Anelka confirms international retirement

Soccer Betting Lines

09/06/2010 - Paris, France (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - France striker Nicolas Anelka confirmed his retirement from international soccer on Monday having been given an 18-match suspension by the French Football Federation for his conduct at this past summer's World Cup.

The 31-year-old Anelka was sent home early by former manager Raymond Domenech after the two exchanged words at halftime of France's 2-0 defeat to Mexico.

The remaining players refused to train in protest of the move, and key members of the team like Patrice Evra, Franck Ribery and Jeremy Toulalan were handed short suspensions by the Federation for their role in the debacle.

But Anelka's 18-game ban was far greater of a punishment, and he reiterated his desire to never play for France again on Monday.

"I have retired officially. I am 100 percent sure that I will not return," Anelka told France Soir. "There was no chance that I would return to the national team after what happened on June 19 in Knysna.

"If members had read the newspaper, they would have realized that I have turned a page. Anyway, I already play in Blue every weekend with Chelsea."

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Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value

If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture.  Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).

For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot.  The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.

TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the  drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.

"While 'Babel' lost several guild awards to 'Sunshine' and 'Departed,'  it still enjoys loyal support, and historically Oscar voters favor dramas with social messages over comedies like 'Sunshine' and violent crime movies like 'Departed'."

"It hasn't done well in the guilds, which means there isn't much industry support," said Tom O'Neil of awards site TheEnvelope.com, "But several critics are expecting it to win, and that gets my attention." Babel had 7 to 2 odds at press time.

Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash.  Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win. 

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