White Sox Clash With Royals Wednesday Night

After winning 11 straight games during the opening of the World Cup betting tournament, to close the gap between them and the Minnesota Twins for top spot in the American League Central, the Chicago White Sox will look to continue their climb to the top of the standings Wednesday night by taking the finale of a three-game set with the Kansas City Royals.

Chicago White Sox vs Kansas City Royals

Jake Peavy vd Zack Greinke

White Sox

With the big bat of Paul Konerko swinging for the baseball betting fences, the White Sox offense has made an impact in the month of June, and is a big reason why Chicago has climbed to within two games of the division-leading Minnesota Twins. Konerko’s 20 home runs are good for first in the Majors, tied with Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays and. The White Sox are 8-2 over their past ten games, which has improved their record in the month of June to 50-31 over the past three seasons. Over that span, Chicago has not only played well on offense, but improved their fielding as well, and in the past 14 games, the White Sox have committed just three errors combined as a team. Playing solid baseball on the road as well as at home, as evidenced by their 20-17 away record, Chicago now turns to Jake Peavy once again to help close the gap between them and first place Minnesota even further.

Royals

Despite being tied with the Texas Rangers for best bet on baseball team batting average in the major leagues, an item that was a big weakness for Kansas City only one year ago, the Royals have not competed in the American League Central as expected this season. Currently 13 games below .500, the Royals are 9.5 back of division-leading Minnesota, and have struggled mightily both at home and on the road. Now, they put the ball in the hand of ace Zach Grienke, whose pitching struggles serve as an appropriate representation of just how bad the Royals have been this year. The clock is ticking for both Grienke and the Royals, and it is only a matter of time before it is too late for Kansas City once again.

The Game

The White Sox took the second of the three-game set between these teams Tuesday night in Kansas City 4-3, just 24 hours after dropping the opener in a 3-1 loss. Losers of two of their past three after winning an incredible 11 straight, Chicago is looking to get back on track against a Royals team that has struggled this season, but it could be tougher than it looks, especially given the capabilities of starting pitcher Zach Grienke, and the disappointing season that he has had so far.

Robbie Findley Returns to the US

Donovan on Live with Regis and Kelly

Donovan on CBS Early Show

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Donovan on Letterman

Kljestan Interview at Anderlecht

*Kljestan : “Take the title again with Anderlecht and play the Champions League”
*Click picture for interview

Video: Kljestan Presented to Anderlecht and Press Conference

Video of presentation of Kljestan after the jump.
*Kljestan Excited about European Debut

Bob Bradley on Dan Patrick Show (updated with video)

Click picture to listen to audio

*Bradley wants to stay with U.S. team
[Update] Video is after the jump...

USA eliminated, but fans' passion remains

World Cup Round of 16 – Paraguay versus Japan

Online sports betting has been given an exciting boost this summer, as the World Cup is taking place in South Africa. The biggest sports attraction there is has brought in 32 top football teams to vie for supremacy, and World Cup betting offers exciting matchups once every four years. Check out the World Cup blog for more tips and advice. And if soccer is not your thing, there is MLB betting offered on a daily basis to satisfy your needs.

In South Africa, meanwhile, only eight teams remain as Friday kicks off the quarterfinals; those competing only have three more games, and three more wins to achieve greatness.

What looks to be one of the most competitive and close matches of the tournament starts the round in beautiful Port Elizabeth at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium between Netherlands and Brazil.

While Italy, the United States, and England have all faltered and failed to meet expectations, two teams thought to win their respective groups and make their way to the finals have done just that. Both Netherlands and Brazil were destined to meet in the quarterfinals should they top the group stage, and they did just that. Among the top teams in the world, the winner is likely to compete for the trophy on July 11th.

The Oranje have yet to lose in the tournament, and have yet to concede a goal during normal play. The Dutch beat Denmark 2-0 to open the competition, edged Japan 1-0, and beat Cameroon 2-1 in a virtually meaningless final game. To advance to the quarterfinal, Netherlands beat surprise Slovakia, a team simply happy to be in the round of 16, quite handily. The final score, 2-1, was not indicative of a team that allowed only two genuine goal scoring opportunities, both to the Slovakia star Robert Vittek.

After earning nine points in the group stage the Dutch seemed to improve in the knock out round as Arjen Robben started the match and notched an impressive goal, cutting back to centre after taking a pass on the side, and delivering a low strike inside the post past the diving keeper.

As good as the Oranje have been, Brazil has been too. They beat a passionate and defensive North Korea team to open the competition, dominated Ivory Coast 3-1, and then drew Portugal in a half hearted effort by both clubs. To move to the quarters, Brazil manhandled fellow South Americans Chile, by a score of 3-0.

Juan and Fabiano strike within three minutes of one another to take a 2-0 lead into the half, and Robinho scored in the second for the decisive victory.

Betting lines: Brazil will be favoured slightly, but the game is indeed a toss -up. Netherlands have historically underachieved at this point in the tournament despite dominating the group stage. Brazil too have looked strong, but some thought their hearts would not be in it as they look to the games in 2014 as the host nation. The stars on both sides are performing to expectations and between Robben, Van Persie, and Snjieder for the Dutch, and Kaka, Fabiano, and Robinho for Brazil, this will be the most exciting game yet. History goes to Brazil, and they will edge the Dutch in a very close game that will likely see extra time.

World Cup 2010 - US vs Ghana - Full Match

Here is the full match of the US vs Ghana game. We just weren't good enough to be blunt. Have to finish your chances at this level. Oh well, let the preparation and speculation begin for 2014!

1st half

2nd half

Extra Time

YA/USMNT News

*Gulati says U.S. 'capable of more'

*Johnson planning on Fulham return

*Thomas signs with Ljungskile

*Bradley optimistic about US future

*U.S. players mull what might have been

*U.S. can draw some positives from World Cup learning experience

*Should U.S. soccer fans be worried?

*A giant half glass of water

Gulati Evaluates US Team and Bob Bradley

Beyond the Sidelines

MOTD World Cup Highlights: US vs Ghana

Here is Match of the Day featuring the US and Ghana Match.

June 27: Studio 90

Dear England, I don't feel bad for you...

What Is The Future For USA Soccer?

Post US World Cup Articles

U.S. made believers out of us

Postmortem on U.S.' World Cup run

USA-Ghana most-watched World Cup match

Bob Bradley reflects on World Cup, U.S. future

Report: Donovan attracting interest from Europe
 
Burnout in Rustenburg: Why it Just Wouldn't Happen.

Ghana 2, United States 1 aet: The U.S. Is Out

The newest Yank Abroad?

U.S. midfielder Landon Donovan scored a goal for the Americans in their 2-1 defeat to Ghana on Saturday that eliminated the U.S. from the World Cup.

But Donovan has more on his mind right now than the U.S. loss. SI.com has learned that a British tabloid is set to run a story in which a U.K. woman says she is pregnant with Donovan's child.

Donovan has been separated for nearly a year from his wife, actress Bianca Kajlich, though they are not yet legally divorced. They have no children.

"I was informed of the possibility during the World Cup, and if I need to take responsibility, then I will provide the appropriate support," Donovan told SI.com. "This is a private matter and I will refrain from further comment at this time."

Donovan scored three goals for the U.S. in the 2010 World Cup, making him the highest career World Cup goal-scorer in the history of CONCACAF (with five).


*Donovan addresses imminent U.K. tabloid report

Obama Watches the US vs Ghana

Coach Bradley: ‘A Pretty Empty Feeling’

12,000 fans watch US vs Ghana in Kansas City

US vs Ghana Highlights

Donovan Postgame Interview

USA Eliminated From World Cup

Bob Bradley: USA Exits World Cup

USA blows World Cup opportunity

NBC News: US Takes on Ghana

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

U.S. Preparing For Match-Up With Ghana

U.S.-Ghana: Five things to watch

Studio 90: Gameday Edition

Spain did not want to get to the list of fiascos of the World Cup Betting

The early bird deletions of Italians and French have alerted the selection of Spain, the last thing you want is to join in the black list of failures.

The defeat against Switzerland (0-1) in the first game of the World Cup betting had changed the plans of Fury, which was classified for this match and even speculated that against the South Americans would only be a game to choose his opponent in round.

But the story was over and now Spain has to go out to "kill or be killed, without even afford to choose between Portugal and Brazil, potential rivals if they make the ticket.

"We are preparing for battle on Friday (today), which is the most important," said the Spanish tactician, Vicente del Bosque, aware that the Red will have to play a pass to round to the rival "in theory" more strong.

Spain's victory can only afford to not have to depend on a positive outcome of Honduras against Switzerland in the other game of the key, while to the South American Red tie is enough to lead his group.

To achieve a victory over European champions, Chile won three consecutive games, something unprecedented for this country that still stands the disastrous earthquake in February.

Airtight. During the course of the week, the importance of play made the teams were too tight and did not give any clue to his rival on what appear today in the Pretoria Loftus Versfeld.

From the little that is known is that Spain will come out with David Villa and Fernando Torres El Niño on the offense, where they are most criticized the actions of the Spanish.

The most important novelty will be the entry of retrieved Andres Iniesta instead of Jesus Navas, to give greater support and capacity to the area of gestation.

For the Chileans could affect absences Matias Fernandez and midfielder Carlos Carmona, yellow-accumulating. Substitutes will be Jorge Valdivia and Arturo Vidal.

If anything is certain is that both Chile and Spain do not speculate and seek rate, so expect a good show.

"They're two different styles but two good choices. We face a Chilean team very good, "analyzed the Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque.

Rewatch US vs Ghana From 2006

Rewatch US vs Ghana in 2006 to pump you up for some revenge.

World Cup 2010 - US vs Algeria - Full Match

I don't need any words for this. Just enjoy!

1st half

2nd half

Bill Clinton and Carlos Bocanegra

Jay DeMerit Story Pt. 2 of 2

Wahl: US vs Ghana Preview

*United States-Ghana: Six Things To Watch For

Colbert Report - US Defeats Algeria

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
US Defeats Algeria
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Fox News

Daily Show: Into Africa - US Beats Algeria

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
World Cup 2010: Into Africa - US Beats Algeria
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

Tim & Jozy: Victory in Pretoria

June 25: Studio 90

June 24: Studio 90

Fan Reactions from Around the Globe

This is easily my favorite video yet (other than of the actual goal of course) from Wednesday. My favorite are the Guy from Arkansas and the I don't know. Watch it to see what I mean!

Ghana Awaits In The Next Round For USA

USA Running On Empty And Loving It

Power of 10 - Donovan

Giuseppe Rossi Talks U.S. Win, Fans

USA fans erupt from Algeria victory

US Qualify For Knockout Stage

Post Game Reactions – United States vs Algeria

Studio 90: Postgame Edition

Inside The Pro presents: Landon Donovan

Fan Celebrations in the US

<br /> <a href="http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-US&brand=foxsports&vid=545c16b9-3697-4dd1-a10d-fd49d43c02d4" target="_new" title="Late Heroics Vault U.S. to World Cup Knockout Stage">Video: Late Heroics Vault U.S. to World Cup Knockout Stage</a>

US Advances on Donovan Goal

*United States 1, Algeria 0: U.S. Wins Group C

Landon Donovan The American Hero

USA vs Algeria - Highlights

The Game Winning And Group Winning Goal

USA Spurred On By 2006 Memory

Bradley's Take on the Big Win

June 23: Studio 90

Colbert Report - US Ties With Slovenia

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
US Ties With Slovenia
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Fox News

Inside Report: USA prepares for Algeria

World Cup 2010 - USA vs Slovenia - Full Match

The game will always be remembered for the phantom call. Still, it was a fantastic comeback and should be remembered instead for the two goals we did score. Sorry it has taken me a while to get it uploaded, but I have been pretty busy. The full match. Enjoy!

1st half


2nd half

Beyond the Sidelines Part 4

June 22: Studio 90

Aris says αντίο to Adu

*Adu exit from Greek club Aris FC likely

World Cup Betting – Group A Picks For Tuesday

World Cup betting is about to gear up a notch as the group finales will kick off on Tuesday with Group A, where the group leaders will battle each other.

Mexico Uruguay Betting – Tuesday, 10:00 AM ET

A draw is favored at -130 as these two are atop Group A with four points each, three ahead of France and South Africa. Mexico is coming off a comprehensive 2-0 win over France, but they’re going have to find a way to deal with Uruguay’s Diego Forlan, who spearheaded a 3-0 win over South Africa, and he may be the best player in the World Cup so far. These two countries have met 17 times, with Mexico winning seven and drawing seven while outscoring Uruguay 25-21. The Mexicans could also be going into this match without forward Carlos Vela, who hurt his leg against France and will probably sit this one out, but that could mean a starting role for Javier Hernandez, who scored as a substitute against France. The matchup to watch if you write a World Cup blog is Forlan against Mexico’s Rafael Marquez, and these two are familiar with each other after playing in La Liga. If Marquez can nullify Forlan, the Mexicans can grab a point, and first place is important as the runner-up will likely face Argentina.

Betting pick: Draw -130

France South Africa Betting – Tuesday, 10:00 AM ET

France is a +110 favorite in this World Cup contest, and are on the verge of going out in the first round for the second time in four World Cups. Les Bleus have been, easily, the biggest disappointments thus far, and it may not even due to their on-field play. After the Mexico loss, forward Nicolas Anelka was sent away from the team for arguing with manager Raymond Domenech, and then the team refused to train in protest of Anelka’s expulsion. South Africa will be aiming for an upset to give their fans something to cheer about, as they will likely be the first host country to be eliminated in the first round of the World Cup. It’s not a matter of work ethic, but the gulf in class was highlighted in the loss to Uruguay. France has won two and drawn one of their three meetings with South Africa, outscoring them 5-1, but Bafana Bafana definely has a chance to pull out the soccer betting upset in this one. The French camp is in disarray and are playing without pride, which is something that you can’t say about the South Africans. The host team needs to go at the defensive pairing of William Gallas and Eric Abidal, who has had a horror tournament playing out of position in the middle of the defense.

Gambling Advisor blog pick: South Africa +230

Pure Passion

Best of Tim Howard in the MLS

June 20, 2010: Press Conference

US Confident Going Into Algeria Match

Donovan: The US will keep pushing forward

June 21: Studio 90

Cherundolo going to stay at Hannover

Taken from Soccer By Ives

Steve Cherundolo has enjoyed a strong summer with the U.S. national team, reclaiming his starting role at right back while also delivering a pair of strong performances at the World Cup, so it should come as no surprise that Hannover 96 was quick to re-sign him.

According to Hannover 96's official website, Cherundolo has verbally agreed to a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the club until 2012. The deal also includes a one-year option after that season.

Cherundolo was set to become a free agent this summer and had been linked with clubs such as AS Roma, but the extension with Hannover will keep him at the club where he's played all his 11 professional seasons. Hannover Website Link

NBC Nighlty News: Tim Howard - Hometown Hero

MOTD World Cup: US vs Slovenia

Here is Match of the Day featuring the US and Slovenia Match. Enjoy!

The big disappointments and suffering in the start of the World Cup Betting

Spain choked with bitter Swiss chocolate. Brazil won with just enough against a team almost from the factory. Germany threatens to derail. For examples: the great suffering in this start of the 2010 World Cup Odds.

England left the court twice and both bored. They allow mediocre draws into question what brings Capello's team. But it is not the only candidates who looks lost.

Except Argentina, candidates to be crowned in the Soccer City began to stumble. Germany feasted against innocent Australia, competing in featherweight, and then went to the losing side when he threw a middleweight, Serbia.

Even when they win they are wrong. The triumphs of the Netherlands should be welcomed but generate more criticism for the lack of firepower orange team.

Combined the six major contenders for the crown (Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Spain and Holland), the balance is six victories in nine games. They tied one and lost two. Sounds ok. But on the court the balance is negative: they are the best in the world, not enough to win, they have to raise admiration. And so far heard tune.

If we add the host, the statistics are going down. When the giants no carbides and the host country lives shortages, the World Cup costs a lot of hot.

France is a special case: a computer is broken inside and out and is on its way to a cliff.

South Korea, Greece and Slovenia, among others, won some games, but people just found out. Fans ask the marker to write it down in the calendar of pocket. Nothing more. None of these choices will save the low-profile tournament, need to wake up the big ones.

Fatigue. Maybe the stars get tired after a fire season. Arjen Robben broke his back in the final of the Champions League with Bayern, ten days after he broke a muscle.

Lukas Podolski is staying her shirt large Germanic figure. Cristiano Ronaldo has to forget the bad years at Real Madrid and salvage the season with the Portuguese.

Only Argentina can go these days with their heads up, thanks to the oxygen of his four goals against South Korea. But beware, that in the World Cup betting just one stumbling block to go into the ravine. So he went to Germany: nobody talks about the beating to Australia, but the presentation loose against Serbia.

Brazil and Spain face their next commitments with many obligations. The measured Canarinha Ivory Coast today in order to secure your ticket and dispel the doubts. Beat North Korea 2-1 in the previous game was almost a moral defeat against players who earn a hundredth of the Brazilians.

Spain disappointed against Switzerland, if the matter falls back becomes tragedy. Les touches the easiest opponent in Group Theory, Honduras. If the Red Fury does not win, and it qualifies, will become the laughing stock of South Africa 2010.

Dempsey: Confidence is Key

June 19: Studio 90

Altidore, USA Still Alive After Comeback

USA Still Upset The Day After

Onyewu On US Comeback Against Slovenia

Highlights and Post Match Interviews with Bob Bradley and Donovan

Interviews after the jump...

Lalas and Ley discuss US vs Slovenia

Daily Extra: US vs Slovenia

A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words

Saw this at The Offside Rules. Really?

Inside The Pro Presents – Clint Dempsey

Tim Howard: Man of Faith

The Jay DeMerit Story Part 1

Joe Biden discusses USA Soccer and World Cup

AP Raw Video: Fan Reaction After USA Vs Slovenia

June 18: Studio 90

June 17: Studio 90

YA news and rumors 6/16

Diskerud with Stabæk
He scored a stoppage time goal in Stabæk's 1-1 draw with Sandefjord. (Click picture for highlight, goal at 4:20 of video)

Wake alum Arnoux likely leaving Everton.

Hapoel Tel Aviv downplays Feilhaber interest.

Donovan tells BBC Slovenia game is 'like Final' for US. (video)

Charlie Davies using his summer productively it seems.

NBA Betting – Lakers, Celtics Down To Game 7 For All The Marbles

World Cup betting players know the pressure of a Game 7, because after the group stages, every game is a Game 7, where it’s win or go home. The two most storied franchises in the history of the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics, will square off Thursday night with everything on the line, and for commissioner David Stern, this is probably the only thing better than the Cavaliers/Lakers Finals matchup we all expected.

Celtics Lakers Betting – Thursday, June 17, 9:00 PM ET

Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 26 points, but this time he got more help than he did in Game 5 when he scored 44% of the Lakers’ points. But with the defense the Lakers were playing in their 89-67 win over the Celtics on Tuesday, they really didn’t need much scoring help for Bryant as they held Boston to 33.3% from the field, and only 10 free-throw attempts. Pau Gasol had a massive game, coming up just short of a triple-double with 17 points, 13 boards and nine assists, while Ron Artest had 15 points and was a game-high +26 for the Lakers as he was all over Paul Pierce.

Ray Allen was the high man with 19 points for the Celtics, while Pierce was next with 13 points, and the Celtics looked out-of-sorts from the opening period, when they were down by 10. It didn’t get better as they were down by 20 at the half, and the lead was as high as 25 in the second half. This was not a team prepared to play, which is strange when you consider their veteran leadership in the team, and now matters are made worse as Kendrick Perkins played just seven minutes before suffering a knee injury that will probably keep him out of this critical affair.

The Lakers are a 7-point NBA betting favorite in this clash, and they also have an injury worry as Andrew Bynum left in the third quarter of Game 6 and didn’t return as a precaution, and there was no need for him to push it with the Lakers up by so much. The Lakers have been dealing with this during this whole postseason, so it’s not as big a deal to them as it is to the Celtics to not have Perkins in the post. The Lakers are going to need another team effort to put the Celtics away, because Boston is going to come out with more fight than they did in the last game, but the onus will be Bryant and Gasol to be at their best. We’re banking on a big night from Bryant as the Lakers get revenge for the 2008 Finals.

Online betting pick: Lakers -7

USA goes from underdog to favorite

June 16: Studio 90

Video: U.S. fans invade South Africa

Daily Show: US vs England

Daily Show continues coverage of the US at the World Cup. There are also some alternative outcome outtakes.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
World Cup 2010: Into Africa - US Ties England
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Exclusive - Alternate World Cup Outcome - England Beats US
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Exclusive - Alternate World Cup Outcome - US Beats England
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party