Every fixture offers intrigue and drama when you put 32 of the world’s best international sides on the big stage every 4 years (yes, I’m including representatives from AFC, CONCACAF, and CAF). Let’s not kid ourselves though, there are still games that get our soccer juices flowing a lot more than others during the group stage (no offense Algeria vs South Korea). Here are 10 games I have circled that even casual fans should watch to enjoy the beautiful game at its highest level.  Notice I’ve omitted all 3 games for the US Men’s National Team from this list because quite frankly I’m biased and believe you should watch all of those anyways unless you’re a communist. 10: Belgium vs Algeria (June 17) I scarcely believe I’m including Algeria on a list of games to watch for this summer’s World Cup. However this is the same Algerian side who mustered a result against England 4 years ago and nearly kept Team USA out of the knockout stage until Landon Donovan’s improbable goal stoppage time goal. Honestly the reason they crack this list is more about their opponent Belgium that is getting a TON of press about the potential for a deep run. Sure it’s a golden generation for the small European country but this group hasn’t been here before let alone with such high expectations. I do like their talent mix, it’s hard not to when you see a roster littered with international caliber superstars. The one name missing that hurts their chances is Christian Benteke, the ultra talented striker who plays his club soccer for Aston Villa. It’s not easy to suit up for the national side right out of the gate and click on all cylinders. Pressure bursts pipes…while everyone is giving Belgium...

Only 3 groups left to preview for the OTL World Cup podcast preview series.  Despite the podcast listing groups F and G please note it’s actually F and H instead.  We skipped Group G to give it special attention later this week given the United States inclusion.  Again this episode there was major disagreement from the 3 of us about projected order of finish for both groups.  Give it a listen and take sides… Can’t see the link? Click here to access directly. Iphone user? Download the podcasts from iTunes Updated Odds to win the World Cup via LVH 2014 WORLD CUP VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT BRAZIL JUNE 12 – JULY 13, 2014 ODDS TO WIN: BRAZIL                    5/2 ARGENTINA                 4/1 SPAIN                    13/2 GERMANY                   5/1 NETHERLANDS              25/1 ITALY                    20/1 ENGLAND                  30/1 FRANCE                   25/1 PORTUGAL                 25/1 URUGUAY                  25/1 CHILE                    50/1 USA                     100/1 MEXICO                  100/1 IVORY COAST             150/1 RUSSIA                   80/1 CROATIA                 150/1 GHANA                   150/1 ECUADOR                 150/1 CAMEROON               1000/1 COLOMBIA                 30/1 JAPAN                   150/1 AUSTRALIA              1000/1 NIGERIA                 250/1 SOUTH KOREA             300/1 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA      150/1 SWITZERLAND             100/1 GREECE                  250/1 ALGERIA                2000/1 BELGIUM                  20/1 COSTA RICA             1000/1 IRAN                   1000/1 HONDURAS               1000/1...

Clay Travis and I delved into all things sports gambling…and yes even things that I don’t consider sport but still have a betting line.  You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and well hopefully you can learn something headed into a busy sports weekend....

The big day has finally arrived — California Chrome will attempt to be the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed accomplished racing’s greatest feat in 1978. The general consensus is that he is a big favorite to win, and rightfully so. Still, many others have come to New York in the same situation, with the same expectations — and failed. What makes Chrome any different? Written by John Valter I labored long and hard over whether to attend the race in person. I have witnessed four prior attempts at a Triple Crown, and none were successful. Belmont Park after a horse loses the shot at a Triple Crown is a very sad place; indeed, I have never seen any more disappointed crowd at ANY sporting event than the folks at Belmont after Smarty Jones was run down by Birdstone 10 years ago. Ultimately, I decided that a) I’m a bad luck charm and b) as much I want to see a Triple Crown won, I don’t want to see one lost even more. Here’s my opinion of the horses that will be chasing Chrome (listed in order of preference, worst to first): Matterhorn – I have no clue why this Todd Pletcher-trained colt is entered here, other than that Danza & Intense Holiday are unable to go, so Pletcher feels the need to be multiply-represented here. He’s 0 for 3 in 2014, beaten a combined 34 lengths. Would need to take a huge leap forward to even hit the board. General a Rod – Wasn’t a fan of this guy in the Derby, and he proved me right. Was less of a fan in the Preakness, and he ran credibly, missing 3rd by a head. Improving? I doubt it, and is more likely to...

The Pro Basketball finals tip off tonight and it’s the matchup everyone wanted to see. Well unless you’re a Pacers, Thunder, Bulls fan..etc. There are plenty of compelling handicapping angles with which to attack not only Game 1 but also the series.  Last night Jay Onrait and I tried to share a little wisdom before you walk to the window.  Also, it would be awesome if you could help Jay get #LotusofSiam to trend on twitter....

I’m not sure there are 2 more disparate groups than what we’ll see in D and E.  From European heavyweights Italy & England to South American sleeper Costa Rica in group D compared with mercurial France and a trio of unknowns things could get very interesting.  The OTL futbol crew (Drew, Jimmy, and I) shared very different views on how we see these groups unfolding not only for qualification but also the pace and tempo we’ll see in the matches. Take a listen and as always share your feedback Can’t see the link? Click here to access directly. Iphone user? Download the podcasts from iTunes Android user? We’ve got you covered on stitcher WILL ITALY ADVANCE FROM GROUP D? YES                 -240 NO                  +200 WILL URUGUAY ADVANCE FROM GROUP D? YES                 -185 NO                  +165 WILL ENGLAND ADVANCE FROM GROUP D? YES                 -165 NO                  +145 WILL COSTA RICA ADVANCE FROM GROUP D? YES                 +900 NO                 -1600 WILL FRANCE ADVANCE FROM GROUP E? YES                 -450 NO                  +375 WILL SWITZERLAND ADVANCE FROM GROUP E? YES                 -150 NO                  +130   WILL ECUADOR ADVANCE FROM GROUP E? YES                 -110 NO                  -110 WILL HONDURAS ADVANCE FROM GROUP E? YES                 +650 NO                  -1000...

The World will officially shift it’s attention to Brazil beginning next Thursday. In anticipation of the biggest sporting event every 4 years, bookmakers both domestically and abroad generate a multitude of markets to keep every bettor in action through the month long tournament.  If you haven’t already noticed my site has taken on a very futbol friendly focus and will continue to do so over the next 6 weeks in an effort to provide you with the best information/odds possible. Below are not only prices on who will hoist the Copa Mundial trophy but also prices to advance from various groups, total points amassed in the group stage, and confederation props available here in Las Vegas.  Remember before placing a single wager on a sport you maybe unfamiliar with, please read all the house rules before walking to the window.  Whether it’s 3 way line confusion, regulation totals, or group winner there are some variations of the rules every punter needs to understand. All prices courtesy of the LV   2014 WORLD CUP VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT BRAZIL JUNE 12 – JULY 13, 2014   ODDS TO WIN: BRAZIL                    5/2 ARGENTINA                 9/2 SPAIN                     6/1 GERMANY                   9/2 NETHERLANDS              25/1 ITALY                    20/1 ENGLAND                  30/1 FRANCE                   25/1 PORTUGAL                 25/1 URUGUAY                  25/1 CHILE                    50/1 USA                     100/1 MEXICO                  100/1 IVORY COAST             150/1 RUSSIA                   80/1 CROATIA                 150/1 GHANA                   150/1 ECUADOR                 150/1 CAMEROON               1000/1 COLOMBIA                 25/1 JAPAN                   150/1 AUSTRALIA              1000/1 NIGERIA                 250/1 SOUTH KOREA             300/1 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA      150/1 SWITZERLAND             100/1 GREECE                  250/1 ALGERIA                2000/1 BELGIUM                  15/1 COSTA RICA             1000/1 IRAN                   1000/1 HONDURAS               1000/1     ODDS TO WIN GROUP A: BRAZIL                    1/6 MEXICO                    8/1 CROATIA                   8/1 CAMEROON                ...

All of your betting information (kind of) in one place as we get you ready for a busy weekend of NASCAR, MLB, NBA, and a short preview on USA’s chances in the rapidly approaching World Cup. GL with all your bets and hopefully we’ll see you at the...

Why are so many daily fantasy sites closing if the industry has such big potential? What do the following websites have in common? – Profanity Sports – Draft Zone – Daily Joust – Cantor Fantasy Sports – Fantazzle – FantasySportsLive – BuzzDraft – Win Place Show sports – Fan Saloon – SnapDraft – Frafty – Fantasy 365 – RotoDraft – Double Up Written by Trev Rogers Each site was part of the “can’t miss” daily fantasy sports industry but all failed miserably. These entities aren’t alone; the list will easily grow by another 3 or 4 sites by the end of the 2014 fantasy football season. SO WHAT WENT WRONG? Did the sites simply not raise enough money? Is the daily fantasy sports industry not growing as anticipated? I can tell you that one of the failed sites listed above squandered almost $2 million dollars of funding. Many of the failed DFS sites jumped into the industry completely oblivious to the obstacles that awaited them. Some investors lacked insight, convinced that the DFS industry was going to grow so rapidly that customers would find their way to each site and spread around the wealth. It amazes me that small or new DFS sites continue to waste money on advertising. What are you thinking? Your marketing efforts are only introducing customers to the industry as a whole. New DFS sites lack volume, they can only offer small prize pools and almost zero head to head contests. Rather quickly, the new customer that they just acquired, figures out that the established DFS sites offer much more in terms of player experience and opportunity to win large cash prizes. Now, a top DFS site will gain a new, somewhat educated customer, for virtually no cost. Add in...

While Group A offers as much intrigue as an international friendly, Groups B and C have story lines aplenty to keep our interest during group play.  From the 2010 Cup Final rematch between Spain and Netherlands starting Group B to the injury impact of world class striker Radamel Falcao’s to the group C landscape it’s anyone’s guess as to what 4 sides will emerge from these 2 groups.  As always consummate OTL podcast host Drew Collins is here to navigate us through while resident soccer expert James Kempton stops by to provide his unique perspective from across the pond Having problems accessing the podcast? Click here to access the link directly Below are prop prices for points accumulated by the 8 teams in Groups B and C Group B Spain  6.5 (Under -140) Netherlands 4.5 (Over -140) Chile 3.5 (Over -160) Australia (Under -220) Group C Colombia 5.5 (Over -140) Greece 3.5 (Under -160) Ivory Coast 3.5 (Over -160) Japan 3.5 (Over -130)  ...

Memorial Day offers a bevy of betting options across all sports. I’m not sure we did it in what could be called admirable fashion but Clay Travis and I attacked the healthy sports menu.  From NBA to NHL to Soccer to Indy Car there really wasn’t a stone we left unturned.  We also unveiled a special segment, errr Clay did, that will become a fixture during the summer months.  As always feedback is welcomed…along with cheap shots directed at either of the 2 personalities....

http://www.toddstake.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/5-21-14.mp3 It’s milk and cookie time with the guys from 3HL.  Ok, not really but there were plenty of great sports betting nuggets to go around.  Just listen, you’ll be entertained with basketball, hockey, and Blaine’s attempt at college baseball....