United States hopes to get off on the right foot

Soccer Betting Lines

09/10/2007 - Chengdu, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The United States hasn't had any problems with North Korea in two previous meetings, rolling to 3-0 wins in the 1999 and 2003 World Cups.

While the United States has been a world power since the first Cup in 1991 and enters this year's event ranked No. 1 in the world by FIFA, North Korea has its best team ever.

North Korea, ranked fifth in the world, is not only good enough to defeat the United States but challenge for a World Cup title as well.

That's why U.S. coach Greg Ryan called Tuesday's clash "a very pivotal game in our group."

The United States, World Cup winners in 1991 and 1999, have never faced such a crucial game in the group stage of the tournament. The United States is 11-0-1 all-time in group play, outscoring its opponents by combined scores of 44-8.

With three of the top five teams in the world in Group B - Sweden is third - no team can afford to slip up this year if it hopes to advance. That includes the United States.

"They (North Korea)," Ryan said, "are a great team."

Although North Korea hasn't enjoyed any success in its previous two World Cups, winning just two of its six matches in '99 and '03, it has emerged as the top team in Asia over the past few years. North Korea won the Under-20 World Cup last year and six players from that team have joined the senior club.

"We will not be intimidated by the USA," North Korea coach Kim Kwang-Min said on FIFA.com. "Our approach will be to attack our way to victory and rely on our never-say-die spirit."

Veteran Ri Kum Suk, who was nominated for FIFA Player of the Year in 2006, is the key to North Korea's high-octane offense. But Ri Un Suk, who just came up from the U-20 team, is another speedy goalscorer who fits in well on the team.

"One thing I remember about North Korea that they did to us in the game in 2003 was that they threw a lot of numbers forward," said U.S. captain Kristine Lilly, who will be appearing in her fifth Cup. "I know they will be coming strong as us."

The United States plans to go right at North Korea as well.

"I think in order to compete with North Korea, we have to match their high pressure, their intensity, as well as play smart, just try to attack them," U.S. defender Kate Markgraf said.

With forwards Lilly and Abby Wambach, the United States can match any team in the tournament offensively. Lilly, '06 runner-up for FIFA Player of the Year, has 126 goals and 100 assists in her career. Wambach has an amazing 77 goals and 33 assists in just 96 games.

"It's going to take our best soccer in order to beat them," Markgraf said, "and we're excited for the challenge."

Wwebmillion Soccer Betting News

<< A-Rod again selected as AL Player of the Week
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has been named the American League Player of the Week for the third time this season. Rodriguez batted a robust .565 with seven home runs, 11 runs batted in

<< Pittsburgh's Wilson named NL Player of the Week
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson has been named the National League Player of the Week for the period ending September 9. Wilson ranked first in the league with a .615 batting average (16-for

<< Hargreaves out, Gerrard in for EURO tilt
London, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - With England set to face Russia in a EURO 2008 qualifier at Wembley on Wednesday, Steven Gerrard has been declared fit to play. The Liverpool captain was substituted with 20 minutes to go in Saturday's

<< Pennington to be evaluated during the week
Hempstead, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini confirmed Monday that quarterback Chad Pennington suffered an ankle injury during Sunday's season-opener against the New England Patriots, but did not reveal

<< Cowboys' Ferguson out for season with torn biceps
Irving, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Jason Ferguson will miss the remainder of the season with a torn biceps injury. Ferguson suffered the injury in the first quarter of Sunday's 45-35 win over the New York Gia

Sawa key for Japan against the Three Lions >>
Shanghai, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Japan is hoping that its fifth appearance in the FIFA Women's World Cup will be its most successful one yet, but in order for that to happen, the Japanese must first pick up a win in their crucial

Nigeria looks for upset over Sweden in opener >>
Chengdu, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Sweden has been the World Cup runners-up for four years and the five-time qualifiers are ready to put the past behind it to make a run at its first title. The Swedish side lost the final on a golden goal in

Bucs RB Williams questionable for Week 2 >>
Tampa, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams' bruised ribs may keep him out of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. Williams, who left during the third quarter of the Bucs'

Bills' Everett under sedation after spinal surgery >>
Orchard Park, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett will spend the next 48 to 72 hours under heavy sedation while doctors evaluate the extent of a severe spinal injury that could leave him paralyzed. Everett remain

Giants' Manning has bruised shoulder >>
East Rutherford, NJ (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - New York Giants starting quarterback Eli Manning suffered a contusion to the AC joint in his right shoulder and his status for this Sunday's game against Green Bay is uncertain. The Giants disclosed

MySportsbook.com offers Blackjack contest and $10,000.00 in Free Prize money!

Every month MySportsbook.com's casino host, Jack Black, gives away $10,000.00 in free casino prize money. To Enter - All you have to do is play at least 10 hands (total) of Blackjack on one of the specified dates of the blackjack contest. The online casino host randomly hands out free bonuses ranging from $50 - $500, and one lucky player who will receive a free $2,500.00 bonus.

"We have been running this monthly free blackjack contest to our active mebers for 5 years now, and the players just love it," says Jack Black, online casino host at MySportsbook.com. "And why wouldn't they love a free chance to win some extra online blackjack cash."

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts Mastercard needs.