With a field of 32 whittled to 16, teams begin to play for keeps as the World Cup elimination stage kicks off. While the first two weeks from Germany have provided some memorable moments - Trinidad & Tobago we thank you - it's fair to say that the real World Cup gets under way this weekend.
Draws are no longer an option. Lose one and you're done. Penalty kicks hover above scoreless ties like a buzzard on a carcass. The group stage was the appetizer - the elimination stage is the main course.
2006 World Cup Betting, World Cup Game Lines at the Bodog Sportsbook
Germany -160
vs Sweden +425
Draw +235
Argentina -270
vs Mexico +750
Draw +290
England -227
vs Ecuador +650
Draw +265
Portugal +200
vs Netherlands +130
Draw +200
Four sublime matches are on the slate this weekend, kicking off with host Germany taking on a puzzling Swedish squad that showed glimpses of brilliance (and ineptitude) in the group phase. Central America battles South as Mexico takes on an offensive juggernaut in Argentina, while England will attempt to rally around the injured Michael Owen as it takes on Ecuador.
But all of those matches will act as a precursor to a Round of 16 battle that has soccer aficionados drooling - Portugal versus the Netherlands. Worthy of a possible World Cup final, the third-ranked Dutch will have their hands full with the seventh-ranked Portuguese, who are making their first second-round appearance since 1966.
Place more bets on the World Cup here!
Get Your Soccer World Cup Props Here!
Place Your World Cup Futures Here!
Draws are no longer an option. Lose one and you're done. Penalty kicks hover above scoreless ties like a buzzard on a carcass. The group stage was the appetizer - the elimination stage is the main course.
2006 World Cup Betting, World Cup Game Lines at the Bodog Sportsbook
Germany -160
vs Sweden +425
Draw +235
Argentina -270
vs Mexico +750
Draw +290
England -227
vs Ecuador +650
Draw +265
Portugal +200
vs Netherlands +130
Draw +200
Four sublime matches are on the slate this weekend, kicking off with host Germany taking on a puzzling Swedish squad that showed glimpses of brilliance (and ineptitude) in the group phase. Central America battles South as Mexico takes on an offensive juggernaut in Argentina, while England will attempt to rally around the injured Michael Owen as it takes on Ecuador.
But all of those matches will act as a precursor to a Round of 16 battle that has soccer aficionados drooling - Portugal versus the Netherlands. Worthy of a possible World Cup final, the third-ranked Dutch will have their hands full with the seventh-ranked Portuguese, who are making their first second-round appearance since 1966.
Place more bets on the World Cup here!
Get Your Soccer World Cup Props Here!
Place Your World Cup Futures Here!