Spain opened as a slight favorite over Brazil to win the 2010 World Cup of Soccer next summer in South Africa. The largest wagering event on the planet kicks off in Johannesburg, June 11 with Mexico taking on the host nation South Africa. The final is slated for July 11.
There was early drama, Dec. 4, when the pills were pulled to place the 32 teams in eight groups of four. Spain drew well and Brazil did not, which probably accounted for the Spaniards landing the favorite's role. The top two finishers from each group advance to a single elimination knockout round in the tournament.
In addition to straight future book wagering on the eventual winner, many books also have posted prices on the winner's of each of the eight individual groups as well as whether the champion will come from Europe, South America, Africa, etc. In addition to prices on the first 16 individual games, there also are futures on making the final four.
Let's take a closer look at the leading contenders to win the 2010 World Cup of Soccer:
Spain (4/1): The Spaniards scorched their European qualifying round foes with a perfect 10-0 record, outscoring opponents 28-5. Spain landed in Group H, where it's been made a -350 favorite (bet $350 to win $100) over a weak group that includes Chile, 40/1 in World Cup futures, Switzerland (150/1) and Honduras (350/1).
Brazil (5/1): The only nation to play in every World Cup and the only nation to win five titles, Brazil, the globe's No. 2 ranked team, landed in the so-called “Group of Death,” along with No. 5 Ivory Coast and No. 16 Portugal. That said Brazil is -175 to win Group G. Both the Ivory Coast (20/1 in futures) and Portugal (25/1) have a shot to win it all but, barring a huge upset, only one will make it into the round of 16. The fourth member of the “Group of Death” is North Korea, a 500/1 longshot.
England (11/2): The Brits looked good qualifying, notching nine wins against just one loss (to Ukraine after already clinching). Of course, you know David Beckham but the star of the team is striker Wayne Rooney. England is -275 to win Group C, with the United States, 66/1 in overall futures, the other threat to advance to the knockout round. Slovenia and Algeria round out Group C. With a population of just 2 million, Slovenia is the smallest nation in the World Cup, though its future book odds of 250/1 are among the largest. Algeria is 500/1 to win the 2010 World Cup.
Argentina (9/1): The Argentines needed last second wins in their final two games just to secure South America's fourth and final automatic berth. Argentina, which won in 1978, 1986 and was a finalist in 1990, has plenty of talent and is a -225 favorite to win Group B but could have difficulty getting much farther beyond that. Nigeria (80/1) also should advance from the group with Greece (100/1) and South Korea (200/1) longshots to escape the first round.
Italy (12/1): The reigning and defending champs have four World Cup wins in all and breezed through their European qualifying round with a 7-0-3 record. Italy drew into an easy Group F and is -350 to squash Paraguay (40/1 in futures), Slovakia (200/1) and New Zealand, the longest shot on the board at 1,000/1.
Netherlands (12/1): The Dutch, who were 8-0 in their qualifying round, always are a threat but don't seem to have quite the talent level of some recent lowland teams. Nevertheless, Holland is a -175 favorite to win Group E with Cameroon (80/1 in futures), Denmark (80/1) and Japan (150/1) left to fight it out for the other round of 16 spot.
Germany (14/1): The Germans have been serious players in the last five World Cups, winning once, and, after qualifying with an 8-0-2 record, have another chance to win it all, especially if midfielder Michael Ballack, in his last Cup, has a good series. Germany is -125 to win Group D, a foursome that includes Serbia (50/1), Ghana (66/1) and Australia (125/1).
France (15/1): Les Bleus needed a now infamous hand pass to qualify but once here, can make some mischief, as they did in 2006 when they lost the Cup on penalty kicks. France is -125 to win Group A with Mexico (80/1 in futures) most likely to be the other team that advances to the second round. Uruguay (80/1) and South Africa (125/1) complete the group.
With six months still remaining before the first soccer ball is struck in anger, World Cup betting figures to reach truly global proportions before a new champion is crowned.
