Brazil may have been reduced to 10 men in the final quarter of their World Cup clash with Ivory Coast but they still managed a 3-1 win and will now move through to the final 16. Bookmakers reacted by firming their betting odds to 17/4 and favourite marginally ahead of Argentina (9/2) and Spain (11/2).
This has been a somewhat interesting World Cup to date with Switzerland defeating Germany, New Zealand playing Italy to a draw and France and England failing to win games. Draws at this level are generally not enough to progress to the final 16 so both will need wins in their final group games. France are in particular trouble following the sending home of star Chelsea forward Nicolas Anelka. His team mates meanwhile are refusing to train, which is not exactly the right buildup to such an important game.
England have their own woes having played two games for two draws. Much has been said about each game and how ‘unlucky’ they were. However, their form did not justify victories. Capello is now being criticised for being a little too strict, a factor that was so appealing at the start of his tenure as manager. A little group relaxation time and good heart-to-heart seems to have cleared the air. We will see when they front up to their last match later this week.
Defending World Cup champions Italy have been the most disappointing. They have failed to fire at all in what was considered a relatively easy group. Their draw against lowly ranked New Zealand has really capped a weak performance by Italy since early January. They look to be the first major casualty of this World Cup final.
World Cup betting odds have fluctuated with Brazil, Argentina and Spain all sharing favouritism at different times. England have had the staggers, Germany firmed following a sound win over Australia then they too got the staggers after their game against Switzerland. The Netherlands have remained firm and look to be well placed to perhaps sneak into the semi-finals and cause a few headaches.
Who is going to win? It’s still anyone’s cup. No team has really stood up to be counted and shown the brilliance required to go all the way. Of the contenders, Germany showed class early, Brazil have looked brilliant, but only in patches, while the rest have been well below World Cup standard. Our tip – Brazil with a saver on the Netherlands.