The teams have reached a very important phase in the qualifying series for the Euro 2016 tournament in France. Several sides can strengthen their charming positions while some of them will have their last chance to launch a charge in order to secure a place that grants qualification. Scotland and the Republic of Ireland might decide between each other on who to challenge for advancing, while Northern Ireland and Romania could be happy with a draw in Bucharest. The same goes for Croatia and Italy, and in the meantime England prepares to face an excellent Slovenian goalkeeper in Samir Handanovic.

 

BBC.com: Euro 2016: Four games which could define qualifying

 

The European club footballing season might be over, but very important EURO 2016 qualifiers are coming up in the next few days. Scotland is going for the nation’s first major tournament appearance against the Republic of Ireland, a team that is also in the hunt for qualification places.

Northern Ireland, a side that never participated in a European Championship final tournament, are in good position in Group F, and they are going to entertain their biggest rivals, Romania in Bucharest. Wales are also striving to reach their first ever Euro tournament, and they will be in a wonderful place if they beat Belgium in the top match of Group B .

Though raising the number of teams from 16 to 24 could favour several smaller nations, keen followers of live sports results might have noticed that footballing giant Holland did everything in order to miss the event so far. They can tidy up things a bit in their away match against Latvia.

 

UEFA.com: What to watch out for in Friday’s EURO qualifiers

 

Iceland and the Czech Republic could edge one step closer to the EURO 2016 finals in Group A with a win from both sides with Tomas Rosicky preparing for his 100th cap. The Netherlands and Turkey have to start really good streaks in order to remain in contention regarding qualification in the final phase of the series.

Gareth Bale might lead Wales to a major event, which is a feature even Ryan Giggs was unable to pull off. The Dragons’ only participation in a major tournament came in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, and though they had brilliant players in virtually every generation since, they always failed to qualify. This could change now as Wales is looking to overrun Belgium at the top of Group B.

In Group H Croatia will host Italy and according to gambling news a draw might suit to both sides as well as anyone who place a wager at online sportsbooks. Four of their last six matches against each other resulted in a tie and you can expect another draw as Croatia is sitting on the top of Group H with Squadra Azzurra following them after a two-point gap.

The Guardian: England face tall task to beat Slovenia’s goalkeeper Samir Handanovic

 

Jan Oblak might be one of the best young goalkeepers in the world, but as things look right now, he won’t get a chance to represent his country in serious matches in the near future, since 30-year-old Samir Handanovic of Internazionale is doing extremely well in goal.

Handanovic is tall but not too tall to get down for low shots, he is athletic and well-built but thin enough to be agile, and he is okay with his feet on the ball. According to former Italy and Inter hero Francesco Toldo, Handanovic carried his team on his shoulders with his saves, producing outstanding performances week in week out.

He is also a serial penalty killer, having saved 21 shots from the spot in his Serie A career which is only three less than the all-time record of Gianluca Pagliuca’s 24. “My number of saves is greater just because of our ages, but he’ll soon surpass me,” stated Pagliuca according to sports scores news.

The teams have reached a very important phase in the qualifying series for the Euro 2016 tournament in France. Several sides can strengthen their charming positions while some of them will have their last chance to launch a charge in order to secure a place that grants qualification. Scotland and the Republic of Ireland might decide between each other on who to challenge for advancing, while Northern Ireland and Romania could be happy with a draw in Bucharest. The same goes for Croatia and Italy, and in the meantime England prepares to face an excellent Slovenian goalkeeper in Samir Handanovic.

 

BBC.com: Euro 2016: Four games which could define qualifying

 

The European club footballing season might be over, but very important EURO 2016 qualifiers are coming up in the next few days. Scotland is going for the nation’s first major tournament appearance against the Republic of Ireland, a team that is also in the hunt for qualification places.

Northern Ireland, a side that never participated in a European Championship final tournament, are in good position in Group F, and they are going to entertain their biggest rivals, Romania in Bucharest. Wales are also striving to reach their first ever Euro tournament, and they will be in a wonderful place if they beat Belgium in the top match of Group B .

Though raising the number of teams from 16 to 24 could favour several smaller nations, keen followers of live sports results might have noticed that footballing giant Holland did everything in order to miss the event so far. They can tidy up things a bit in their away match against Latvia.

 

UEFA.com: What to watch out for in Friday’s EURO qualifiers

 

Iceland and the Czech Republic could edge one step closer to the EURO 2016 finals in Group A with a win from both sides with Tomas Rosicky preparing for his 100th cap. The Netherlands and Turkey have to start really good streaks in order to remain in contention regarding qualification in the final phase of the series.

Gareth Bale might lead Wales to a major event, which is a feature even Ryan Giggs was unable to pull off. The Dragons’ only participation in a major tournament came in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, and though they had brilliant players in virtually every generation since, they always failed to qualify. This could change now as Wales is looking to overrun Belgium at the top of Group B.

In Group H Croatia will host Italy and according to gambling news a draw might suit to both sides as well as anyone who place a wager at online sportsbooks. Four of their last six matches against each other resulted in a tie and you can expect another draw as Croatia is sitting on the top of Group H with Squadra Azzurra following them after a two-point gap.

The Guardian: England face tall task to beat Slovenia’s goalkeeper Samir Handanovic

 

Jan Oblak might be one of the best young goalkeepers in the world, but as things look right now, he won’t get a chance to represent his country in serious matches in the near future, since 30-year-old Samir Handanovic of Internazionale is doing extremely well in goal.

Handanovic is tall but not too tall to get down for low shots, he is athletic and well-built but thin enough to be agile, and he is okay with his feet on the ball. According to former Italy and Inter hero Francesco Toldo, Handanovic carried his team on his shoulders with his saves, producing outstanding performances week in week out.

He is also a serial penalty killer, having saved 21 shots from the spot in his Serie A career which is only three less than the all-time record of Gianluca Pagliuca’s 24. “My number of saves is greater just because of our ages, but he’ll soon surpass me,” stated Pagliuca according to sports scores news.

The Wales national football team has never made it to the European Championship, and they recorded only one World Cup appearance in 1958, when they finished sixth. They were unsuccessful in the qualifiers since then, even with players like Liverpool super striker Ian Rush and Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs in the side.
They almost made it to the 1994 World Cup though, when they managed to beat Belgium, however they failed eventually. Now they have great odds to qualify for the EURO 2016, and with Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey in the team, they even have a chance against Belgium, who will face them in Cardiff on Friday for Wales’ upcoming Euro qualifier.

UEFA.com: Wales captain Gareth Bale closing on 50 caps

Gareth Bale is preparing for his 50th cap for Wales which would be a European Championship qualifier against Belgium in Cardiff on Friday. “I love playing for Wales and representing my country,” the Real Madrid star revealed. “For me, it’s the ultimate honour.”
Anyone could realize the seriousness of Bale’s drive watching him playing in the red shirt of the national football team. He helped the unbeaten Wales football team with four goals in five games, and now the Dragons are level on points with Belgium sitting on the first place in Group B, with a huge chance for qualifying to the UEFA EURO 2016 in France.

National team manager Chris Coleman also praised his best player, saying “His performances have been outstanding. He’s a credit. You see his reactions in the game and what it means to him.” Bale has yet to participate in a major tournament representing his country, however keen followers of sports scores know that now Wales is virtually a favourite to qualify to the Euros from Group B.

Sky Sports: Aaron Ramsey up for Wales’ European Qualifier v Belgium

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey said that the qualifier against Belgium in Cardiff will be the biggest game for Wales in a decade, gambling news report. The two teams have already met in Brussels in November for a 0-0. The Dragons now have a real chance to qualify from Group B and to represent their country in a European Championship for the first time.
A victory against Belgium would be their biggest achievement since beating Italy 2-1 in 2002, according to Ramsey. He said, “I wasn’t involved then but it’s the biggest game Wales have been involved in since then. It’s probably the biggest game we’ve played in playing for Wales with this group of players.”
Ramsey also spoke about Gareth Bale, whom he considers as one of the bests. “Our understanding is really good, he is a top quality player and it’s always nice to play with those sort of players,” Ramsey revealed.

BBC.com: Euro 2016: Wales ‘would beat’ class of 1993 – Mark Aizlewood

Followers of live sports results might remember that Wales had a very good team in 1993 that just failed to qualify to the 1994 World Cup. That outfit defeated Belgium with goals from Ryan Giggs and Ian Rush. Mark Aizlewood, a defender for Bristol City back then, was also part of the team and he thinks that the current side would beat them.
He said, “The present team would have beaten our team because they’ve got far more quality.” He went on to explain his statement, saying “Don’t get me wrong, people like Ian Rush, Dean Saunders and Ryan Giggs would have starred in today’s generation, but people like me probably wouldn’t have.”
Looking back at their game against Belgium, he said, “I was a boy from a council house in Newport finding himself on the same pitch as world superstars like Ian Rush, Mark Hughes and Ryan Giggs. My instructions from [former Wales boss] Terry Yorath were simple – When I got the ball I had to pass it to Giggs, Rush, Saunders or Hughes where the quality was.”

The Wales national football team has never made it to the European Championship, and they recorded only one World Cup appearance in 1958, when they finished sixth. They were unsuccessful in the qualifiers since then, even with players like Liverpool super striker Ian Rush and Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs in the side.
They almost made it to the 1994 World Cup though, when they managed to beat Belgium, however they failed eventually. Now they have great odds to qualify for the EURO 2016, and with Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey in the team, they even have a chance against Belgium, who will face them in Cardiff on Friday for Wales’ upcoming Euro qualifier.

UEFA.com: Wales captain Gareth Bale closing on 50 caps

Gareth Bale is preparing for his 50th cap for Wales which would be a European Championship qualifier against Belgium in Cardiff on Friday. “I love playing for Wales and representing my country,” the Real Madrid star revealed. “For me, it’s the ultimate honour.”
Anyone could realize the seriousness of Bale’s drive watching him playing in the red shirt of the national football team. He helped the unbeaten Wales football team with four goals in five games, and now the Dragons are level on points with Belgium sitting on the first place in Group B, with a huge chance for qualifying to the UEFA EURO 2016 in France.

National team manager Chris Coleman also praised his best player, saying “His performances have been outstanding. He’s a credit. You see his reactions in the game and what it means to him.” Bale has yet to participate in a major tournament representing his country, however keen followers of sports scores know that now Wales is virtually a favourite to qualify to the Euros from Group B.

Sky Sports: Aaron Ramsey up for Wales’ European Qualifier v Belgium

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey said that the qualifier against Belgium in Cardiff will be the biggest game for Wales in a decade, gambling news report. The two teams have already met in Brussels in November for a 0-0. The Dragons now have a real chance to qualify from Group B and to represent their country in a European Championship for the first time.
A victory against Belgium would be their biggest achievement since beating Italy 2-1 in 2002, according to Ramsey. He said, “I wasn’t involved then but it’s the biggest game Wales have been involved in since then. It’s probably the biggest game we’ve played in playing for Wales with this group of players.”
Ramsey also spoke about Gareth Bale, whom he considers as one of the bests. “Our understanding is really good, he is a top quality player and it’s always nice to play with those sort of players,” Ramsey revealed.

BBC.com: Euro 2016: Wales ‘would beat’ class of 1993 – Mark Aizlewood

Followers of live sports results might remember that Wales had a very good team in 1993 that just failed to qualify to the 1994 World Cup. That outfit defeated Belgium with goals from Ryan Giggs and Ian Rush. Mark Aizlewood, a defender for Bristol City back then, was also part of the team and he thinks that the current side would beat them.
He said, “The present team would have beaten our team because they’ve got far more quality.” He went on to explain his statement, saying “Don’t get me wrong, people like Ian Rush, Dean Saunders and Ryan Giggs would have starred in today’s generation, but people like me probably wouldn’t have.”
Looking back at their game against Belgium, he said, “I was a boy from a council house in Newport finding himself on the same pitch as world superstars like Ian Rush, Mark Hughes and Ryan Giggs. My instructions from [former Wales boss] Terry Yorath were simple – When I got the ball I had to pass it to Giggs, Rush, Saunders or Hughes where the quality was.”

Golden States starts off to best the series.

Making gambling news, Golden State returns to the Finals for the first time in 40 years. Stephen Curry has been a driving force behind Golden State and is considered one of the best to play his position of point guard. The Cleveland Cavaliers, who have never won an NBA Finals game, are also chasing history. In addition, their superstar Lebron James is in his first year back at Cleveland since he left Cleveland to start his championship collection with the Miami Heat. Lebron is the first player to get to the NBA Finals five consecutive times with two different teams.

espn.go.com: Warriors overcome LeBron James’ 44, breeze in overtime to go up 1-0

Although the Warriors are 39-2 at home, Cleveland worked to start things off. The Cavaliers got two quick fouls in the first minute of the game. Lebron, who picked up a personal foul, was able to get to the line early and make three points. Curry started to feel his stroke from three-point range early himself. Lebron shot was blocked and stolen by the Warriors’. Bogut got hot in the paint as he blocks another shot.

Deep in the first quarter Cleveland started to heat the intensity were making mistakes even though Lebron made 7 of the teams first 9 points. Kyrie Irving, still suffering from tendinitis in the knee put in a couple of free throws, a three-pointer and an amazing drive for Cleveland. Barbosa drilled a deep three-pointer for Golden State. The first quarter ended with Cleveland leading by 10 points.

Cleveland started the quarter out energetic but less effective. Cleveland’s Mozgov, who got his groove in the first quarter, still showed a pulse on the inside. Kyrie Irving contributed on offense and defense. Marreese Speights erupted from the bench with 6 points in 4 minutes. Curry put in his 3rd field goal of night. Any punter for the Warriors who was using live sports results might be worried.

espn.go.com: Time for bold moves with Kyrie out

Another three-pointer in the corner by Curry tied the game. Shooting between the teams remained between 41 and 45 percent for both teams. Curry was officially on fire as he got in another shot. After Irving got one in, Curry took the up, faced Lebron and went around him for a lay-up. Cleveland’s Iman Shumpert knocked in a pair of three-pointers. Smith put in a deep three-pointer to put Cavaliers ahead 51-48 at half time.

The second half started with the same momentum. Lebron picks up his 2nd foul after he got his 21st point. A recently hot Curry got his 16th point. Raymond Green stole the ball, got it to Curry, the turnover was made as Irving drove and put it in. The defensive battle more intense as Mozgov earned his 10th point. The Warriors were looking as though they were on the verge of reaching and maintaining a sustainable lead.

Cleveland Cavaliers specialize in isolating the offense and forced the Warriors to individually perform as Thompson obliged with another three-pointer. Cleveland’s Thompson got in his 11th block. Andre Igodowa, coach Steve Kerr’s “security blanket”, broke away with a steal and put in two for the Warriors. Golden States bench outplayed Cleveland’s bench which benefitted the Warriors.

espn.go.com: Kyrie Irving to have season-ending surgery on fractured kneecap

Harrison Barnes got a couple of offensive rebounds for Golden State. As Lebron sat out, Irving got some more points in as he started to go into attack mode. Barbosa, cold in shooting, was able to do some damage defensively. A quick jumper by Lebron, put Cleveland back on top, a dunk by Bogut put the Warriors back ahead. With Igodowa still strong, Irving wasn’t showing signs of slowing down.

As five minutes remained, Thomspon sank in a three pointer which brought the Warriors the within one point of the lead. With 14 points, Mozgov contributed defensively. With a bold set of steps against Lebron, Curry put in jumper which brought the Warriors ahead by one. A foul on Mozgov put him on the line which resulted in two points tying the game and putting it in overtime which made sports scores news.

In the first overtime in the NBA Finals in 14 years, led to forced attempts by both sides. After four transitions, Curry drew a foul leading Golden State by two. Two more transitions later, Curry drew another foul which put him back on the line. Another Cleveland turnover led to three-point shot by Harrison Barnes as Irving limped off the court. Cleveland remained scoreless as the Warriors won 108-98.

Golden States starts off to best the series.

Making gambling news, Golden State returns to the Finals for the first time in 40 years. Stephen Curry has been a driving force behind Golden State and is considered one of the best to play his position of point guard. The Cleveland Cavaliers, who have never won an NBA Finals game, are also chasing history. In addition, their superstar Lebron James is in his first year back at Cleveland since he left Cleveland to start his championship collection with the Miami Heat. Lebron is the first player to get to the NBA Finals five consecutive times with two different teams.

espn.go.com: Warriors overcome LeBron James’ 44, breeze in overtime to go up 1-0

Although the Warriors are 39-2 at home, Cleveland worked to start things off. The Cavaliers got two quick fouls in the first minute of the game. Lebron, who picked up a personal foul, was able to get to the line early and make three points. Curry started to feel his stroke from three-point range early himself. Lebron shot was blocked and stolen by the Warriors’. Bogut got hot in the paint as he blocks another shot.

Deep in the first quarter Cleveland started to heat the intensity were making mistakes even though Lebron made 7 of the teams first 9 points. Kyrie Irving, still suffering from tendinitis in the knee put in a couple of free throws, a three-pointer and an amazing drive for Cleveland. Barbosa drilled a deep three-pointer for Golden State. The first quarter ended with Cleveland leading by 10 points.

Cleveland started the quarter out energetic but less effective. Cleveland’s Mozgov, who got his groove in the first quarter, still showed a pulse on the inside. Kyrie Irving contributed on offense and defense. Marreese Speights erupted from the bench with 6 points in 4 minutes. Curry put in his 3rd field goal of night. Any punter for the Warriors who was using live sports results might be worried.

espn.go.com: Time for bold moves with Kyrie out

Another three-pointer in the corner by Curry tied the game. Shooting between the teams remained between 41 and 45 percent for both teams. Curry was officially on fire as he got in another shot. After Irving got one in, Curry took the up, faced Lebron and went around him for a lay-up. Cleveland’s Iman Shumpert knocked in a pair of three-pointers. Smith put in a deep three-pointer to put Cavaliers ahead 51-48 at half time.

The second half started with the same momentum. Lebron picks up his 2nd foul after he got his 21st point. A recently hot Curry got his 16th point. Raymond Green stole the ball, got it to Curry, the turnover was made as Irving drove and put it in. The defensive battle more intense as Mozgov earned his 10th point. The Warriors were looking as though they were on the verge of reaching and maintaining a sustainable lead.

Cleveland Cavaliers specialize in isolating the offense and forced the Warriors to individually perform as Thompson obliged with another three-pointer. Cleveland’s Thompson got in his 11th block. Andre Igodowa, coach Steve Kerr’s “security blanket”, broke away with a steal and put in two for the Warriors. Golden States bench outplayed Cleveland’s bench which benefitted the Warriors.

espn.go.com: Kyrie Irving to have season-ending surgery on fractured kneecap

Harrison Barnes got a couple of offensive rebounds for Golden State. As Lebron sat out, Irving got some more points in as he started to go into attack mode. Barbosa, cold in shooting, was able to do some damage defensively. A quick jumper by Lebron, put Cleveland back on top, a dunk by Bogut put the Warriors back ahead. With Igodowa still strong, Irving wasn’t showing signs of slowing down.

As five minutes remained, Thomspon sank in a three pointer which brought the Warriors the within one point of the lead. With 14 points, Mozgov contributed defensively. With a bold set of steps against Lebron, Curry put in jumper which brought the Warriors ahead by one. A foul on Mozgov put him on the line which resulted in two points tying the game and putting it in overtime which made sports scores news.

In the first overtime in the NBA Finals in 14 years, led to forced attempts by both sides. After four transitions, Curry drew a foul leading Golden State by two. Two more transitions later, Curry drew another foul which put him back on the line. Another Cleveland turnover led to three-point shot by Harrison Barnes as Irving limped off the court. Cleveland remained scoreless as the Warriors won 108-98.

17-year-old Toro Rosso driver Max Verstappen made a mistake while chasing Romain Grosjean almost two weeks ago in Monte Carlo, ending the race of the Lotus employee, who was challenging for points. Some said that the Dutchman’s recklessness and his dangerous driving lead to the crash, while others suggested that it was a racing accident, and however it is tempting to blame the young driver’s lack of experience, this is not right. Almost every driver and expert agrees though that Verstappen should not say anything like that he said to Grosjean after the race.

 

Crash.net: F1 Canadian Grand Prix: Grosjean upset at lack of apology from Verstappen

 

Romain Grosjean expressed his disappointment over Max Verstappen “forgetting” to apologize after their crash in the last race in Monaco. The Dutchman was trying to get past the Lotus driver, who was on worn tyres, until the young Toro Rosso driver made a mistake and hit the Frenchman from behind.

The incident divided experts and followers of sports scores. Grosjean blamed the young and reckless Verstappen, while the 17-year-old Dutchman stated that the Frenchman brake-tested him. After the incident, Grosjean was out from the race, and however he was challenging for points, what really hurt him was that Verstappen did not offer an apology at all.

“It does [disappoint me] because we went to the stewards after the grand prix and I tapped him on the back, thinking he could say ‘I’m sorry’ but, instead, he said I brake-tested [him], which is completely wrong as I actually braked later than the lap before,” said Grosjean. “It is not the way I’d like things to happen.”

 

jamesallenonf1.com: Verstappen Won’t Change Racing Style as Massa Insists Teen Was ‘Completely Wrong’ In Monaco

 

Max Verstappen was criticized by Felipe Massa several times in the aftermath of the Monaco incident, when the young Dutchman hit Romain Grosjean from behind. However, the 17-year-old Toro Rosso driver stated before the Canadian Grand Prix, that he won’t alter his driving style, though being under fire from drivers, fans and followers of live sports results.

Massa expressed after the race in Monte Carlo that the dangerous Verstappen should be penalized after the accident, and he was duly handed a five-place grid penalty by the FIA, and he also got two penalty points to his Super License. He will serve the penalty in Montreal this weekend. Massa also said that the Dutchman braked too late before hitting Grosjean.

Verstappen responded to that statement in the press conference before the Canadian GP. “Everybody can have their opinion, that’s the first thing, but I looked at my data, I didn’t brake any later,” Verstappen revealed. “I had braked later in the race before that but on the lap I crashed, it was exactly the same lap as the lap before and I got my penalty.”

 

Autosport.com: Button warns Verstappen over Grosjean ‘braketest’ crash remarks

 

Jenson Button, world champion of 2009, expressed that he was astonished by Max Verstappen saying Romain Grosjean braketested him when the Toro Rosso driver hit the Frenchman in Monaco nearly a fortnight ago. Button said that Verstappen should think twice before he speaks to the media, according to gambling news.

Button revealed however that he didn’t think that the cause of the accident was Verstappen being inexperienced. The 35-year-old Mclaren driver had problems only with the Dutchman’s remarks to journalists, saying, “He’s obviously inexperienced, it’s easy to go and jump on the bandwagon with that.”

“I think, the thing is, you’ve got to be very careful with what you do say in the press,” he went on. “To point the finger at someone and say that they braketested you, that’s serious. I don’t think that happens in motorsport these days, we’re all grown-ups and we don’t do things like that in Formula 1,” added Button.

17-year-old Toro Rosso driver Max Verstappen made a mistake while chasing Romain Grosjean almost two weeks ago in Monte Carlo, ending the race of the Lotus employee, who was challenging for points. Some said that the Dutchman’s recklessness and his dangerous driving lead to the crash, while others suggested that it was a racing accident, and however it is tempting to blame the young driver’s lack of experience, this is not right. Almost every driver and expert agrees though that Verstappen should not say anything like that he said to Grosjean after the race.

 

Crash.net: F1 Canadian Grand Prix: Grosjean upset at lack of apology from Verstappen

 

Romain Grosjean expressed his disappointment over Max Verstappen “forgetting” to apologize after their crash in the last race in Monaco. The Dutchman was trying to get past the Lotus driver, who was on worn tyres, until the young Toro Rosso driver made a mistake and hit the Frenchman from behind.

The incident divided experts and followers of sports scores. Grosjean blamed the young and reckless Verstappen, while the 17-year-old Dutchman stated that the Frenchman brake-tested him. After the incident, Grosjean was out from the race, and however he was challenging for points, what really hurt him was that Verstappen did not offer an apology at all.

“It does [disappoint me] because we went to the stewards after the grand prix and I tapped him on the back, thinking he could say ‘I’m sorry’ but, instead, he said I brake-tested [him], which is completely wrong as I actually braked later than the lap before,” said Grosjean. “It is not the way I’d like things to happen.”

 

jamesallenonf1.com: Verstappen Won’t Change Racing Style as Massa Insists Teen Was ‘Completely Wrong’ In Monaco

 

Max Verstappen was criticized by Felipe Massa several times in the aftermath of the Monaco incident, when the young Dutchman hit Romain Grosjean from behind. However, the 17-year-old Toro Rosso driver stated before the Canadian Grand Prix, that he won’t alter his driving style, though being under fire from drivers, fans and followers of live sports results.

Massa expressed after the race in Monte Carlo that the dangerous Verstappen should be penalized after the accident, and he was duly handed a five-place grid penalty by the FIA, and he also got two penalty points to his Super License. He will serve the penalty in Montreal this weekend. Massa also said that the Dutchman braked too late before hitting Grosjean.

Verstappen responded to that statement in the press conference before the Canadian GP. “Everybody can have their opinion, that’s the first thing, but I looked at my data, I didn’t brake any later,” Verstappen revealed. “I had braked later in the race before that but on the lap I crashed, it was exactly the same lap as the lap before and I got my penalty.”

 

Autosport.com: Button warns Verstappen over Grosjean ‘braketest’ crash remarks

 

Jenson Button, world champion of 2009, expressed that he was astonished by Max Verstappen saying Romain Grosjean braketested him when the Toro Rosso driver hit the Frenchman in Monaco nearly a fortnight ago. Button said that Verstappen should think twice before he speaks to the media, according to gambling news.

Button revealed however that he didn’t think that the cause of the accident was Verstappen being inexperienced. The 35-year-old Mclaren driver had problems only with the Dutchman’s remarks to journalists, saying, “He’s obviously inexperienced, it’s easy to go and jump on the bandwagon with that.”

“I think, the thing is, you’ve got to be very careful with what you do say in the press,” he went on. “To point the finger at someone and say that they braketested you, that’s serious. I don’t think that happens in motorsport these days, we’re all grown-ups and we don’t do things like that in Formula 1,” added Button.

Lionel Messi could become the first man to score in three different Champions League finals. After losing the World Cup final last year against Geramany, this is the only thing he can do to keep on challenging the greatest footballers ever. He has to break record after record to be recognized as the best ever, until his silverware collection lacks the World Cup gold medal. Now he can break some other records in a stadium, where he wasn’t able to play in 2006, as he was left on the bench by national team coach Jose Pekerman and Argentina crashed out against the hosts on penalties.

Skysports.com:Lionel Messi cannot win in the battle to prove he’s the greatest of all time

 

This Champions League Final will be the opportunity for several players to crown their career with a victory, like Gigi Buffon, who have yet to win the most precious title in club football. However, for the biggest star in the world,there is no such an option, he just have to win it. Again.

Lionel Messi scored an unbelievable goal in the Copa del Rey final last weekend, gambling laws reported. Most of the players around the world are able to score a goal like that only when playing video games, however, the Argentine genius have to do it again against Juventus, or to do something even more spectacular, because he is the best in the world.

Messi’s real problem is that he battles against legends now, and this race is tough to win on the field against Diego Maradona and Pele. It is virtually impossible to achieve their status without a World Cup victory, so Messi can bag as many goals as no player before, he will be still in the need of a gold medal from the Mundial to become the greatest ever.

ESPNFC.com:Lionel Messi has a score to settle with the city of Berlin

 

It was in the Berlin Olympic Stadium at the 2006 World Cup when Jose Pekerman decided not to deploy Lionel Messi during the quarterfinal Against Germany. The 19-year-old talent was watching from the bench, as Miroslav Klose equalized towards the end of regulation, to take the game into overtime, and to penalties eventually, that favoured the hosts.

Though he has become the best in the world since, one of the greatest ever, breaking so many goal scoring records, he still has an unfinished business with Berlin. Pekerman included the wonderkid into his squad, only to have a taste of World Cup football back in 2006, but those who follow sports scores might remember that he was so good that he was able to heavily influence games coming in as a substitute.

Argentina was one of the best teams around, and their quarterfinal against the hosts was regarded as an early final. However, after their goalkeeper, Roberto Abbondanzieri was injured in the second half, Pekerman had to use an unplanned substitution that eventually led to leaving Messi on the bench. He was heartbroken not to join the action, but now he will be on the pitch, probably from the first minute until the very last.

UEFA.com:Barcelona’s Lionel Messi speaks to UEFA.com

 

Lionel Messi is looking for becoming the first player to score in three Champions League finals on Saturday, having registered a goal in the 2009 and 2011 finals previously, both of them coming against Manchester United. Before the game, he shared his thoughts with followers of live sports results.

He stated that his family has been the biggest influence in his life caring about his football and his development, with the club of FC Barcelona been added to the mix after he moved over to Europe at an early age. He revealed that he enjoys a very good relationship with Neymar and Luis Suarez, which making their collaboration even more effective on the pitch.

Messi expressed that Barcelona had to go through a lot to reach the final again. Regarding the title decider, he said, “We know that we will face a very tricky opponent – they are very strong, Juventus are a big team. It is a final and anything can happen, but we will prepare and approach it as we have approached finals before.”

Lionel Messi could become the first man to score in three different Champions League finals. After losing the World Cup final last year against Geramany, this is the only thing he can do to keep on challenging the greatest footballers ever. He has to break record after record to be recognized as the best ever, until his silverware collection lacks the World Cup gold medal. Now he can break some other records in a stadium, where he wasn’t able to play in 2006, as he was left on the bench by national team coach Jose Pekerman and Argentina crashed out against the hosts on penalties.

Skysports.com:Lionel Messi cannot win in the battle to prove he’s the greatest of all time

 

This Champions League Final will be the opportunity for several players to crown their career with a victory, like Gigi Buffon, who have yet to win the most precious title in club football. However, for the biggest star in the world,there is no such an option, he just have to win it. Again.

Lionel Messi scored an unbelievable goal in the Copa del Rey final last weekend, gambling laws reported. Most of the players around the world are able to score a goal like that only when playing video games, however, the Argentine genius have to do it again against Juventus, or to do something even more spectacular, because he is the best in the world.

Messi’s real problem is that he battles against legends now, and this race is tough to win on the field against Diego Maradona and Pele. It is virtually impossible to achieve their status without a World Cup victory, so Messi can bag as many goals as no player before, he will be still in the need of a gold medal from the Mundial to become the greatest ever.

ESPNFC.com:Lionel Messi has a score to settle with the city of Berlin

 

It was in the Berlin Olympic Stadium at the 2006 World Cup when Jose Pekerman decided not to deploy Lionel Messi during the quarterfinal Against Germany. The 19-year-old talent was watching from the bench, as Miroslav Klose equalized towards the end of regulation, to take the game into overtime, and to penalties eventually, that favoured the hosts.

Though he has become the best in the world since, one of the greatest ever, breaking so many goal scoring records, he still has an unfinished business with Berlin. Pekerman included the wonderkid into his squad, only to have a taste of World Cup football back in 2006, but those who follow sports scores might remember that he was so good that he was able to heavily influence games coming in as a substitute.

Argentina was one of the best teams around, and their quarterfinal against the hosts was regarded as an early final. However, after their goalkeeper, Roberto Abbondanzieri was injured in the second half, Pekerman had to use an unplanned substitution that eventually led to leaving Messi on the bench. He was heartbroken not to join the action, but now he will be on the pitch, probably from the first minute until the very last.

UEFA.com:Barcelona’s Lionel Messi speaks to UEFA.com

 

Lionel Messi is looking for becoming the first player to score in three Champions League finals on Saturday, having registered a goal in the 2009 and 2011 finals previously, both of them coming against Manchester United. Before the game, he shared his thoughts with followers of live sports results.

He stated that his family has been the biggest influence in his life caring about his football and his development, with the club of FC Barcelona been added to the mix after he moved over to Europe at an early age. He revealed that he enjoys a very good relationship with Neymar and Luis Suarez, which making their collaboration even more effective on the pitch.

Messi expressed that Barcelona had to go through a lot to reach the final again. Regarding the title decider, he said, “We know that we will face a very tricky opponent – they are very strong, Juventus are a big team. It is a final and anything can happen, but we will prepare and approach it as we have approached finals before.”

Games two and three of the NBA Western Conference finals left everyone a bit taken back. It was known who had the best team, even though Houston had to win three straight games over the Los Angeles Clippers to advance. It was also known that Golden State has the number one player in the country. The Houston Rockets have the number two player in the country. Yes the Rockets proved they can win three straight games, but Harden and his beard will have to join forces again to make online mobile news.

sbnation.comAndrew Bogut keeps making a big impact without putting up big numbers

It cannot be said that the Houston Rockets didn’t give Golden State a challenge in game two. In fact, the game was a “sit on your edge experience” particularly at the end. James Harden scored 38 points and still was irritated at the loss. With 10 rebounds and 9 assists to add, Harden was on fire. . Dwight Howard was impressive with 19 points and 17 rebounds and rightfully held his own as a one-legged wonder (fighting a knee injury) and contributor.

Shooting 18 out of 52, including 4 out of 17 3-pointers, without Harden and Howard, the rest of the Rockets created some pretty upsetting sports score news. Houston missed an opportunity to put take advantage of Golden States unimpressive defense. Apart from Andrew Bogut, the defense definitely had holes in it. Curry had six turnovers and Draymond Green had four turnovers from too much unsafe passing.

Andrew Bogut had a stellar performance for the Golden State offense. His efforts to the Warrior’s offense were as one-sided as Harden’s and Howard’s were to the Rocket’s offense. When Bogut was in the paint, Houston was shooting about 58%, but while he was on the bench Houston’s average shot up to 73%. He took advantage of Howard’s lack of range and Rockets inability to shoot far from the paint.

sbnation.comJames Harden went ice cold against Warriors’ stingy defense

If you ever doubted Curry couldn’t “handle his business”, then shame on you and every punter who had the nerve to wager against him. This year’s Most Valuable Player in the NBA has sunk 59 three-pointers in the playoffs. Just for clarity, Curry has also scored at least five or more 3-point shots in each of the last five games. He is now the only player besides Michael Jordan to score five 3-pointers, 40 points and shoot 55% from the field.

Golden State committed a serious beating on the Houston team. The 115-80 loss has put the Rockets in a treacherous situation where they will be one more loss from elimination. The Warriors outscored the Rockets 58-42 on the inside beating them in rebounds 60-39. Five of the warriors had double scoring figures as they had a 25-point lead at halftime. Anyone betting for the warriors would’ve been irked with these live sports results.

The largest question involves Harden who was virtually absent during game 3. Scoring a measly 15 points, three rebounds and four assists, only the body of Harden came out, while his spirit stayed home. It will become tough for Harden for the rest of the series, because Harrison Barnes was able to contain Harden, unlike Klay Thompson who had the job the last two games.

bleacherreport.comSteph Curry’s Heroics Fueling Warriors Dominance in Western Conference Finals

Harden explained the frustrations of the Rocket’s team and the 99-98 loss. “It’s tough, you know how hard we fought both these games, still we’re giving up small things too many easy layups too many easy threes that we’re having to climb back this is a really good team we’re playing so when you’re giving those buckets you put yourself in a situation where you look at those plays way back in the game and you want them back.”

When the Warriors sensed Harden’s shut down, they acted like there was blood in the water and rotated their defense on Harden one by one. This magnificent defense was accomplished without any double teams on Harden. Golden State took advantage of a cold Rockets team. Howard’s 14 points and 14 rebounds deserve honorable mention. No team has ever won a conference final when down by three.

Games two and three of the NBA Western Conference finals left everyone a bit taken back. It was known who had the best team, even though Houston had to win three straight games over the Los Angeles Clippers to advance. It was also known that Golden State has the number one player in the country. The Houston Rockets have the number two player in the country. Yes the Rockets proved they can win three straight games, but Harden and his beard will have to join forces again to make online mobile news.

sbnation.comAndrew Bogut keeps making a big impact without putting up big numbers

It cannot be said that the Houston Rockets didn’t give Golden State a challenge in game two. In fact, the game was a “sit on your edge experience” particularly at the end. James Harden scored 38 points and still was irritated at the loss. With 10 rebounds and 9 assists to add, Harden was on fire. . Dwight Howard was impressive with 19 points and 17 rebounds and rightfully held his own as a one-legged wonder (fighting a knee injury) and contributor.

Shooting 18 out of 52, including 4 out of 17 3-pointers, without Harden and Howard, the rest of the Rockets created some pretty upsetting sports score news. Houston missed an opportunity to put take advantage of Golden States unimpressive defense. Apart from Andrew Bogut, the defense definitely had holes in it. Curry had six turnovers and Draymond Green had four turnovers from too much unsafe passing.

Andrew Bogut had a stellar performance for the Golden State offense. His efforts to the Warrior’s offense were as one-sided as Harden’s and Howard’s were to the Rocket’s offense. When Bogut was in the paint, Houston was shooting about 58%, but while he was on the bench Houston’s average shot up to 73%. He took advantage of Howard’s lack of range and Rockets inability to shoot far from the paint.

sbnation.comJames Harden went ice cold against Warriors’ stingy defense

If you ever doubted Curry couldn’t “handle his business”, then shame on you and every punter who had the nerve to wager against him. This year’s Most Valuable Player in the NBA has sunk 59 three-pointers in the playoffs. Just for clarity, Curry has also scored at least five or more 3-point shots in each of the last five games. He is now the only player besides Michael Jordan to score five 3-pointers, 40 points and shoot 55% from the field.

Golden State committed a serious beating on the Houston team. The 115-80 loss has put the Rockets in a treacherous situation where they will be one more loss from elimination. The Warriors outscored the Rockets 58-42 on the inside beating them in rebounds 60-39. Five of the warriors had double scoring figures as they had a 25-point lead at halftime. Anyone betting for the warriors would’ve been irked with these live sports results.

The largest question involves Harden who was virtually absent during game 3. Scoring a measly 15 points, three rebounds and four assists, only the body of Harden came out, while his spirit stayed home. It will become tough for Harden for the rest of the series, because Harrison Barnes was able to contain Harden, unlike Klay Thompson who had the job the last two games.

bleacherreport.comSteph Curry’s Heroics Fueling Warriors Dominance in Western Conference Finals

Harden explained the frustrations of the Rocket’s team and the 99-98 loss. “It’s tough, you know how hard we fought both these games, still we’re giving up small things too many easy layups too many easy threes that we’re having to climb back this is a really good team we’re playing so when you’re giving those buckets you put yourself in a situation where you look at those plays way back in the game and you want them back.”

When the Warriors sensed Harden’s shut down, they acted like there was blood in the water and rotated their defense on Harden one by one. This magnificent defense was accomplished without any double teams on Harden. Golden State took advantage of a cold Rockets team. Howard’s 14 points and 14 rebounds deserve honorable mention. No team has ever won a conference final when down by three.

Barcelona defeated Bayern Munich 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday evening with two late goals from Lionel Messi and one from Neymar. This was the first time Pep Guardiola returned to the Camp Nou as the opposition’s head coach since he left Barcelona at the end of the 2011-2012 season. The Catalan manager had plans for his team to deal with Messi, arguably the best player in the world. However his team, though playing confidently against Barcelona, lasted for 75 minutes only.

Goal.com: Messi: Barcelona were lucky
Barca’s magical number ten claimed after the Champions League semifinal the Blaugrana won 3-0 that they needed some luck to succeed against Bayern Munich. Messi played his 100th European game, gambling news reported, and helped his team with two goals in the last period of the match before setting up the third for Neymar well into the injury time.

It was kind of a rude welcome towards former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, who supervised the most successful era of the Spanish club. However, Messi told the press after the final whistle was blown that the outcome of the game wasn’t that obvious for them before taking the lead, though the scoreline would suggest a confident victory.

“We were lucky to score the first goal,” Messi revealed, then added, “Then the others came after that in quick succession and we have come away with a great result for the second-leg game, which is just what we wanted. Germany will be a tough venue. We have got a great result, but we must now go there and we can’t drop our guard.”

Messi also spoke about the wild celebration that followed his first goal, which was something that is not a common feature from the Argentina captain. “It was just my happiness about what the goal meant. We hadn’t been able to score and it was an important goal in the tie.”

ESPNFC.com: Pep Guardiola – Lionel Messi not only Barcelona player behind Bayern defeat
Bayern’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola stated that not just Lionel Messi, but rather Barca’s “solid” performance is responsible for the 3-0 defeat that his team suffered in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal. The Argentine scored twice in the last fifteen minutes and then provided an assist for Neymar, according to sports scores news, but Guardiola said, it was not about just one man.

“I will not say what I think of Messi,” Guardiola told the media after the game. “They are not just Leo, Barca are a very good team. They were very solid, in defence and attack. They have great players, Neymar, Luis Suarez. We tried to control the game so that Messi would not participate so much. We were 15 minutes away from a very good result.”

Guardiola appeared for a brief press conference only after the match that saw his team hitting the opposition’s target just once, though he said before the match that scoring an away goal was vital in this fixture. “I am very proud of this team, and these players,” he went on.“I have no reproach for them. Been a very difficult year, I really appreciate what they have done this year.”

Guardiola also talked about the tactical switch to a four-man defence he applied after fifteen minutes. “We knew who we would be playing against, a team arriving in very good form. The best way to defend is to attack, it has worked well for us in the past. We lacked a little bit of incision up front, but I must just congratulate Barca for the win and prepare for Munich.”

Express & Star: Lionel Messi is the world’s best, insists Luis Suarez as Argentine’s performance against Bayern Munich leaves Javier Mascherano lost for words
Javier Mascherano was stunned by the show his fellow Argentine, Lionel Messi performed in the last quarter an hour against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal. Uruguay ace Luis Suarez simply said that Messi is the best player in the world.
Those who follow live sports results might never forget Messi’s phenomenal second goal, but his first one as well as the assist he gave to Neymar were also very important in securing a comfortable position for Barcelona. With this performance, Messi caused a considerable damage for the side managed by his former mentor, Pep Guardiola.

“He’s a player that is impossible to describe, you have to watch him,” Mascherano praised Messi after the game. He went on to analyze the encounter, saying, “We knew, always in any stadium, they (Bayern) come to press high but sometimes when you press high, you take a risk. We know we have a lot of people in front with quality to make a difference.”
The defender also said that although they are in a very good situation at the moment, they will not think about the reverse leg as a formality at all, online sportsbooks consider them as strong favourites to advance. His Uruguayan teammate, Luis Suarez posted a photo on his Instagram with Messi, writing, “Vamossss! What good win and hard work of the whole team! I leave a picture with the best in the world!”

Barcelona defeated Bayern Munich 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday evening with two late goals from Lionel Messi and one from Neymar. This was the first time Pep Guardiola returned to the Camp Nou as the opposition’s head coach since he left Barcelona at the end of the 2011-2012 season. The Catalan manager had plans for his team to deal with Messi, arguably the best player in the world. However his team, though playing confidently against Barcelona, lasted for 75 minutes only.

Goal.com: Messi: Barcelona were lucky
Barca’s magical number ten claimed after the Champions League semifinal the Blaugrana won 3-0 that they needed some luck to succeed against Bayern Munich. Messi played his 100th European game, gambling news reported, and helped his team with two goals in the last period of the match before setting up the third for Neymar well into the injury time.

It was kind of a rude welcome towards former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, who supervised the most successful era of the Spanish club. However, Messi told the press after the final whistle was blown that the outcome of the game wasn’t that obvious for them before taking the lead, though the scoreline would suggest a confident victory.

“We were lucky to score the first goal,” Messi revealed, then added, “Then the others came after that in quick succession and we have come away with a great result for the second-leg game, which is just what we wanted. Germany will be a tough venue. We have got a great result, but we must now go there and we can’t drop our guard.”

Messi also spoke about the wild celebration that followed his first goal, which was something that is not a common feature from the Argentina captain. “It was just my happiness about what the goal meant. We hadn’t been able to score and it was an important goal in the tie.”

ESPNFC.com: Pep Guardiola – Lionel Messi not only Barcelona player behind Bayern defeat
Bayern’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola stated that not just Lionel Messi, but rather Barca’s “solid” performance is responsible for the 3-0 defeat that his team suffered in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal. The Argentine scored twice in the last fifteen minutes and then provided an assist for Neymar, according to sports scores news, but Guardiola said, it was not about just one man.

“I will not say what I think of Messi,” Guardiola told the media after the game. “They are not just Leo, Barca are a very good team. They were very solid, in defence and attack. They have great players, Neymar, Luis Suarez. We tried to control the game so that Messi would not participate so much. We were 15 minutes away from a very good result.”

Guardiola appeared for a brief press conference only after the match that saw his team hitting the opposition’s target just once, though he said before the match that scoring an away goal was vital in this fixture. “I am very proud of this team, and these players,” he went on.“I have no reproach for them. Been a very difficult year, I really appreciate what they have done this year.”

Guardiola also talked about the tactical switch to a four-man defence he applied after fifteen minutes. “We knew who we would be playing against, a team arriving in very good form. The best way to defend is to attack, it has worked well for us in the past. We lacked a little bit of incision up front, but I must just congratulate Barca for the win and prepare for Munich.”

Express & Star: Lionel Messi is the world’s best, insists Luis Suarez as Argentine’s performance against Bayern Munich leaves Javier Mascherano lost for words
Javier Mascherano was stunned by the show his fellow Argentine, Lionel Messi performed in the last quarter an hour against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal. Uruguay ace Luis Suarez simply said that Messi is the best player in the world.
Those who follow live sports results might never forget Messi’s phenomenal second goal, but his first one as well as the assist he gave to Neymar were also very important in securing a comfortable position for Barcelona. With this performance, Messi caused a considerable damage for the side managed by his former mentor, Pep Guardiola.

“He’s a player that is impossible to describe, you have to watch him,” Mascherano praised Messi after the game. He went on to analyze the encounter, saying, “We knew, always in any stadium, they (Bayern) come to press high but sometimes when you press high, you take a risk. We know we have a lot of people in front with quality to make a difference.”
The defender also said that although they are in a very good situation at the moment, they will not think about the reverse leg as a formality at all, online sportsbooks consider them as strong favourites to advance. His Uruguayan teammate, Luis Suarez posted a photo on his Instagram with Messi, writing, “Vamossss! What good win and hard work of the whole team! I leave a picture with the best in the world!”

Despite the fact that both FIFA and gambling authorities across the world warned that they would intensify efforts to combat betting corruption, illegal wagers on World Cup sports scores proved to be too tempting for leaders of underground gambling rings.

The football event of the year has barely started, but the police in Macau already arrested a few punters from Hong Kong after evidence suggested they had placed HK $5 billion in illegal bets, including one staggering wager worth HK $40 million on a single match.

The illegal gambling operation was run from a hotel in Macau, which was raided by the local police. Officers found and removed betting slips and accounts, as well as more than HK $2 million in cash, 17 computers and 10 mobile phones.

Since the beginning of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Hong Kong police officers have also arrested 39 people suspected of unlawful gambling. HK $85 million worth of betting slips were confiscated from the illegal bookmakers.

South China Morning Post: Macau police smash illegal betting ring that took HK$5b in World Cup wagers

The Macau police busted a huge bookmaking operation. It is said that the illegal betting ring took a total of HK $5 billion in World Cup wagers, from rich clients around the world. Punters placed their bets on live sports results via telephone or online.

A raid on a local hotel found that three rooms had been turned into an operation base for the illegal betting syndicate. According to the latest gambling news, 22 people (including two women) aged 23 to 50 were arrested. Among them were four men from Hong Kong, nine Malaysians and nine mainlanders. The ring was lead by two men, one from Malaysia and one from the mainland.

One day later, the police conducted a second raid and arrested four new suspects at the same hotel. Officers are now conducting further investigations to find out who was placing the bets.

Suen Kam-fai, a spokesman for the local police, told reporters: “Information indicates that this syndicate accepted bets before and after the matches kicked off. That’s why they needed a lot of manpower to take bets via the internet and telephone.”

CNN: Macau busts $645 million World Cup betting ring

Police have smashed a gambling ring operating from a hotel located in Macau. The illegal betting syndicate allegedly took the equivalent of US $645 million in World Cup wagers. According to local authorities, this was the biggest ever raid on an unlawful bookmaking racket in the Asian casino capital.

Working from three hotel rooms, the suspects took internet and phone bets from around the world. Authorities discovered that one gambler placed a wager valued at around US $5 million.

The police arrested 22 people from mainland China, Hong Kong and Malaysia, including two suspects believed to be the ringleaders. They also confiscated US $248,000 in cash, 17 computers, at least 10 cell phones and several betting slips.

A few hours later, the police busted a second gambling operating from the same hotel. Four Chinese men allegedly took US$645,000 in illegal bets on World Cup matches in one day.

The raids were part of a cross-border campaign to combat illegal sports betting in Macau, Hong Kong and the southern province of Guangdong, China.

The Guardian: Police bust gambling racket in Macau after huge World Cup bets

A bookmaking racket that allegedly took HK $5 billion ($645 million, or GBP 379 million) in illegal bets was recently uncovered by the police in Macau. The illicit football syndicate operated from a local hotel and allowed punters from all over the world to place World Cup wagers online and via telephone, the South China Morning Post said.

Police have arrested 22 suspects in what is thought to be the biggest unlawful football betting operation in Macau, as initial investigations found evidence of HK $5 billion worth of World Cup wagers, including a single HK$40 million bet on one match.

Since the beginning of the 2014 World Cup, authorities in Macau, Hong Kong and the Guangdong province have been working together in a campaign to put an end to illegal gambling operations. Investigators seized more than HK $2 million in cash, 17 computers, more than 10 mobile phones and betting slips.

During the first week of the World Cup, authorities in the area have arrested 39 people suspected of being involved in illegal betting operations and confiscated HK $85 million worth of betting slips.

Despite the fact that both FIFA and gambling authorities across the world warned that they would intensify efforts to combat betting corruption, illegal wagers on World Cup sports scores proved to be too tempting for leaders of underground gambling rings.

The football event of the year has barely started, but the police in Macau already arrested a few punters from Hong Kong after evidence suggested they had placed HK $5 billion in illegal bets, including one staggering wager worth HK $40 million on a single match.

The illegal gambling operation was run from a hotel in Macau, which was raided by the local police. Officers found and removed betting slips and accounts, as well as more than HK $2 million in cash, 17 computers and 10 mobile phones.

Since the beginning of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Hong Kong police officers have also arrested 39 people suspected of unlawful gambling. HK $85 million worth of betting slips were confiscated from the illegal bookmakers.

South China Morning Post: Macau police smash illegal betting ring that took HK$5b in World Cup wagers

The Macau police busted a huge bookmaking operation. It is said that the illegal betting ring took a total of HK $5 billion in World Cup wagers, from rich clients around the world. Punters placed their bets on live sports results via telephone or online.

A raid on a local hotel found that three rooms had been turned into an operation base for the illegal betting syndicate. According to the latest gambling news, 22 people (including two women) aged 23 to 50 were arrested. Among them were four men from Hong Kong, nine Malaysians and nine mainlanders. The ring was lead by two men, one from Malaysia and one from the mainland.

One day later, the police conducted a second raid and arrested four new suspects at the same hotel. Officers are now conducting further investigations to find out who was placing the bets.

Suen Kam-fai, a spokesman for the local police, told reporters: “Information indicates that this syndicate accepted bets before and after the matches kicked off. That’s why they needed a lot of manpower to take bets via the internet and telephone.”

CNN: Macau busts $645 million World Cup betting ring

Police have smashed a gambling ring operating from a hotel located in Macau. The illegal betting syndicate allegedly took the equivalent of US $645 million in World Cup wagers. According to local authorities, this was the biggest ever raid on an unlawful bookmaking racket in the Asian casino capital.

Working from three hotel rooms, the suspects took internet and phone bets from around the world. Authorities discovered that one gambler placed a wager valued at around US $5 million.

The police arrested 22 people from mainland China, Hong Kong and Malaysia, including two suspects believed to be the ringleaders. They also confiscated US $248,000 in cash, 17 computers, at least 10 cell phones and several betting slips.

A few hours later, the police busted a second gambling operating from the same hotel. Four Chinese men allegedly took US$645,000 in illegal bets on World Cup matches in one day.

The raids were part of a cross-border campaign to combat illegal sports betting in Macau, Hong Kong and the southern province of Guangdong, China.

The Guardian: Police bust gambling racket in Macau after huge World Cup bets

A bookmaking racket that allegedly took HK $5 billion ($645 million, or GBP 379 million) in illegal bets was recently uncovered by the police in Macau. The illicit football syndicate operated from a local hotel and allowed punters from all over the world to place World Cup wagers online and via telephone, the South China Morning Post said.

Police have arrested 22 suspects in what is thought to be the biggest unlawful football betting operation in Macau, as initial investigations found evidence of HK $5 billion worth of World Cup wagers, including a single HK$40 million bet on one match.

Since the beginning of the 2014 World Cup, authorities in Macau, Hong Kong and the Guangdong province have been working together in a campaign to put an end to illegal gambling operations. Investigators seized more than HK $2 million in cash, 17 computers, more than 10 mobile phones and betting slips.

During the first week of the World Cup, authorities in the area have arrested 39 people suspected of being involved in illegal betting operations and confiscated HK $85 million worth of betting slips.