World Cup 2010 Preview: Greece searching for first World Cup win
Soccer Betting Lines
05/20/2010 - Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - There are not too many teams in this summer's World Cup with less history than Greece.
But there also aren't too many countries whose manager means more to their success than Otto Rehhagel.
Outside of Denmark's Morten Olsen, Rehhagel will be the longest-tenured coach in South Africa, and since taking over in 2001, he has taken the Greek national team to new heights.
Prior to the arrival of the 71-year-old German, Greece had qualified for one World Cup, which came in 1994.
However, Rehhagel forever cemented his place in Greek soccer history by leading the team to a stunning 1-0 victory over Portugal in the final of Euro 2004.
He came under some pressure from the Greek federation after failing to guide Greece to the 2006 World Cup, and a disappointing showing at Euro 2008 didn't help the situation.
But Rehhagel is adored by Greek fans and players alike, and if he can lead the country to its first win in World Cup competition, his legacy will grow even larger.
Greece went 0-3 back in 1994, and was outscored 10-0 in losses to Argentina, Bulgaria and Nigeria.
And ironically enough, both Argentina and Nigeria will be part of their group again this time around.
South Korea makes up the fourth team in Group B, and outside of Argentina, it is anyone's guess as to who will be the second team to advance.
Striker Theofanis Gekas will have a big say in how far this team goes after leading all of Europe with 10 goals in qualification.
Angelos Charisteas, who scored the winning goal in the Euro 2004 final, figures to join Gekas in handling the scoring duties, but the strength of this team is still in defense.
Greece finished second in its UEFA qualifying group and needed to beat Ukraine in a two-legged playoff to reach the World Cup, which it did in large part to a pair of clean sheets while scoring one goal in the second leg.
The back line will be anchored by Liverpool's Sotirios Kyrgiakos, who logged the most minutes in qualification for Greece, while the versatile Vassilis Torosidis can play as a fullback or in midfield, giving Rehhagel options.
Giorgias Karagounis has enjoyed a successful career that has included stops at Inter Milan and Benfica, and at 33, he will provide leadership and toughness in midfield.
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Pro Football Odds : NFC SOUTH BETTING ODDS
NFL betting action is back! At MySportsbook, all of the pro football odds are posted for the NFC North. Check out how we see the four teams in this cloudy division stacking up this year in the chase for the playoffs! Green Bay Packers (+125) - With QB Aaron Rodgers leading the offense and DC Dom Capers working his magic on defense, the Packers are a real force to be reckoned with.
Virtually nothing changed on this offense for Green Bay from last year to this year, save for the addition of rookie OT Brian Bulaga to the bunch. Expect more huge numbers from the Pack, and a relatively favorable schedule should get them over the hump and into the playoffs once again this season. My NFL Betting Predictions: 11-5, 1st place in NFC North Minnesota Vikings (+130) - There are still too many unknowns about the Vikes this year. There is a huge difference between QB Brett Favre and either Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels under center. Plus, is Favre comes back, is he really going to be able to keep his pick total under double digits again? Depth at running back looked like it might have been an issue with RB Chester Taylor fleeing in free agency, but drafting RB Toby Gerhart should pick up the difference. This defense is still suitable, but with a first place schedule, making the playoffs is going to be very tough regardless of whether #4 comes back or not.
There is a huge difference between QB Brett Favre and either Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels under center. Plus, is Favre comes back, is he really going to be able to keep his pick total under double digits again? Depth at running back looked like it might have been an issue with RB Chester Taylor fleeing in free agency, but drafting RB Toby Gerhart should pick up the difference. This defense is still suitable, but with a first place schedule, making the playoffs is going to be very tough regardless of whether #4 comes back or not. Play this weekly NFL Football Contestto see if you can win.
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