The first two games of World Cup 2006 are history with the results proving just how exciting a World Cup this is going to be, especially considering the betting odds and big payouts.  While Germany beat Costa Rica convincingly as was pretty much expected, the score was completely unexpected.  The 4-2 score in fact paid out $5000 for every $100 bet at one online bookmaker.  Betting odds were +5000 on the 4-2 score.

Then came Poland vs. Ecuador.  Ecuador, all but written off as a team that can only play in "high altitudes at home", managed to walk away with a convincing 2-0 win over Poland as the +200 dog. Agustin Delgado scored one goal and made one as Ecuador got their second ever World Cup campaign off to a flying start with a 2-0 victory over Group A rivals Poland at the Veltins Arena on Friday evening.


Poland's hopes of reaching the second round of World Cup 2006 now look bleak while the Latin Americans will enter uncharted territory if they get into the last 16 in a group also featuring hosts Germany and Costa Rica.

Payton O'Brien's Daily is brought to you by BetED.com (see website here)  We are thrilled to announce BetED.com's full menu of World Cup 2006 offerings.

Now heeeeeeeeeeer's Payton......

World Cup Soccer Cursing Ban

A bar in Bournemouth is warning fans to watch their foul language as well as the football during the World Cup.

Jumpin Jaks, on Pier Approach, is aiming to make itself a friendlier place to watch the tournament, which opens June 9, by creating a swear-free zone during games.

There will be language police patrolling the venue during matches and anyone caught cursing will immediately be fined, with donations going to the children's charity Echo.

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If you're planning on watching the World Cup games this weekend, and cursing, here's preliminary matchups and odds by BetED.com

WORLD CUP:

The World Cup begins this weekend in Germany. With big games this weekend, make sure to get your bets in early. This weekend’s action showcases powerhouses England and Argentina as well as big underdogs like Iran and Ivory Coast. Get ready!

For all the action, check out our future props below!

SATURDAY:

ENGLAND @ PARAGUAY

9:00 AM ET ABC

England is a heavy favorite to win their group and many predict a strong showing from them throughout this entire tournament. Paraguay is no walk in the park, but the talented Englishmen should come out of their first game unscathed and undefeated.

England is a -150 favorite to win group B, and +400 to win the whole thing. Paraguay is a huge underdog in this game, and the World Cup, as they’ve never had more than 1 victory in any of their 7 World Cup appearances. For betting odds, check out the Hot Props section below!

TRINIDAD and TOBAGO @ SWEDEN

12:00 PM ET ABC

Sweden is the lone team in Group B expected to give England a game. T&T is a huge underdog to make it out of this group, but this is the World Cup.

ARGENTINA @ IVORY COAST

3:00 PM ET ESPN2

In quite possibly the most balanced group in the World Cup, Group C’s slight favorite, Argentina, takes on the Ivory Coast Saturday afternoon in Hamburg, Germany.

SUNDAY:

SERBIA and MONTENEGRO @ NETHERLANDS

9:00 AM ET ESPN2

Serbia and Montenegro takes on one of the Cup’s strongest clubs on Sunday when they play the Netherlands. The Netherlands will take a run at Argentina for the Group C title.

MEXICO @ IRAN

12:00 PM ET ABC

Mexico and Iran square off on ABC this Sunday. Many have predicted Mexico to make it out of Group D, but Iran won’t give them this game. Mexico has the talent but Iran’s toughness will show.

ANGOLA @ PORTUGAL

3:00 PM ET ESPN2

Portugal is Group D’s strongest team, while Angola will make their first appearance in the World Cup. With Angola playing for pride, Portugal should come out victorious in this contest.

For all the action, check out our future props below!

HOT PROPS:

This year, Germany plays host to the 2006 Fifa World Cup. In the 17 times this event has taken place, the home team has taken home the championship 6 times. The Brazilians are favored but Germany holds home field advantage.

Odds to win 2006 WORLD CUP

1. Brazil +135

2. Argentina +300

3. Germany +300

4. England +400

5. Italy +500

6. Portugal +600

7. Netherlands +700

8. France +750

9. Spain +1250

10. Czech Republic +1500

11. Sweden +3250

12. Ukraine +3250

13. Mexico +3750

14. Croatia +4000

15. USA +5500

16. Serbia & Montenegro +6000

17. Ivory Coast +7500

18. Poland +8500

19. Paraguay +12500

20. Japan +12500

21. Ghana +18500

22. Ecuador +16500

23. Switzerland +7500

24. Tunisia +25000

25. Togo +25000

26. Australia +12500

27. Angola +25000

28. Costa Rica +25000

29. Iran +25000

30. Saudi Arabia +25000

31. Trinidad & Tobago +25000

Bet these props at BetED.com