Olympic Soccer - Netherlands vs. Nigeria

Beijing, China – BetUS Sportsbook is currently taking action on Olympic Soccer. With the Olympic Football Tournament starting with Group action on Thursday, August 7, 2008, there are a whole host of matchups for the online soccer betting community to wager on in the soccer betting market. The 24 nations that have qualified for the 2008 Olympics are representative of the four corners of the globe, featuring some European powerhouses in Italy and Netherlands, surprise package in Serbia, African threats in Nigeria and Cameroon, as well as host nation China and her neighbours Japan and Korea Republic. So with so much soccer betting thrills just mere hours away, here is a look at the upcoming matchup between Netherlands and Nigeria.

Soccer Betting Line:

Match Time: 07:45 AM Eastern time, Thursday August 7, 2008

Netherlands

Spread: -½ -115

Money Line: -120

Total: 2½ O -105 U -115

Draw +225

Nigeria

Spread: +½ -105

Money Line: +310

Total: 2½ O -105 U -115

Draw +225

Soccer Betting Analysis: Netherlands has a proud football history. They arrive in Beijing after a great turnout at the UEFA Euro Cup that saw them reach the quarters (l. to Germany). While they have performed well on the international front, on the Olympic stage they have underperformed in recent years. Netherlands lifted three bronze medals way back in 1908, 1912 and 1920. Since then they have come up short.

For soccer betting fans in the know, Nigeria won Olympic gold in Atlanta 1996. For those of you who didn’t know this little tidbit, now you do. Nigeria can always take pride for being the first African nation to achieve gold at the Olympics. Their 1996 run was a fabulous achievement carried by a golden generation of footballers including including Jay-Jay Okocha, Wilson Oruma, Daniel Amokachi and Nwankwo Kanu from their country. Nigeria did not sail through qualifying for Beijing, only earning their ticket after their final encounter with South Africa where they beat their neighbours 3-0.

Soccer Betting Verdict: This is a blockbuster opener in Group B. Both teams are solid. Netherlands no question is a great European soccer nation and Nigeria is its counterpart on the African continent. As such, I expect a fluid and beautiful game to open Group B – a great contest of striking power and determined defending. However, as neither team will want to concede the first goal, I expect them both to be solid focus on defence. Deep in striking power on both ends, both sides will be looking for the opening.

Soccer Free Picks: Netherlands went through UEFA Euro undefeated; they would hope to achieve the same here. Draw +225 A draw will not be acceptable for the Dutch, but the Nigerians will take it. If you are a loyal Dutch fan, take Netherlands for the win. I for one like the Nigerians and believe they are capable of the draw or the win. Heck, at +310 odds they are the serious money play.

Join BetUS today for online sports betting, Free Plays, the Miss BetUS Girls Swimsuit Calendar & DVD, and the fastest payouts in the industry