Hosts China, Brazil look to lock up berth in quarters

Soccer Betting Lines

09/14/2007 - Wuhan, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - China opened its World Cup with a dramatic win over Denmark and would all but lock up a spot in the quarterfinals with a win or a tie against Brazil on Saturday.

China built a two-goal lead against Denmark in the second half Wednesday, but the Danes rallied to tie the game before Xiaoli Song scored in the 88th minute of a 3-2 win.

Brazil also opened with a win Wednesday, defeating New Zealand 5-0.

"It will be a tough match... (China is) also a powerful team," Brazil coach Jorge Barcellos told FIFA's website.

Playing in front of a large crowd in Wuhan on Wednesday, Jie Li and Yan Bi had goals as China jumped out to the two-goal lead. After Denmark equalized in the 87th minute, Song struck less than a minute later.

It was a surprising start from the Chinese, who were expected to struggle in the World Cup, even though they are the hosts.

"I couldn't be happier with the result because it was a must-win match. It was a real slog, but winning has really lifted us," China forward Han Duan said on FIFA's website.

China proved again it is capable of being a force on the world stage, even if repeating its run to the 1999 final is unlikely. A win over Brazil would all but assure the Chinese the top spot in Group D, and put them just three wins from a title.

In addition to being runners-up in 1999, when it lost to the United States on penalty kicks, China finished fourth in 1995 and fifth in 1991. The Chinese were knocked out in the quarterfinals in 2003.

Brazil only led its opener against New Zealand 1-0 at halftime, but there was no doubt which side was better and it was obvious in the second half.

Reigning FIFA Player of the Year Marta scored twice after the break, picking up where she left off in the 2003 Cup when she scored three goals in four games as a 17-year-old.

"The win belongs to the whole team, it wasn't just down to my contribution," Marta told FIFA's website. "Now we're looking to push on for the next game."

Brazil needs a result against China because it plays Denmark, ranked sixth in the world, in its last game on Wednesday.

Even if the Chinese can't solve the Brazilians, they play New Zealand in their last game on Wednesday, and that gives the hosts a great shot to advance.

Roolingstone Soccer Betting News

<< Norway, Australia to battle for Group C lead
Hangzhou, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The top spot in Group C will be on the line on Saturday when Australia meets Norway in the second game for both teams. Norway earned a tough 2-1 comeback win against Canada, while Austral

<< Denmark's Group D climb must start with New Zealand
Wuhan, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - After dropping its opener to China on a late goal, Denmark faces an uphill battle to advance out of Group D. Denmark is ranked sixth in the world - the highest in the group - but already trails China and

<< Canada aims to rebound against Ghana
Hangzhou, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Canada and Ghana are both coming off losses in their opening match, and a win is a must for either team if they are to hold out hope of advancing into the quarterfinals. Canada took a 1-0 lead int

<< Red Bulls look to cool Fire, improve playoff position
Bridgeview, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Red Bull New York and the Chicago Fire square off for the third and final time this season in a Major League Soccer fixture Saturday at Toyota Park. The teams just played each other on Sept. 1 -

<< Rams CB Hill to miss Sunday's game against 49ers
St. Louis, MO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - St. Louis Rams head coach Scott Linehan announced that starting cornerback Tye Hill will miss Sunday's game against San Francisco after hurting his lower back in practice on Thursday. Hill, the 15t

United acquires Monteiro from Fire >>
Washington, D.C. (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - D.C. United announced Friday the club has acquired Jerson Monteiro from the Chicago Fire in exchange for a conditional 2008 MLS SuperDraft pick. Uniteds roster included an open developmental spot for the

Farfan could make season debut vs. Vitesse >>
Eindhoven, Holland (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Three-time defending Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven could get a extra boost of energy on Saturday when it plays Vitesse at Philips Stadium. Jefferson Farfan, who has missed all season due

Manning, Umenyiora practice >>
East Rutherford, NJ (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The New York Giants got a boost on Friday, as both quarterback Eli Manning and defensive end Osi Umenyiora practiced in preparation for Sunday's game against Green Bay. Head coach Tom Coug

Unbeatens Bayern Munich, Schalke clash >>
Munich, Germany (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Bayern Munich will put its unbeaten mark on the line on Saturday against Schalke 04, the only other club in the Bundesliga that hasn't lost this season. Although the league contenders haven't lost yet, the

Phils' Alfonseca suspended four games >>
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Antonio Alfonseca was suspended for four games and fined an undisclosed amount for intentionally throwing at Colorado's Todd Helton on Thursday. With two outs i

MySportsbook.com is one of the most efficient and professional online sportsbook today. While some sportsbooks only excel during the busiest seasons, MySportsbook is an excellent choice for the player who wants year-round quality. From their baseball true dime line to their interactive wagering, MySportsbook makes sure their clients would miss them if they went elsewhere.

Players won’t find any novelties at this sportsbook. The site is clean and simple and most importantly, fast. Customer Service handles matters in an expedient manner and accounting does everything possible to assure players that they have full control of their funds. The online banking center is open 24/7 in which time Neteller payouts are processed.

Management’s background and understanding of sports gambling has helped make them pioneers in the online betting market. MySportsbook was the first betting site to offer sports wagering in the best form. Interactive wagering was first offered in 1997. Players who don’t stop wagering when the game begins consider this sportsbook a true asset.

Players who are looking for outstanding value, extensive wagering options and inexpensive payouts will appreciate what MySportsbook.com offers. Those who are looking for perks and high bonuses would be best suited in a sportsbook geared towards the regular player.

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your sports betting needs.