GreatOdds backing Brazil for trophy
Brazil, Villa the bookies' favourites
Posted: 2010-07-02 09:05
If the bookmakers are anything to go by, Brazil are in line for a sixth World Cup title, though Spain loom as their biggest threat.
Bookmakers GreatOdds have Selecao as favourites to lift the trophy, and are also backing Spain striker David Villa to walk away with the Golden Boot award.
OUTRIGHT WINNER
Brazil (5/2)
The perennial favourites for the World Cup aren’t playing in the traditional “samba” style of teams past but they have shown an ability to grind out results and look confident in both attack and defence. They will be facing the Netherlands in their quarter final and this is sure to be one of the most exciting matches of the 2010 World Cup. Can Dunga join Beckenbauer and Zagallo as the only men to have won the World Cup as a player and a manager?
Spain (11/4)
After a shaky start Spain are starting to show the quality we all know they are capable of. They have arguably the best squad in the tournament with quality all over the field. Their shock defeat to Switzerland took them from being the odds-on favourites to 3rd favourite but following their win over Portugal they are back up to 2nd. Can they reach their full potential they will become the first Spanish team to win the World Cup?
Argentina (9/2)
Argentina has secured a quarter final against Germany and Maradonna’s men have looked impressive throughout their campaign, winning 4 out of 4. With players like Messi, Teves and Higuain - not to mention Aguerro and Milito on the bench - their quality in attack in undeniable. However, their defence has tended to leak goals and this may cost them against high quality opposition.
Germany (7/1)
Joachim Loew’s young squad have surprised everyone by playing some of the most attractive football in the tournament, embarrassing England with a convincing 4-1 thrashing in the round of 16. They play with a freedom which is unlike the successful German teams of the past and they may surprise everyone and secure Germany’s fourth World Cup.
Netherlands (15/2)
Along with Argentina, the Netherlands are the only team to have won all their matches thus far. Despite winning 4 from 4 the Dutch are yet to fulfil their potential. They were the first European team to qualify and they have an outstanding record under manager Bert van Marwijk. They have come close but are still yet to win a World Cup, this could be there year!
Ghana (40/1)
The Black Stars are the only African team to have made it through to the knockout phases in 2010. Ghana has the youngest squad in the World Cup with an average age just over 24, however, many of these youngsters have already won the U-20 World Cup in 2009. They face Uruguay in the quarters and then are likely to face either Brazil or the Netherlands in the semi-final in Cape Town. It will take a colossal effort without the talismanic Michael Essien but with Africa united behind them the Black Stars have a real chance!
GOLDEN BOOT – LEADING GOALSCORER
David Villa – Spain (9/5)
Barcelona’s latest superstar signing is closing in on Raul’s Spanish goalscoring record and will be looking to overtake him during the course of the World Cup. Villa’s outstanding record of more than 2 goals for every 3 games in National colours is an achievement in itself! With Fernando Torres looking short of game time it will be up to Villa to take Spain to their first ever World Cup title. He currently has 4 goals.
Gonzalo Higuain – Argentina (23/10)
The Real Madrid striker is the joint leading goal scorer with 4 goals to his name. Higuain is a classic striker who always finds himself in the right position and makes finishing look easy. With Maradonna at the helm you can be sure that Argentina will continue to show attacking intent and Higuain is most likely to be the one to benefit from this.
Luis Fabiano – Brazil (4/1)
Brazilian front man Luis Fabiano has looked slightly out-of-sorts – yet still – he is only one goal behind Villa and Higuain. With quality players feeding him from all angles and Brazil the favourites to go all the way the Sevilla striker should have plenty more goals in the bag.
Asamoah Gyan – Ghana (25/1)
The brightest star in the Black Stars line-up has 3 goals to his name and as the lone striker in the Ghanaian set up he is sure to score more. 2 of his 3 goals have come from the penalty spot but his 3rd was an extra time stunner that took Ghana into the quarters. If the Africans can make a run for the title, Gyan will be in with a real shot!
TOP GOALSCORER – WINNER DOUBLE
More often than not the Golden Boot winner comes from the winning team. The top scorer – winner double offers great returns and is for the truly confident.
Villa – Spain (21/5)
Higuain – Argentina (8/1)
Fabiano – Brazil (15/2)
Klose – Germany (50/1)
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