Matildas eye spot in quarters

Soccer Betting Lines

09/18/2007 - Chengdu, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - In three previous World Cups, Australia posted a combined record of 0-7-2 and didn't come close to sniffing the quarterfinals.

However, the Matildas not only picked up their first win in World Cup play but are now just a draw against Canada from making their first ever appearance in the quarterfinals.

Canada, meanwhile, had loftier expectations for this year's tournament after a fourth-place finish in 2003. The Canadians played well in qualifying and nearly beat the United States, the number one ranked team in the world, in the Gold Cup final.

Things have not gone quite as well for manager Even Pellerud's side in China as the team dropped its opening match 2-1 despite holding a one-goal lead at halftime. The North American's rebounded to hand Ghana a 4-0 defeat, but they are still left with needing a win against Australia to get back to the quarterfinals.

Australia has shown that it is one of the most improved teams in the world, with a back line that is anchored by captain Cheryl Salisbury and a balanced attack that features Sarah Walsh and super-sub Lisa DeVanna.

DeVanna in particular has been a huge part of Australia's success, coming on after halftime to score twice against Ghana and once against Norway. DeVanna's goals helped the Aussies pull away from Ghana, but it was her work against Norway, with Australia down a goal that proved most impressive.

A good Norway back line had held Australia's attack in check over the first 45 minutes, but things turned around when DeVanna was introduced in the second half.

It will be tempting for manager Tom Sermanni to include DeVanna in his starting 11, but the boost that she has given Australia in the first two games is something Sermanni may not want to mess with.

If DeVanna is to add to her goal total, she will have to beat Canada's Erin McLeod between the posts, which is something that has proven to be difficult.

McLeod is the reason that Canada lost only 2-1 to Norway, as the Norwegians thoroughly outplayed Canada over the second half and should have scored four or five goals.

The Canadian attack looked good against Norway in the first half, but was nowhere to be found in the second. They put away four goals against struggling Ghana but the it remains to be seen if they are capable of carrying Canada deep into tournament.

Christine Sinclair is by far the most talented striker on the team and she owns two goals in Canada's first two games. Sinclair is a prolific scorer that is capable of setting up her teammates as well, but she will need more help from her supporting cast if Canada is to move on.

Canada has been in big games on a big stage before, while Australia is in uncharted territory. However, the Matildas have shown their mettle in this tournament and will not be easily unnerved.

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Marlins could start season without No. 2 starter Johnson

JUPITER, Fla. -- The Foorida Marlins are preparing for the likelihood that right-hander
Josh Johnson won't be ready when the season starts April 2.

Grapefruit League action starts Wednesday, but Johnson, penciled in as the No. 2 starter, hasn't even thrown off a mound at full speed since September. He's experienced some soreness in his right forearm.

MySportsbook.com have the Marlins listed with baseball betting lines at +800 to win the NL East this season .

''You guys know the math. If he's not on the hill then he becomes an opening day roster issue,'' manager Fredi Gonzalez said Saturday. ''We're borderline now.''

Johnson, who finished 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 2007, was supposed to throw on flat ground Saturday. That was canceled when he woke up with pain.

He played catch on Wednesday with no pain but felt discomfort in a throwing session on Thursday. He's expected to try again Sunday.

''Like we always said from the very beginning, we're going to take it easy on him,'' Gonzalez said. ''He didn't feel right, so we shut him down. We're going to take it back to step one and see where we're at.''

Among the candidates to take Johnson's spot in the rotation are left-hander Chris George and right-handers Yusmeiro Petit and Jose Garcia.

Right-hander Sergio Mitre, who missed most of last season with arm and shoulder problems, also is behind.

With Johnson's status doubtful, Gonzalez said right-hander Ricky Nolasco will stay in the rotation and no longer will be considered a candidate for closer.

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