Betting News and Links

Some of the most exciting sporting events are set for the month of June, and you can bet on sports as world champions will be determined in several leagues. The NHL finals are underway between the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers, and NBA betting is available for the finals as the Boston Celtics take on the Los Angeles Lakers for basketball supremacy. Meanwhile, the biggest sporting event on the planet gets started in a week as soccer teams descend on South Africa. With that, World Cup betting is open as Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and Germany, among many others look to make it to the finals.

Every team has been doing what they can do gear up for the big tournament, including playing several friendly matches just prior to heading to the competition.  Slovenia and New Zealand get prepared and face each other for their last matches before traveling to the high altitude and possible cold temperatures of South Africa.

Both teams are in difficult groups in their respective World Cup draws, and neither is likely to move out of the group stage; though anything can happen.  Slovenia has been matched with Algeria, England, and the United States, all of whom are capable of moving on.  England is ranked in the top of the World and predicted by some experts to go to the finals, while the United States may be one of the most underrated teams despite playing in South Africa a year ago in the CONCACAF Finals.  Algeria, meanwhile, will be acclimated to the altitude and play stingy defense.  Slovenia has their work cut out for them, but a game against New Zealand may help them build confidence.

Slovenia will be playing their first friendly in over three months. They beat Qatar 4-1 in March, and played England in September, losing 2-1. New Zealand, meanwhile, has had a lot of practice of late. They lost 2-0 to Mexico in March, fell to Australia 2-1 a couple weeks ago, but rebounded against Serbia, surprising them 1-0 much to the displeasure of a riotous Serbian crowd.

New Zealand received bad news last week when star midfielder Tim Brown fractured his shoulder against Australia. The team is not sure whether Brown will be able to compete in South Africa.  Even so, the All Whites have a difficult road ahead of them, in a group with Italy and Paraguay, two teams with high expectations coming into the tourney. Slovakia is also in Group F, and they will play New Zealand in their first match of the competition on June 15.

Betting lines:  Slovenia is getting the edge in all betting circles, as well they should. Despite the Kiwis surprise win over Serbia and their successful campaign to make it to the World Cup, Slovenia has proven a strong team after upending Russia to make it past qualifying. Both teams have already captured the attention of their respective nations and no one expected them to come this far.  They will both continue to play with heart even if they are outmatched on the field. Look for a close game, with Slovenia prevailing by a goal.

Share/Bookmark

Related Betting Picks:

1. USA v. Netherlands Odds and Preview Event: International Friendly, USA v. Netherlands. Wednesday, March 3rd, 2:45…
2. Milan vs Barcelona Odds & Preview As April winds down, playoffs and championships are heating up…
3. Brazil is Favorite Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea are part of…

Source: Slovenia vs New Zealand Odds & Preview
Betting Picks