Now for some Real Football Sports Betting

I'll give you guys a little update as I know a few of you anti-homers will want to bet against the U.S. in the next world cup. Anytime you do sports betting you want to be informed. So, to keep those of you out of the loop somewhat in it... here's some real football news...

Sascha Kljeinsteins (however you spell it) has a hot girlfriend. A lot of countries, Brazil recently have differed on the role sex plays in an athlete's performance. Some suggest it enhances it, some think it burns too much energy. If Sascha makes the team and if sex is a good thing, I'm sure he'll be bringing his lady friend to South African and getting healthy and prepared for the match. Even though he's been playing pretty bad of late, she'll probably get him back to the top of his game in no time. Wonder if they did any studies about the burdens of a high maintence woman on an athlete's performance. She's probably already tiring of his MLS salary.

Landon Donovan, who recently underwent a separation and maybe a divorce from his beautiful TV star wife may get signed by Premier Team Everton which means as an American I'd have to root for the guy in all EPL matches but two (I pull for their same city derby rivals Liverpool). This is kind of like being a UNC fan and rooting for NC State because a local kid was playing there. I'm going to feel sleazy doing it... and hope he scores three in every game but loses four-three. Actually that doesn't work because he'll joining American Tim Howard on the team, and I don't want Howard giving up goals so I'm really in a bind.

If this happens it's HUGE for LD and the national team. He needs some stiffer competition. This is a top 25 to 30 club in the world--and a place where I think he'd shine. He's really a top 25 to 30 player in the world even if the international and snobbish-if-you-don't-play-in-Europe-you-can't-play-press doubts him (see Americans about international basketball players and the NBA if you want to relate).

There is a fear among American soccer fans that in advance of England-USA's first round game in the World Cup that the Premier League Coaches will let our players rot on the benches. Everton will sign Donovan and destroy his confidence and form by sitting him every game. Suddenly, Clint Dempsey who has been carrying Fulham will be carrying the luggage to and from the bus and not get out of his warm-ups. Promising Jozy Altidore who is getting time at Hull City will stop getting time. Etc, etc. It's an interesting premise. It will certainly give Freddy Adu a new excuse for his Damon Bailey type career.

For those keeping track since our great run at the Confederations Cup we've had promising star Charlie Davies barely survive a car crash that killed a girl, hulking defender of American Soccer and AC Milan signee Gooch blow out his knee, Jay DeMerit and Jonathan Spector (two other impressive defenders who play in England) have battled injuries and several other guys stumbled on their club teams. Son of U.S. serviceman and former German National team player Jermaine Jones, now considered an American by a new Fifa ruling celebrated his eligibility by getting hurt too, yeah, this guy will probably start from day one if he gets healthy.

As dire as things have gotten... we still get out of the group of average along with England. If we get over the shellacking they lay on us... 3 nil at least, they are are going to come out firing guns blazing and we'll be overmatched in game one. But there is hope for the US to get to knockout stage. It's six months away and already I'm excited.