Around the Betting Planet: Praise pours in for ‘perfect’ Nadal

US sports betting news

Pandemic continues to put pressure on NFL schedules

NFL schedule makers continue to struggle with the coronavirus pandemic and its effects on upcoming matches. The ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks within the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans are testing the limits of scheduling flexibility and playing havoc with betting odds at NFL sportsbooks.

So far, nine teams have been affected by the shifts, delays, and rescheduling. Beyond the Patriots and Titans, they include Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, LA Chargers, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and Jacksonville Jaguars.

As players continue to test positive for the virus, more delays are expected to take place. It’s a complex panorama that speaks volumes about the difficulties of reopening sports leagues and sports betting during the pandemic.

UK sports betting news

England overcome top-ranked Belgium in UEFA Nations League

The UEFA Nations League marches onwards, and England have secured a major victory against a tough rival. Belgium, the world’s top-ranked team, fell 2-1 to the Three Lions in a thrilling match. It was a surprising result that surely upset the bookmaker odds.

Belgium managed to gain a 1-0 lead thanks to an early goal from former Premier League star Romelu Lukaku. England struggled for possession for most of the first half before momentum shifted after Marcus Rashford scored a penalty.

After halftime, England shifted gears and dominated the ball for much of the game. Mason Mount would go on to score the decisive goal. The result marks Belgium’s first defeat since 2018 and caused a big upset at UK betting sites. 

Africa sports betting news

South Africa coach raked over coals after Zambia defeat

Molefi Ntseki, the South Africa national football team coach, has been heavily criticized on social media following SA’s home loss against Zambia. After Stuart Baxter quit the job last year, Ntseki’s appointment was considered something of a surprise.

Ntseki had coached the South Africa Under-17 team but had no experience with professional clubs whatsoever. The coach has been called everything from “clueless and directionless” to “tactically bankrupt”.

South Africa had the advantage after Keagan Dolly scored a goal early during the second half. However, Zambia’s Kelvin Kampamba and Chaniza Zulu would score back-to-back goals within five minutes of each other to spring the upset. It’s the second time in four days that SA have had a disappointing performance, after drawing 1-1 with Namibia. 

Europe sports betting news

Nadal beats Djokovic to win 13th French Open title

On Sunday evening, Rafael Nadal conquered Novak Djokovic in straight sets to win the French Open men’s singles title for the 13th time. With a 6-0 6-2 7-5 score, Nadal romped to victory in a performance that his opponent described as “perfect”.

The 34-year-old Spanish tennis star went into match as the unanimous favorite with tennis bookmakers. This is Nadal’s 20th Grand Slam title. No one in history has come close to Nadal’s historic French Open performances. Legendary Swedish player Björn Borg retired with six titles to his name.

The match against Djokovic also marked Nadal’s 100th victory at Roland Garros from 102 matches. Djokovic (2015) and Sweden’s Robin Soderling (2009) are the only players to defeat Rafa at the French Open.

South America sports betting news

Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile and Venezuela gear up for World Cup 2020 qualifiers

After disappointing performances in their first games of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Bolivia, Venezuela, Chile, and Ecuador prepare for round two with the odds stacked against them at soccer betting sites. This Tuesday, November 13, the four teams will face off against Argentina, Paraguay, Colombia, and Uruguay respectively.

After a crushing 0-5 loss against Brazil, Bolivia hope to take out their frustrations on Argentina, with home-field advantage. Ecuador, fresh off a 0-1 loss against los Albicelestes, will duke it out with Uruguay, also at home.

Chile lost a match against Uruguay 0-1 after a contested penalty. The team hopes to heal its wounded ego by beating Colombia. Finally, Venezuela, after a hurtful loss against long-time rival Colombia, will play Paraguay.

Australia sports betting news

De Goey attracting attention from Collingwood’s rivals

With Jordan De Goey’s contract with the Collingwood Magpies already expired, rival teams in the AFL are reportedly stepping up to the plate. Different offers are rumored to be on the table, with the latest supposedly coming from the Essendon Football Club.

Along with De Goey, three other essential Magpies are at the end of their contracts. Darcy Moore, Josh Daicos, and Brody Mihocek are all in the same boat. There’s been some talk of De Goey being sized up by Carlton, but nothing has been officially confirmed.

Essendon will lose Joe Daniher soon, as the Bomber star is set to move to Brisbane. Also, Orazio Fantasia is looking towards South Australia. After another disappointing season, the Dons will look to inject some top-tier talent into their forward line.

NZ sports betting news

All Blacks looking for answers after Bledisloe Cup draw

A dynamic first Bledisloe Cup Test at Auckland ended in a 16-16 draw, falling short of expectations for local fans in New Zealand. Home-field advantage has been historically a crucial factor, as the All Blacks haven’t lost a Bledisloe Cup match at home since 1986.

As such, Sunday’s result was considered a major loss for the New Zealand rugby team. While the Wallabies managed to overcome an initial disadvantage through sheer grit and determination, the All Blacks seemed scattered and ineffective.

It’s a major Bledisloe Cup betting upset, as bookmaker odds overwhelmingly favored the All Blacks. New Zealand betting sites likely made a killing, as very few people were banking on a draw.