There are a lot of punters around that have already placed their bets on the football World Cup; there are many others that are waiting. Some are waiting to see the first rounds of results, others are hoping to get better prices from the online sportsbooks. Of course, there are those that are following the lesser lights and they are just waiting to see if they look like qualifying before making any bets. Where are you at when it comes to betting on the World Cup?
The action, of course, starts this Friday with South Africa playing Mexico and France playing Paraguay. France have a recent World Cup win to their credit but according to punters, bookmakers and sportswriters, they have no chance this year. Spain head the betting despite having a rather poor record at World Cup level. They seem to be able to win everything else, just not the jewel in the football world crown. Perhaps this year will be different – time will tell.
Spain’s betting odds seem to be fluctuating between the 4/1 and 9/2 mark. Perennial favourites Brazil are second pick and rock solid at 5/1 – but then, how can you leave them out of calculations when they have such a great record at this level? Argentina have moved into third place at 15/2 following the injury to England’s captain. England are now out to 8/1 in betting with Holland (Netherlands) rounding out the top group at 10/1.
Although it’s early days, I like the chances or England. I know they have been rocked by the injury to Rio Ferdinand, but his form hasn’t been fantastic and it may well become a blessing in disguise. It will certainly harden the team and force them to play better football. His injury has certainly given punters much better odds and it may be a good idea to grab them now. Once play begins, and if they live up to my expectations, then those good prices should begin to drop significantly.
Brazil are always hard to bet against and you can expect them to be in the picture for a long way as well. As for Spain, they just don’t click at this level for some reason. Perhaps this is their year but I haven’t seen any brilliance from them in recent months. Of the others, Argentina are hot and cold and almost failed to qualify. Holland are the dark horses and could surprise while current holders Italy are a shadow of their glory days.
It’s World Cup football and anything can happen. Games can be won or lost on a single penalty or accidental own goal. However, I think this will be a year where the favourites hold sway – England to win, Brazil as a back up and Holland as the roughie. Good luck with your World Cup bets. Keep coming back as we keep checking on the progress throughout the group stages.