in this scenario, are on song. Make room for Messi and one way or another, Argentina will probably reach the final. Take a bet on ARG vs HOLL

Holland’s defence without Vlaar

Ron Vlaar has been a rock for Holland, marshalling their defence and using his experience to guide the younger players around him, so it will be a huge blow if a knee injury keeps him out on Wednesday night. It will not be the end of the world and there hopes of reaching the final would not disappear with Vlaar, but their defence could have a shakier feel without the 29-year-old. Despite playing for an Aston Villa side not exactly known for its solidity, Vlaar has put his domestic travails to one side and excelled in Brazil, particularly against Spain, when he denied Diego Costa an early goal with a perfectly timed last-ditch tackle. Holland could do with him being passed fit. Take a bet on ARG vs HOLL

Would Van Gaal do it again?

Bad news for supporters of Liverpool and Manchester City: it appears that Louis van Gaal is never, ever wrong. And even when the Manchester United-bound manager is wrong, he gets it right in the end anyway and then he’ll tell you in painstaking detail why he was right, why you’re an idiot and why he was right, so there. First he stuck two fingers up to the 4-3-3 advocates by making his three-man defence work, then there was the water-break tactical switch against Mexico and finally and most famously, there was his decision to mess with Costa Rica’s heads by bringing on Tim Krul for the penalty shoot-out. Krul’s penalty record is not particularly special. Essentially he is a bigger man than Jasper Cillessen. But that was all part of the bluff: it made Costa Rica think that Krul was going to be the hero. Penalties are about technique but you also have to keep your nerve, so Van Gaal’s psychological trick worked a treat. But would he do it again or was it a once-in-a-lifetime ruse? The game might be up: the world has seen Van Gaal’s hand and Argentina might not be flustered as easily. If the game is winding its way to a shootout, it will be fascinating to see if Krul is told to warm up – and then if we are treated to the sight of him acting up again and bawling in Messi’s poker face as the Argentina star prepares to take his penalty. Take a bet on ARG vs HOLL

More sport betting tips on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bettingtipcoza

5 Betting Strategies and How to Win

Winning at Sports Betting

Winning at sports betting is very challenging indeed. With standard pricing at -110/-110 on most games, the house enjoys over a 4% edge on most bets. That is very hard to overcome, especially since many gamblers struggle to win more than even 50% of their picks. To overcome that edge you must win at a nearly 53% clip.

However, not all games have such a large house edge. These are the lines that can be bet into to show a profit.

Ways to Win at Sports Betting

Just as the old saying goes, “there are many ways to skin a cat.” There are also many ways to win at sports betting. Let us examine some of these ways now.

Line Shopping and Steam Chasing

Line shopping is an easy way to gain an edge. This method involves looking for sharp, trusted lines (usually from well respected, liquid books) and then finding other sites that are slow to update their lines. This can happen a lot in the last hour before game time. One book may list a team at -3 and then all of the sudden the line starts dropping, first to 2.5 and then all the way down to 2 and finally 1.5. However, while the line is at -2.5 at one book, another may still have -3. This would provide a great opportunity to take the underdog and “chase the steam.”

Tailing a Respected Capper

Sometimes, you will find a handicapper who sells or gives away picks who has a solid track record. There are a few reputable sites that offer picks for sale that you can use to profit. Being early is key here, as this can be where the “steam” mentioned above often originates. If a big time syndicate is pounding a line into shape, you want to be in as early as possible, before books catch on and adjust.

Bonus Chasing

Bonuses are in shorter supply than in years past, but there are still good values to be found here. Sportsbooks often offer a “first time deposit” bonus or a reload bonus for players who are depositing. This can be a goldmine when played correctly. It is good to always try and max out the bonus while it is available. So if a book offers a reload bonus of 20% up to a $2000 deposit, it is in your best interest to deposit the full amount and take advantage of the $400 bonus. Signing up for a new book just to get the bonus is often a good play as well. Hunt online for books, talk to your friends, and search forums to find the best bonuses available. Be especially aware of special bonuses during busy times such as the NFL Playoffs or big soccer betting events such as the World Cup, Euros or even the Champions League finals, since books will be highly competitive and vying for your action.

Do It Yourself

You can also “do it yourself” and become a handicapper. However, most, if not all, information that you come up with (widely available information) is already priced into the lines. So, it doesn’t do you much good to look up the weather forecast or the coaches’ records on primetime games or other stats such as rushing yards or goals scored. The bookies, and other smart handicappers, have already pored over all this information and it has been accounted for. But if you are a computer whiz, or good with numbers, you may be able to develop a computer program to crunch tons of numbers in order to come up with an edge. A tip here: the smaller the market, the less attention paid to it, by bookies and other gamblers. So you may have a better shot at finding an edge in a smaller sport or market such as certain props.

Become the Bookie/Bet on an Exchange

Exchange betting is becoming more and more popular nowadays, with the advent of the internet and online books over a decade ago. This can allow you to effectively “become the bookie” and offer other gamblers odds on a certain outcome. Even when taking into account the house commission, this can still prove very profitable.

Let’s look at an example now.

Respected sportsbook A has a MLB baseball game listed as

Team A -130
Team B +110

You are browsing your favorite exchange and see the best available offer at

Team A -145
Team B +100

You decide to put in an offer and put up $105 to win $100 and pick Team B to win. Now the exchange will update to show

Team A -145
Team B +105

Someone decides to take your offer and bets the full $100 to win $105. Even taking into account the house’s cut (2% of all winning bets), you are still in good shape and better off than taking this bet at the well respected Book A.

Getting Paid

Of course, if you win at sports betting, it is no good unless you ultimately get paid. Make sure you bet with highly respected books for the most part, but don’t be afraid to take a shot at a smaller, up and coming book. Read up online about the book and find out what others are saying. Try the live chat and see what withdrawal options they have. Maybe start off with a small deposit and then withdraw after a few weeks and see how they treat you. If you are getting endless emails and vague answers, it might be best to avoid this book. Initiating a cashout during peak times (NCAA March Madness, Super Bowl, World Cup) might be a good idea, since the books will probably be flush with cash and able to pay to keep the business going.

Things to Avoid

Probably the most important aspect of winning at sports betting is knowing what to avoid. There is a myriad of things to avoid when betting sports. For example, try to avoid paying -110 when -105 is easily available somewhere else. Don’t bet more than normal because you’re stuck for the day/week/month/year. Don’t bet more because the game is on TV. Take any picks with a grain of salt. Most picks, especially picks that are given away, are worth their weight in gold, so 0. Occasionally you’ll find someone worth following, but chances are they are just trying to sucker you in to purchase future “locks” with the promise of a free half-season if they happen to lose.

Avoid betting on your hometown team if it becomes a big deal if you lose. What I mean is that it’s fine to bet on your hometown team, but not if a loss will cause you to automatically bet bigger and bigger on later games that day. Some fans become so emotionally invested that it is best to just watch the game and avoid making a bet. Another solid reason to avoid this is because most local bookies (online and on the streets) will bump the lines to account for heavy action on the hometown team, giving you a worse value.

For the most part, avoid teasers, parlays, and future betting. The same goes for betting in running. These markets do not offer much value, unless you use line shopping or other tactics to scout out a good value. Bookies are too smart and will simply chew you up with the juice over time. The juice is simply too high for teasers, parlays, futures, and live betting for the vast majority of bettors.

Conclusion

There are many things to consider when betting sports. If you are just playing for fun, it is still advantageous to follow the advice listed here, so your money lasts longer and you get more action for your dollar. However, if you are playing professionally, you must take heed of this advice and also do additional work to remain profitable. Topics such as bankroll management and variance come into play for the professional gambler every day. Read more about the Kelly staking plan to answer questions such as “How much should I bet?”

*More sport betting tips on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bettingtipcoza

India cricket tour to England 2014 - Fixtures and #betting odds

India's tour of England in summer 2014 will encompass five Investec Test Matches, a five match Royal London One-Day Series and a solitary NatWest T20 International.

India play a five-match Test series in this country for the first time since 1959 with Trent Bridge, Lord's, the Ageas Bowl, Emirates Old Trafford and the Kia Oval all hosting Investec Test Matches.

Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Middlesex will host tour matches against India, who last toured England in 2011 when they were defeated four-nil in the Test Series and three-nil in the NatWest Series with the NatWest International T20 series drawn 1-1.

Ticketing information will be added - Take a bet on England vs India

India Tour Itinerary

Wed 9 - Sun 13 July: First Investec Test Match, Trent Bridge

Thu 17 - Mon 21 July: Second Investec Test Match, Lord's

Sun 27 - Thu 31 July: Third Investec Test Match, Ageas Bowl**

Thu 7 - Mon 11 Aug: Fourth Investec Test Match, Emirates Old Trafford

Fri 15 - Tues 19 Aug: Fifth Investec Test Match, Kia Oval

Fri 22 Aug: Fifty-over game v Middlesex, Lord's

Mon 25 Aug: Royal London One-Day Series 1st ODI, Bristol

Wed 27 Aug: Royal London One-Day Series 2nd ODI, SWALEC Stadium

Sat 30 Aug: Royal London One-Day Series 3rd ODI, Trent Bridge

Tue 2 Sept: Royal London One-Day Series 4th ODI, Edgbaston

Fri 5 Sept: Royal London One-Day Series 5th ODI, Headingley

Sun 7 Sept: NatWest International T20, Edgbaston

Mon 8 Sept: India team departs UK

Take a bet on England vs India

Odds On Brazil, Germany, Argentina or Holland Winning the World Cup

Which team has the best odds to win the 2014 World Cup, and which teams will win in the semi-finals? Find out below.

First, an update regarding how the odds are determined.

Using Elo ratings (ER), an elegant metric for calculating current strength based on weighted recent relative performance, each match’s expected outcome was plugged into a Poisson random number generator. Using weights derived from historical regression analysis and the knowledge that soccer goals per game follow a Poisson distribution, the generator churns out game outcomes. Structuring the matches into the World Cup’s schedule and storing the results for a half million simulations gives us the analysis below.

Odds for World Cup semi-finals:

Brazil wins 80.09 %
Germany wins 19.91 %

Argentina wins 61.60 %
Netherlands wins 38.40 %

Bet Here

Odds to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup:

Brazil – 62%
Argentina – 20%
Germany – 9%
Netherlands – 9%

Bet Here