Online Gambling - Sportsbooks

Staff Writer
June 21, 2009

The past two days have produced some incredible football, and we are in for plenty more this week as the Confederations Cup semi-finals approach.

The final two matches of Group A played out in routine fashion with Spain and South Africa progressing to the second leg of the tournament. A disappointing performance in Johannesburg ensured Iraq would not advance to the semi-finals. The 0-0 draw was yet another frustration adding to an already unimpressive campaign. New Zealand, however, should hold their heads up high; they always looked the better squad, and at full-time their first ever Confederations Cup point was made official. Iraq needed all three points to have any chance of overtaking South Africa for a place in the semis, but ultimately they finished the tournament placed third in Group A without a single goal recorded.

Thankfully, the Spain-South Africa match proved much more entertaining. Two second-half strikes from the Spaniards guaranteed them a semi-finals berth and a clean sheet record for the entire group stage. They now go into the knockout stage as clear favorites, but will have to overcome an inconsistent – yet certainly capable – USA outfit if they want to reach the final.

Group B produced two fantastic matches that completely shocked football fans with reigning champions Brazil and surprise packets USA moving into the semis.

Brazil, who had already qualified for the second round prior to the game, overwhelmed World Champions Italy in a 3-0 victory wrought with errors. Two quick counterattacks put the Brazilians in a comfortable lead before an Andrea Dossena own goal just before half time completed the trilogy and left the Italians praying that goal difference would not eliminate them from the tournament. But, unfortunately for the Azzurri, it was a surprise victory from USA that sent them back to Italy earlier than expected.

Egypt needed only a draw against an unimpressive USA squad to move through to the semi-finals, but an inspired second half from the Americans was just enough to see them scrape through on goal difference. After such a successful run of matches against Brazil (4-3 loss) and Italy (1-0 win) the Egyptians looked just as surprised as the Americans at the end of the match, which finished 3-0.

Sportsbook.com has posted odds on both upcoming matches and, not surprisingly, Spain and Brazil are clear favorites to reach the final. But if this tournament has shown us anything at all, it is that anything is possible. The USA and South Africa may have looked shaky at the outset, but with continued improvement both have a great chance of causing an upset.

Spain
Moneyline: -303
Draw
Moneyline: +350
USA
Moneyline: +700

South Africa
Moneyline: +700
Draw
Moneyline: +320
Brazil
Moneyline: -285

Sportsbook.com has also posted odds on who will win the Confederations Cup:

Brazil: +110
South Africa: +2500
Spain: -110
USA: +2000

Be sure to check out both Sportsbook.com and BetUS for updated odds as the games get closer, and prepare yourself for a couple of great games on Wednesday and Thursday before the final on Sunday.