NBA Playoff Record: 44-40-1 ATS
NHL Playoff Record: 4-1-1
World Cup: 1-0
Don't forget to check out our friends at 1Vice. They have terrific sign-up bonuses, great customer service, and extremely competitive lines. Best of all - they have rebates available where you get to recoup 30% of your monthly deposits in the form of free play on the first of the following month. Talk about minimizing your risks. 1Vice the future of the online gaming industry. Click on the link to the right to learn more.
The World Cup has finally arrived, and although I'm not your year-round, international league-following, jersey-wearing, beer-drinking, flag-waving, almost killed weekly in a post-game riot soccer fan, I get fired up like everyone else every four years to dust off the old Nintendo 64, strap on my joy stick, and play along with the biggest superstars in the world. Not that I can name any of them, but if you quiz me on the 2006 Portuguese squad that Marco and I took to the Finals six times in one weekend, I will blow your mind.
In the opening game of this year's cup,
Brazil struggled mightily at home and was then was rescued by two men: Neymar, who scored two goals, and Japanese official Yuichi Nishimura, who called a very soft penalty in the box that infuriated the Croatian coach. Ultimately, after falling down by a goal ten minutes in, Brazil eventually coasted to a 3-1 victory. Both squads looked a little tentative in this one, but when you only get a couple of chances in your career to play in an event, there are bound to be some nerves.
World Cup Picks Day 2
Mexico vs Cameroon: According to Accuscore, there is a high probability (35%) that this game ends in a draw. Although both of these countries bleed their national soccer colors, neither has enjoyed much World Cup success. That being said, in a group that includes Brazil and Croatia, this game is considered both teams best chance at earning points. Although Marco and I both love Mexican food, we're rolling with the computers over our palate in this one.
Prediction: Draw (+210) - Mexico 0-0 Cameroon
Prediction: Under 2 Goals (-105)
Spain vs Netherlands: In this highly anticipated group play match, the defending World Cup champions take on the dangerous(ly orange) Netherlands club. Although my mother lived in Holland until she passed away six years ago, I more often used Amsterdam as a starting off and finishing point for my much more enjoyable stays in southern and northern Europe. Although the nostalgic memories of hot, Spanish women and sweaty Ibizan night clubs are mighty powerful, the sentiment of a lost parent is just enough for us to roll with the draw. We're also pretty caught up in the novelty of picking a draw.
Prediction: Draw Spain 0 - 0 Netherlands
Prediction: Under 2 Goals (-115)
Chile vs Australia: I once dated a half-Chilean girl who constantly reminded me that I would never really understand her because of her second-world roots. She was born and raised in Marin County (top ten richest in the U.S.) mind you and her Chilean father was like royalty back in the homeland, but there was a guilty-for-being-entitled part of her that kept her different enough in her own mind for the relationship to fail. My first instinct is to bet against Chile, but then I kind of look at Australia like a second-rate England/first-rate America, and I can't help but take the close-to-home field advantage.
Prediction: Chile to win (-265)
Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals (-120)
NHL; Dating back to last year, Marco and I are on a 12-3-1 NHL roll. The less we know the better, so our soccer picks above should be out - wait for it - standing.
LOS ANGELES KINGS (-170) over New York Rangers: The Rangers found a way to hang on in Game 4 back in New York, but L.A. closes this series out in yet another OT finish.
