Bet American in the 2011 Women's World Cup

Are you sensing a theme here?

After Rory McIlroy completely put to bed any thought of an American winning the U.S. Open, we're looking for any sport we can find in which betting on Americans is a fruitful proposition. And thus we turn to the 2011 Women's World Cup.

It's been a long time since Brandi Chastain took her shirt off for the good of her sport, increasing the popularity of girl's soccer tenfold. Since that 1999 win by the United States, the liberty ladies have not hoisted the cup trophy.

We're betting that that changes in 2011.

The complete odds to win the 2011 Women's World Cup, which begins Sunday in Germany, are below:

Germany... 6/5
Brazil... 5/1
USA... 5/1
Sweden... 12/1
England... 14/1
Japan... 14/1
Norway... 16/1
France... 22/1
Canada... 28/1
North Korea... 28/1
Australia... 40/1
Mexico... 66/1
Colombia... 80/1
New Zealand... 100/1
Nigeria... 150/1
Equatorial Guinea... 500/1

Naturally, the host Germans are the favorites to win, but that just serves to give more value to the Americans at 5/1 odds. The 2011 squad is the best that the U.S. has fielded since 1999--and perhaps are even better. Our money is on the good ole US of A.

And if this fails, hopefully once we blow our hands off on the upcoming July 4th holiday, our desire to continue to bet on our home country in obscure sporting events dwindles.

Did Nostradamus Predict the Winner of the 2010 World Cup?

We've been getting quite a few inquiries about whether Nostradamus predicted the outcome of tomorrow's 2010 World Cup soccer finale between Spain and Netherlands, so let's put those to rest right now.

In 2006, there were reports that Nostradamus predicted Spain to win the World Cup, based on this vague passage:

"At the end of the sixth month of 2006, the King of Spain will cross the Pyrenees with his army. The legions of Beelzebub await the battle on the central European plains. Destruction and defeat will fall on the evil-doers. The Holy Grail will be returned to Spain by the triumphant King."

Clearly, Nostradamus was throwing crap against the wall and hoping it would stick, referencing a future war he foresaw. Obviously, there was no war, and the idea that the World Cup trophy is the holy grail is a little far-fetched. Of course, there is some accuracy with the month of June as well as the "battles" in central Europe, with Germany being the host country.

Regardless, this was in 2006, remember. So it's all null and void. There's been some confusion now that Spain is in the World Cup finals that they have been predicted to win it. That is simply not the case.

So what did Nostradamus predict? Well, if his proclamations carry any weight in your collective minds, you really ought to enjoy this World Cup final tomorrow. Nostradamus has been famous for predicting the end of the world, again in vague terms, making the 2010 World Cup the last such contest in human history.

On that note, enjoy the game!

2010 World Cup: Group D Betting

The World Cup is coming up, which means we're going to continue to bang out our group predictions (as well as much more). Today is D-day for the Cup, as we give our betting advice on, you guessed it, Group D.

Here are the odds:

Germany... -125
Serbia... +275
Ghana... +500
Australia... +900

We wanted to do it, Serbia, but we just can't. The Germans are not the powerhouse they once were, but this group won't challenge them much. Serbia is playing well and is the only real threat. They should advance easily, but Germany should be able to lock up Group D, so long as the aren't playing at Normandy. Unless, of course, the Serbian's are able to secure this guy:

Speaking of game locations, Ghana does have a home field advantage but they just aren't quite at the point yet where they could take down the Serbians, and they certainly won't be taking the Germans to task either. Australia figures to struggle mightily in this group, but there are worse things you can do with your money than bet on the Aussies to win Group D.... like burn it.

Our final standings reflect the odds:

1. Germany
2. Serbia
3. Ghana
4. Australia

For more on the World Cup Brackets or the World Cup Betting Odds, check out Doc's Sports. They've got some insightful World Cup Soccer picks to check out now that you've read our Group D analysis.

Stay tuned for more 2010 World Cup Betting analysis here at Stock Lemon as the opening kick nears!