World Cup Betting
World Cup 2010 – Form Guide
The most recent set of international fixtures will have been the last chance for players to impress their coaches ahead of 23 man squads being named for the 2010 World Cup. With less than a hundred days until kick off in South Africa, it is timely to have a look at the form of some of 2010’s leading contenders.
Spain – 4/1 favourites
Spain cemented their position as worthy World Cup favourites by recording their ninth consecutive win with their comfortable 2-0 triumph over France in Paris. Goals from David Villa (9/1 favourite to be top goalscorer in South Africa) and Sergio Ramos gave Spain an astonishing 42nd win in 45 international matches.
Spain once again looked simply superb, and FIFA’s number One ranked nation look like they might finally go all the way in the World Cup.
France – 12/1
The defeat to Vicente del Bosque’s side was met with significant disgust by a partisan France crowd with the form of captain Thierry Henry attracting the brunt of the criticism. Henry’s lack of match fitness after rarely featuring for Barcelona in recent weeks was apparent, leading coach Raymond Domenech to comment, “[His situation] raises some questions but we’ve not reached the point yet when it has become alarming.”
France look a shadow of their former international teams and, if all goes to form, will be England’s opponents in the 2010 quarter finals. On this showing, Fabio Capello’s side will have little to concern them.
England – 11/2
After a shaky start in which England fell behind to the African Cup of Nations champions Egypt, the Three Lions continued their excellent record under coach Fabio Capello by recording a comfortable 3-1 victory.
Goals from Peter Crouch and Shaun Wright-Phillips completed a second half turnaround for England who are still reshaping their defence after the injury problems to Glen Johnson, Ashley Cole and Rio Ferdinand and the controversial absence of Wayne Bridge.
Crouch has now scored a stunning 20 goals in 37 England appearances, and has found the net more times for his country than Dixie Dean, Johnny Haynes, Paul Scholes and Roger Hunt. He almost certainly booked his place in the England squad with his performance, although England will have to improve to progress far in South Africa.
Brazil – 5/1
Brazil weren’t at their best in the first half of their match against the Republic of Ireland in London but their second half showing and the substitutions coach Dunga was able to make demonstrated that they will be a force to be reckoned with in South Africa.
Robinho netted the second goal on his return to England and there were also impressive performances from fringe players including Michel Bastos, Ramires and Grafite. Coach Dunga has hinted that the likes of Ronaldinho, Pato and Diego may not feature this summer as he continues to build a side which reflects the more functional approach he displayed as a player.
Brazil have an excellent mixture of strength, European experience and flair and look set to go all the way in 2010.
Argentina – 9/1
One of the more surprising of the recent friendly results was Argentina’s 1-0 win over Germany in Munich. A goal from Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain settled the tie and, in truth, the 1978 and 1986 champions were by far the better side.
Diego Maradona was naturally bullish in his assessment of his side’s performance and of that of his striking talisman. “I thank God that Messi is Argentinian,” commented Maradona. “And I will thank God if he can make us world champions again. That is what we will go to South Africa to do – become world champions.”
Germany 14/1
I had high hopes for Germany this summer, but Joachim Löw’s side looked far from world beaters in their defeat to Maradona’s Argentina. Coming after the German’s 2-2 draw with a less than excellent Ivory Coast side last time out, the form of the three time champions leaves a little bit to be desired.
I still expect Germany to progress in South Africa, but they will have to play better than they have done of late.
Holland 14/1
Holland continue to register good results and their most recent friendly victory was their 2-1 home win over England’s Group C rivals the USA.
Dirk Kuyt and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar were on target for the Dutch, who also gave caps to the promising trio of Eljero Elia, Gregory van der Wiel and Ibrahim Afellay. Coach Bert van Maarwijk’s side are in good form and remain dark horses to perform well in South Africa.
New Zealand – 750/1
At the other end of the betting list, minnows New Zealand took many positives from their most recent match, even though they were beaten 2-0 by fellow qualifiers Mexico.
Ricki Herbert’s side were missing crucial players and experimented with a 5-3-2 formation in the fixture at the Rose Bowl. Goals from Javier Hernandez and Carlos Vela gave the Mexicans a win but it was a very handy run out for the All Whites.
