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2014 World Cup WINNERS
Every Four years the World comes together for one sporting event that surpasses the intensity and passion of any other. National pride trumps team alliances and a country's colors are worn like battle scars. This goliath of athletic competition captivates every corner of the earth and we're NOT talking about the Olympics. Of course it's the World Cup! So put on your salsa shoes because we're heading to Brazil.
Some information services dread the World Cup as a great unknown. Their inexperience in handicapping professional soccer becomes very evident when they struggle to make sense of the thousands of players, teams, and countries competing. Our strong ties to professional soccer in both Europe and Latin America give us a winning edge. From UEFA to FIFA, English Premier League to Primera Liga, we understand the subtle nuances of World class soccer. Also our strong network of connections to sports books in Central and South America give us information that you won't see on television or read in the newspapers. We have been able to use this superior information network to breeze through national club League play winning our client's an average of 64% in April and May. And we're confident that we will excel beyond even our own expectations.
Don't get left in the dark for this year's World Cup. We have the superior knowledge, expertise, and information to turn your red card into an equalizer.
Current Fifa World Cup Odds
FIFA World Cup 2014 – Outright Winner
USA
FIFA World Cup 2014 – Top Goalscorer
Clint Dempsey (USA) 66/1
FIFA World Cup 2014 – USA – Stage of Elimination
Group Stage 3/1 (Odds of advancing 1/5)
2nd Round 2/3
Quarter Finals 9/2
Semi Finals
Runners Up 50/1
Winners
FIFA World Cup 2014 – USA – Top Goalscorer
Clint Dempsey 1/5
Chris Wondolowski 33/1
Aron Jóhannsson 25/1
Michael Bradley 33/1
Jermaine Jones 9/2
Kyle Beckerman 66/1
Alejandro Bedoya 66/1
Graham Zusi 66/1
Mikkel Diskerud 50/1
Brad Davis
Julian Green 50/1
FIFA World Cup 2014 – Group G – Recife
USA +½ (+115) +650 O 2½ (+105)
Germany -½ (-140) -140 U 2½ (-125)
Draw
FIFA World Cup 2014 – Group G – Recife – Alternate Line
USA +1 (-165)
Germany -1 (+135)
Draw
FIFA World Cup 2014 – Group G – Recife – Alternate Line
USA +1½ (-220)
Germany -1½ (+180)
Draw
FIFA World Cup 2014 – Group G – Recife – Alternate Line
USA Pick (+350)
Germany Pick (-450)
Draw
FIFA World Cup 2014 – Group G – Recife – 1st Half Line
USA (1H) +½ (-165) +475 O 1 (EVEN)
Germany (1H) -½ (+135) +135 U 1 (-120)
Draw
USA vs Germany – First Goalscorer
Thomas Muller 7/2
Miroslav Klose 4/1
Mario Gotze 5/1
Lukas Podolski 5/1
Andre Schurrle 11/2
Mesut Ozil 7/1
Clint Dempsey 8/1
Bastian Schweinsteiger 9/1
Toni Kroos
Jozy Altidore 10/1
Julian Draxler 10/1
Chris Wondolowski 12/1
Aron Johannsson 12/1
Julian Green 14/1
Christoph Kramer 16/1
Kevin Grosskreutz 16/1
Brad Davis
Michael Bradley 20/1
Graham Zusi 20/1
Erik Durm
Mathias Ginter 20/1
Sami Khedira 20/1
Mats Hummels 20/1
Alejandro Bedoya 25/1
DaMarcus Beasley 25/1
Mikkel Diskerud 25/1
Per Mertesacker 25/1
Philipp Lahm 25/1
Kyle Beckerman 33/1
Fabian Johnson 33/1
Jermaine Jones 33/1
Benedikt Howedes 33/1
Jerome Boateng 33/1
Geoff Cameron 40/1
John Anthony Brooks 40/1
Omar Gonzalez 50/1
Timothy Chandler 50/1
DeAndre Yedlin 66/1
Matt Besler 66/1
No Goalscorer 6/1
USA vs Germany – Anytime Goalscorer
Miroslav Klose 11/10
Thomas Muller 11/10
Mario Gotze 11/8
Lukas Podolski 7/4
Andre Schurrle 15/8
Mesut Ozil 2/1
Julian Draxler 3/1
Jozy Altidore 7/2
Clint Dempsey 7/2
Toni Kroos
Chris Wondolowski 4/1
Bastian Schweinsteiger 4/1
Aron Johannsson 5/1
Christoph Kramer 5/1
Kevin Grosskreutz 5/1
Julian Green 6/1
Michael Bradley 6/1
Sami Khedira 6/1
Brad Davis
Erik Durm
Mathias Ginter 7/1
Alejandro Bedoya 8/1
Graham Zusi 8/1
Philipp Lahm 8/1
Mats Hummels 8/1
DaMarcus Beasley 9/1
Per Mertesacker 9/1
Mikkel Diskerud 10/1
Benedikt Howedes 10/1
Kyle Beckerman 12/1
Fabian Johnson 12/1
Jermaine Jones 12/1
Jerome Boateng 12/1
John Anthony Brooks 14/1
Timothy Chandler 14/1
Geoff Cameron 16/1
Omar Gonzalez 18/1
DeAndre Yedlin 20/1
Matt Besler 20/1
USA vs Germany – First USA Goalscorer
Clint Dempsey 4/1
Aron Johannsson 4/1
Chris Wondolowski 19/4
Jozy Altidore 5/1
Julian Green 6/1
Alejandro Bedoya 15/2
Michael Bradley 8/1
Brad Davis
Graham Zusi 10/1
DaMarcus Beasley 12/1
Mikkel Diskerud 12/1
Jermaine Jones 12/1
Kyle Beckerman 14/1
Fabian Johnson 18/1
John Anthony Brooks 18/1
Timothy Chandler 18/1
Geoff Cameron 20/1
Omar Gonzalez 22/1
DeAndre Yedlin 25/1
Matt Besler 33/1
USA vs Germany – First Germany Goalscorer
Miroslav Klose 21/10
Thomas Muller 21/10
Lukas Podolski 7/2
Mesut Ozil 15/4
Mario Gotze 4/1
Andre Schurrle 4/1
Julian Draxler 13/2
Bastian Schweinsteiger 8/1
Toni Kroos
Christoph Kramer 12/1
Kevin Grosskreutz 12/1
Sami Khedira 12/1
Mathias Ginter 16/1
Erik Durm
Benedikt Howedes 22/1
Per Mertesacker 22/1
Philipp Lahm 22/1
Mats Hummels 22/1
Jerome Boateng 25/1
USA vs Germany – Player To Be Shown a Card
Kyle Beckerman 5/4
Timothy Chandler 5/4
Michael Bradley 15/8
Geoff Cameron 15/8
Jerome Boateng 15/8
DaMarcus Beasley 2/1
Fabian Johnson 2/1
John Anthony Brooks 2/1
Omar Gonzalez 2/1
DeAndre Yedlin 2/1
Matt Besler 2/1
Bastian Schweinsteiger 2/1
Per Mertesacker 2/1
Kevin Grosskreutz 2/1
Sami Khedira 2/1
Philipp Lahm 2/1
Mats Hummels 2/1
Clint Dempsey 5/2
Jermaine Jones 5/2
Erik Durm
Benedikt Howedes 5/2
Julian Green 11/4
Alejandro Bedoya 11/4
Brad Davis
Mikkel Diskerud 11/4
Graham Zusi 11/4
Chris Wondolowski 7/2
Christoph Kramer 4/1
Thomas Muller 5/1
Andre Schurrle 5/1
Toni Kroos
Julian Draxler 5/1
Mathias Ginter 5/1
Mario Gotze 11/2
Lukas Podolski 11/2
Aron Johannsson 13/2
Miroslav Klose 13/2
Mesut Ozil 7/1
USA vs Germany – Scorecast (Player to score first and exact score)
Clint Dempsey & USA 1-0
Clint Dempsey & USA 2-0
Clint Dempsey & USA 2-1
Clint Dempsey & USA 3-0
Clint Dempsey & USA 3-1
Clint Dempsey & Draw 1-1 22/1
Clint Dempsey & Draw 2-2 50/1
Clint Dempsey & Germany 2-1 40/1
Aron Johannsson & USA 1-0 110/1
Aron Johannsson & USA 2-0 250/1
Aron Johannsson & USA 2-1 125/1
Aron Johannsson & USA 3-0 500/1
Aron Johannsson & USA 3-1 450/1
Aron Johannsson & Draw 1-1 40/1
Aron Johannsson & Draw 2-2 90/1
Aron Johannsson & Germany 2-1 66/1
Chris Wondolowski & USA 1-0 75/1
Chris Wondolowski & USA 2-0 175/1
Chris Wondolowski & USA 2-1 90/1
Chris Wondolowski & USA 3-0 400/1
Chris Wondolowski & USA 3-1 300/1
Chris Wondolowski & Draw 1-1 28/1
Chris Wondolowski & Draw 2-2 55/1
Chris Wondolowski & Germany 2-1 45/1
Michael Bradley & USA 1-0 175/1
Michael Bradley & USA 2-0 375/1
Michael Bradley & USA 2-1 200/1
Michael Bradley & USA 3-0 750/1
Michael Bradley & USA 3-1 500/1
Michael Bradley & Draw 1-1 55/1
Michael Bradley & Draw 2-2 125/1
Michael Bradley & Germany 2-1 100/1
Thomas Muller & Germany 1-0 25/1
Thomas Muller & Germany 2-0 28/1
Thomas Muller & Germany 2-1 33/1
Thomas Muller & Germany 3-0 55/1
Thomas Muller & Germany 3-1 55/1
Thomas Muller & Draw 1-1 18/1
Thomas Muller & Draw 2-2 40/1
Thomas Muller & USA 2-1 55/1
Miroslav Klose & Germany 1-0 28/1
Miroslav Klose & Germany 2-0 35/1
Miroslav Klose & Germany 2-1 40/1
Miroslav Klose & Germany 3-0 66/1
Miroslav Klose & Germany 3-1 66/1
Miroslav Klose & Draw 1-1 22/1
Miroslav Klose & Draw 2-2 45/1
Miroslav Klose & USA 2-1
Mario Gotze & Germany 1-0 33/1
Mario Gotze & Germany 2-0 40/1
Mario Gotze & Germany 2-1 40/1
Mario Gotze & Germany 3-0 66/1
Mario Gotze & Germany 3-1 66/1
Mario Gotze & Draw 1-1
Mario Gotze & Draw 2-2
Mario Gotze & USA 2-1
Andre Schurrle & Germany 1-0 33/1
Andre Schurrle & Germany 2-0 40/1
Andre Schurrle & Germany 2-1 45/1
Andre Schurrle & Germany 3-0 75/1
Andre Schurrle & Germany 3-1 75/1
Andre Schurrle & Draw 1-1 25/1
Andre Schurrle & Draw 2-2 55/1
Andre Schurrle & USA 2-1 90/1
USA vs Germany – Correct Score
USA 1-0
USA 2-0
USA 2-1
USA 3-0
USA 3-1
USA 3-2
USA 4-0
USA 4-1
USA 4-2
USA 4-3
USA 5-0
Draw 0-0
Draw 1-1
Draw 2-2
Draw 3-3
Draw 4-4
Germany 1-0 13/2
Germany 2-0 7/1
Germany 2-1 8/1
Germany 3-0 12/1
Germanu 3-1 12/1
Germany 3-2 25/1
Germany 4-0 25/1
Germany 4-1 25/1
Germany 4-2 50/1
Germany 4-3 100/1
Germany 5-0 50/1
USA vs Germany – Half Time / Full Time
USA / USA +1000
USA / Draw +1000
USA / Germany +2000
Draw / USA +1200
Draw / Draw +350
Draw / Germany +350
Germany / USA +5000
Germany / Draw +1000
Germany / Germany +150
USA vs Germany – Both Teams to Score
Yes -120
No -110
USA vs Germany – Winning Margin
USA to win by 1 goal
USA to win by 2 goals
USA to win by 3 goals
USA to win by 4 or more goals +20000
Germany to win by 1 goal
Germany to win by 2 goals
Germany to win by 3 goals
Germany to win by 4 or more goals +900
Score Draw
0-0 Draw
USA vs Germany – Match Result & Both Teams To Score
USA & Yes +1200
Germany & Yes +275
Draw & Yes +275
USA & No +1100
Germany & No +175
Draw & No +800
USA vs Germany – Match Result & Over/Under 2.5 Goals
USA & Over 2.5
Germany & Over 2.5 +160
Draw & Over 2.5
USA & Under 2.5 +1200
Germany & Under 2.5 +300
Draw & Under 2.5 +260
USA vs Germany – To Win To Nil
USA +180
Germany +1100
USA vs Germany – To Win Both Halves
USA +2500
Germany
USA vs Germany – To Come From Behind and Win
USA
Germany
USA vs Germany – First Offside
USA -110
Germany -120
USA vs Germany – Half Time Correct Score
USA 1-0
USA 2-0
USA 2-1
Draw 0-0
Draw 1-1
Draw 2-2
Germany 1-0 +250
Germany 2-0 +700
Germany 2-1 +2000
USA vs Germany – Total 1st Half Goals Over/Under 0.5 Goals
Over 0.5
Under 0.5
USA vs Germany – Total 1st Half Goals Over/Under 1.5 Goals
Over 1.5
Under 1.5
USA vs Germany – Total 1st Half Goals Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Over 2.5
Under 2.5
USA vs Germany – Highest Scoring Half
1st Half +225
2nd Half EVEN
Draw +250
USA vs Germany – Team to Score 1st
USA +225
Germany -310
USA vs Germany – Team to Score Last
USA +225
Germany -310
USA vs Germany – Time of 1st Goal
1-10 Mins
11-20 Mins +400
21-30 Mins +500
31-40 Mins +650
41-50 Mins +750
51-60 Mins +1000
61-70 Mins +1400
71-80 Mins +2000
81 Mins – Full Time +2000
No Goal
USA vs Germany – 1st 10 Minutes – Total Goals
Over
Under
USA vs Germany – 1st 10 Minutes – Match Result
USA +1100
Germany +600
Draw -800
USA vs Germany – Total Goals
0 or 1 +260
2 or 3 -115
4+ +250
USA vs Germany – USA Total Goals
No Goals +120
1 Goal +135
2 Goals +450
3 Goals +2200
4 or More Goals+10000
USA vs Germany – Total USA Goals Over/Under 0.5 Goals
Over 0.5
Under 0.5
USA vs Germany – Total USA Goals Over/Under 1.5 Goals
Over 1.5
Under 1.5
USA vs Germany – Total USA Goals Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Over 2.5
Under 2.5
USA vs Germany – Germany Total Goals
No Goals +450
1 Goal +200
2 Goals +240
3 Goals +450
4 or More Goals+750
USA vs Germany – Total Germany Goals Over/Under 0.5 Goals
Over 0.5
Under 0.5
USA vs Germany – Total Germany Goals Over/Under 1.5 Goals
Over 1.5
Under 1.5
USA vs Germany – Total Germany Goals Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Over 2.5
Under 2.5
USA vs Germany – Will a Penalty Kick be Scored?
Yes +325
No -500
USA vs Germany – Will a Penalty Kick be Awarded?
Yes +275
No -400
USA vs Germany – Will a Penalty Kick be Missed?
Yes +1200
No -3300
USA vs Germany – Will an Own Goal be scored?
Yes +1000
No -2500
USA vs Germany – Method of 1st Goal
Open play shot inside the box 2/3
Header
Open play shot outside the box 6/1
Penalty
Direct from Free Kick
Own Goal
Top South American World Cup Squad
Who are the best teams in South America for this years world cup? You will be getting our winning picks which have made our clients over 20 units so far. Sign up above and see what you are missing out on.
Brazil +110
Brazil is a loaded squad that may have one of the best defenses in the tournament and has a solid attack as well led by Neymar and Hulk. Oscar from Chelsea is the rock in the midfield and the host nation faces Croatia, Mexico, and Cameroon in Group A, which Brazil is the big betting favorite to win. They have a tough road to the finals even if they win Group A likely having to face Holland or Spain in the round of 16 match up and then maybe a dream match up facing Germany in the semifinals.
Argentina +162
Argentina likely has the best offense in the tournament and the trio of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, Napoli’s Gonzolo Higain, and Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero all are in the top 10 in odds to win the best goal scorer in Brazil. They face Nigeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina in group play, which are like them in that they have a solid offense, but issues on defense. Team play is key for Argentina, as they sometimes rely too much on individual talent, which has hurt them in the last several World Cups when they face elite squads.
Uruguay +800
Uruguay won the World Cup the only other time it was hosted in Brazil back in 1950 and they have a solid squad this time around. The offense is the strength of the squad led by the trio of Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan, who are all world-class strikers. Still, the defense is the concern and that showed in South American qualifying where they needed to force an intercontinental playoff tie just to qualify for Brazil. On top of that they are in a one of the tougher groups having to face Italy and England.
Colombia +900
Colombia came into the World Cup with high hopes, as they were very solid in the South American qualification process and they were not drawn into the toughest of groups. However, lead striker Radamel Falcao pulled out of the World Cup recently and his loss to the offense is a very big blow. He being out means the midfield has to create more offense and the defense is the weakness of the squad.
Chile +2500
Chile has a good squad and ended South American qualifying playing great but they were drawn into a very tough group having to face both Holland and Spain. They may have to win the group to go far, as if they finish 2nd they will likely have to face Brazil in the round of 16 match. The defense gave up 1.5 goals per match in qualifying and the midfield may be a big concern since the Spanish and Dutch are so good in that part of the pitch.
Ecuador +6600
Ecuador had a losing record in South American qualifying and they made it to Brazil because of their great home record, which was not surprising since they play at an altitude of over 9,000 feet. They are not in the toughest group, but still have a tall order to get out of it since it has France and Switzerland.
Portugal World Cup Preview
Portugal can’t feel lucky to be in the Group of Death for the 2nd straight World Cup, but they advanced out of the group in 2010 and have the 2nd best betting odds to win their group this summer. It helps that they have, maybe, THE best player in the world in Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo. However, while he is the big star of the squad there are other players that have world-class talent, which is why Portugal has the 9th best odds to win the World Cup overall.
Group Preview
Portugal is in Group G along with Germany, Ghana, and USA. They face Germany on the opening match and are the betting underdogs, but if they can take, at least, a point away from that match they may be in good shape. Still, Germany is stacked and has the 3rd best overall odds to win the World Cup. They face the USA next and then Ghana and while their offensive firepower outmatches both of those squads they have to play well in the midfield and be wary of the counter-attack.
BETTING ODDS
Odds to win World Cup: +275
Odds to win Group: +2800
Odds to finish bottom of group: +650
Best World Cup Finish: 3rd place (1966)
World Cup Match Schedule
16//06/14 Germany vs. Portugal – Arena Fonte Nova
22/06/14 United States vs. Portugal – Arena Amazonia
26/06/14 Portugal vs. Ghana – Nacional
Qualifying
Portugal was the betting favorite to win their World Cup qualifying group, but finished behind a surprising Russian squad. They did not have a tough group, but their first loss in the group against Russia and draws against Northern Ireland and Israel put them behind the 8-ball early. However, they regrouped winning 6 of their next 7 matches including an away and home European playoff tie facing a legit Sweden team. In the 2nd leg Ronaldo netted a hat trick and in the first leg he scored the lone goal in the match.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Obviously the biggest strength of the squad is Ronaldo and his attacking abilities, but when defenses trap him other players will have to step up. Center back Bruno Alves is the leader of the defense and he is also solid on offense, especially on corner kicks. Playmakers Joao Moutinho will have to get Ronaldo the ball from the midfield and also help thwart the counter-attack since Portugal pushes forward on offense. The squad is not good at defending corners and set pieces, which may really hurt them facing Germany.
Top European World Cup Squad
Picking the top European team in the World Cup is a very hard pick since there are several squads that have legit odds to go the furthest led by Germany.
Germany +250
Germany has the best odds out of any European team to win the World Cup and while they were drawn into the Group of Death they definitely have the talent to go all the way. Their midfield and defense is great and while they do not have a superstar striker Thomas Muller is a solid attacker. If things work out as the odds makers say they will face Brazil in the semifinals.
Spain +300
Spain is the defending World Cup champion and plays in Group B along with Holland, who they beat in 2010 World Cup final. Winning the group may be key, as the 2nd place finisher will likely face Brazil in the round of 16. Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, and Xabi Alonso lead a great midfield that is great at dominating the time off possession.
Belgium +600
Belgium has a great all around squad with no big weaknesses and they were drawn into one of the easier groups. To go far in the tournament they may have to win the group since the runner up in their group faces the winner of the Group of Death, which is favored to be Germany.
France +900
France was embarrassed in the last World Cup, but they have a great squad for this summer and are the betting favorites to win their group, which is one of the easier ones. Karim Benzema leads the offense and Franck Ribery leads the solid midfield.
Holland +1200
Holland has the offense, but can their defense, which is their weakness, play well like they did 4 years ago in their run to the final? Robin Van Persie leads the solid Dutch attack and they have a good midfield led by Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder. Odds makers have them with the 2nd best odds to get out of their group, which includes Spain, and if they finish 2nd they will likely have to face Brazil, who they beat in the quarterfinals in 2010, in the round of 16.
Italy +1200
Italy is a veteran laden squad that still has a couple of heroes from the 2006 World Cup winning team in GK Gianluigi Buffon and MF Andrea Pirlo. The Italians are in a tough group along with England and Uruguay and have the best betting odds to win it. Winning their group would be key, as it would get them out of the side of the draw that will likely include Brazil and Germany.
Portugal +1400
Portugal is all about Cristiano Ronaldo, but the squad may be deeper than they were in 2010 when they were in the Group of Death and advanced. They are in that dreaded group again, but Joao Moutinho and Nani lead a solid midfield, which will take some pressure of Ronaldo.
England +1600
England is in a group with Italy and Uruguay and while the squad has a good midfield and Wayne Rooney up front the defense and GK Joe Hart are the main issues.
Here are the odds to be the top finishing team from Europe as of June 2nd.
Germany +250
Spain +300
Belgium +600
France +900
Netherlands +1200
Italy +1200
Portugal +1400
England +1600
Russia +3300
Switzerland +4000
Bosnia-Herzegovina +5000
Croatia +5000
Greece +10000
Nigeria World Cup Preview
Nigeria is a fast and powerful team that is coming off the African Cup of Nations, but has had issues in their own football federation and that has hindered the squad playing as a team. Still, the offense is there and while they have a solid keeper the defense is the big issue. They are in a tough group that has 2 other teams that have a better attack than they do and that is a big concern. Nigeria has the 3rd best odds to win their group and is a big time long shot to win the whole tournament.
Group Preview
Nigeria is in Group F with Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Iran. While Nigeria has a legit offense and issues on defense so do Argentina and Bosnia and Herzegovina while Iran is a more defensive squad. It is vital that they take 3 points from Iran in their World Cup opener and if they don’t they could be in big trouble right away. The next match facing Bosnia and Herzegovina may be the big one, as if they lose and then have to beat Argentina in the group finale they are in for a tall task, which is a major understatement.
BETTING ODDS
Odds to win World Cup: +25000
Odds to win Group: +900
Odds to finish bottom of group: +300
Best World Cup Finish: Last 16 (1994, 1998)
World Cup Match Schedule
16/06/14 Iran vs. Nigeria – Arena da Baixada
21/06/14 Nigeria vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina – Arena Pantanal
25/06/14 Nigeria vs. Argentina – Estadio Beira-Rio
Qualifying
In World Cup qualifying Nigeria beat Ethiopia 4-1 on aggregate in the playoffs after winning their African group. They ended the process well winners of 3 of their last 4 matches and overall they did not beat. While they were not playing great teams their defense did come up with 2 clean sheets in their last 3 matches. In every single qualifying match they scored a goal and they ended with a record of 7-0-3.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The attacking strength of Nigeria comes from their 2 star players in the Chelsea midfield duo of John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses. Moses is one of the up and coming while Mikel is the veteran. While these 2 will be pressing forward they cannot get out of position, as they are susceptible to the counter-attack. The defenders are concerns, but they do have a solid keeper in Lille’s Vincent Enyeama. The squad was a resilient one in qualifying coming through and taking points from several matches when they gave up the lead.
Iran World Cup Betting Picks
Will Iran win the world cup in 2014? We have the insiders Soccer information here for you to wager on at your local book and betting parlor.
Iran is a team that has a good defense, but they really lack world-class talent. They have the worst odds to win their group and overall the 4th worst odds to win the World Cup. The squad was not very impressive in qualifying and after they advanced to Brazil they are winless with 2 losses and 1 draw and all of those matches were against teams not playing this summer. In their 3 World Cup they have never advanced out of the group stage and are betting long shots to do it in Brazil.
Group Preview
Iran is in Group F with and Bosnia-Herzegovina, Nigeria, and Argentina. While Iran is led by their defense every other squad in their group is led by a solid attack. They first face Nigeria and that may be their best chance to take points if they can play good defense and get some counter-attack chances. They are very overmatched facing Bosnia-Herzegovina and especially Argentina, who have the 2nd best overall odds to win the World Cup.
BETTING ODDS
Odds to win World Cup: +150000
Odds to win Group: +3300
Odds to finish bottom of group: -175
Best World Cup Finish: Group Stage (1978, 1998, 2006)
World Cup Match Schedule
16/06/14 Iran vs. Nigeria – Arena da Baixada
21/06/14 Argentina vs. Iran – Estadio Mineirão
25/06/14 Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Iran – Arena Fonte Nova
Qualifying
Iran was up and down in qualifying, as they finished third in their Asian group, but twice beat South Korea, who is playing this summer. They had 3 clean sheet wins in their last 3 matches, which were crucial, and overall had a qualifying record of 6-2-2. However, their 2 losses were against inferior teams Lebanon and Uzbekistan.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The strength of the Iran squad is definitely the defense, but they have to keep teams out of their box. They gave up the most goals from close range than any other team that is playing in Brazil. The midfield and offense are issues Reza Ghoochannejhad from Standard Liege in Belgium has to give the team some offense and hope he can get fed the ball on the counter-attack. Ashkan Dejagah is a MF that plays for Fulham in the England Premier League and he will really be counted on to keep the other teams in the group from dominating the time of possession.
Ghana World Cup Preview
Ghana World Cup Preview
Ghana was a surprise quarterfinalist in the last World Cup, but getting back there is going to be very hard this summer since they are playing in the Group of Death. They have long shot betting odds to win the World Cup and the 3rd worst odds to win their killer group. Still, they have a strong midfield with some world-class talent and their offense averaged over 3 goals per match in qualifying.
Ghana is in Group G along with Germany, Portugal, and USA. They face the Americans in their first match and they may need to take 3 points away from it to have any chance to advance out of the group stage. In an interesting fact Ghana has ousted the Yanks from the last 2 World Cups. They then face Germany where they are big betting underdogs and then end the group stage by playing Portugal. Both of those matches are killer ones with Germany being a loaded squad and Portugal having, arguably, the best FW in the world in Cristiano Ronaldo.
BETTING ODDS
Odds to win World Cup: +25000
Odds to win Group: +1200
Odds to finish bottom of group: +120
Best World Cup Finish: Quarterfinals (2010)
World Cup Match Schedule
16/6/14 Ghana vs. United States – Estadio das Dunas
21/6/14 Germany vs. Ghana – Estadio Castelão
26/6/14 Portugal vs. Ghana – Nacional
Qualifying
Ghana won their African qualifying group and then they won 7-3 in aggregate beating a solid squad from Egypt. In the first leg of the playoff tie they blew up on offense and beat Egypt 6-1 to, pretty much, punch their ticket to Brazil. While they were solid against Egypt they were not impressive in winning one of the weaker groups. Their record in qualifying was 6-3-1 and after a slow start they won 5 straight matches before losing their last one to Egypt, but were already so far ahead after the first leg that loss did not matter.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The midfield is definitely the strength of the squad with the likes of Kwadwo Asamoah, Michael Essien, and Kevin-Prince Boateng, who all play in big leagues in Europe. The defense is not a great one and they do not have a world-class striker. One concern is that they are not a good team when they give up the lead, as in qualifying they did not got 1 point when they were down.
Key Opening World Cup Matches
Obviously every group match for the World Cup is an important one, but the opening match is key in getting off to a good start. Here are some of the premier encounters, with their betting odds, in the first group matches.
Brazil -350 / Croatia +1100 / Draw +400
In the opening match of the World Cup Brazil is the HUGE betting favorite taking on Croatia. Brazil will have a lot of pressure on them in the tournament-
opening match and they face a solid Croatian midfield lead by Real Madrid’s Luka Modric. However, Croatia will be without main striker Mario Mandzukic, who is suspended for the match.
Spain -118 / Holland +333 / Draw +240
This is a rematch of the 2010 World Cup final and the loser may have to scramble to finish in 2nd Spanish have a great midfield and solid defense, which they showed by shutting out Holland 1-0 in the final in the last World Cup.
England +200 / Italy +150 / Draw +200
The match is one between a couple of squads that have a great midfield and each looks to get off to a good World Cup start after not having good showings in 2010. Italy has the best odds to win the group that is a tough one that includes
2010 quarterfinalist Uruguay.
Argentina -250 / Bosnia and Herzegovina +700 / Draw +350
Argentina has the 2nd Bosnia and Herzegovina squad in the first round. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a solid offense and surprisingly won their European qualification group. This match should be an exciting one since both feature dynamic offenses and each has issues on defense.
Germany +100 / Portugal +280 / Draw +230
This match is between these 2 squads that have the best odds to win the Group of Death. Germany is a great all-around team with one of the best midfields in the world while Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal is playing in the Group of Death for the 2nd place in the group.
Ghana +160 / USA +175 / Draw +220
The Dutch have the offense and the best odds to win the World Cup and face a dangerous straight World Cup.
This match is HUGE for both squads and each needs to take 3 points to have a shot to get out of the Group of Death since each will still have to face Portugal and Germany. Ghana has eliminated the USA in the last 2 World Cup tournaments.
Colombia -125 / Greece +375 / Draw +240
This is a match up between a Colombia squad that has the best odds to win the group and Greece, who have the worst odds. However, the Greeks have a great defense and Colombia recently got some bad news, as their key offensive player in striker Radamel Falcao pulled out of the World Cup with an injury.
2014 World Cup Betting Futures
Brazil +300
Brazil is the host and the odds on favorite to win their 6th the offense loaded with such world-class players of Neymar, Hulk, and Fred the defense may be the strength of the team. Brazil did not have to qualify as the host, but they have won all of their friendly matches this season and won the Confederations Cup last year.
Argentina +400
Argentina may have the best offense in the tournament, but can they play as a team and advance past the quarterfinals for this first time since 1990. Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain lead the dynamic offense, but the defense is a concern, which is not good with the solid offensive teams of Nigeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina in their group.
Germany +500
Germany is playing in the Group of Death, but they are a great team that does not have a big weakness. The midfield may be the best in the tournament and they breezed through the qualification process.
Spain +650
Spain won the World Cup in 2010 and they are still a great squad rivaling Germany of the best midfield. Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, and Xabi Alonso are masters in the midfield and dominating the time of possession, but the injury concern to main striker Diego Costa is a big one.
Belgium +1300
Belgium is a young and exciting team that won their qualification group and they are balanced on offense and defense. Romelu Lukaku has a lot of pressure on him as the main striker since Christian Benteke is out with an injury. While Belgium has the talent they have not had much success in big international competitions.
Colombia +2000
Colombia is another South American team with a good offense, but they may not be a good bet since their key striker in Radamel Falcao recently pulled out of the tournament with an injury.
France +2200
France flamed out of the last World Cup finishing dead last in their group. However, while they needed a big comeback at home just to qualify for Brazil they have a good midfield and world-class FW Karim Benzema. On top of that they are playing in one of the easier groups.
England +2500
England has Wayne Rooney up front, a good midfield, and a solid defense, but can Joe Hart be the main GK? That is a big question for the team that has not had much success in the World Cup only advancing to the quarterfinals once sine they were the host in 1966 and won the tournament.
Holland +2500
Holland won their European qualifying group and they have a great offense led by Robin Van Persie. However, they have concerns on the defensive side of the pitch and are in a tough group along with Spain, who they lost to in the 2010 World Cup finals.
Italy +2500
Italy is flying under the radar in Brazil and while they play in a tough group, which includes England and Uruguay, they have the best odds to win it. They have a great midfield led by veteran Andrea Pirlo and GK Gianluigi Buffon is the anchor of the defense. Mario Balotelli is a great talent up front that is very temperamental, but one of the best when he is on his game.
Uruguay +2500
Uruguay has a solid offense led by the trio of Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan, but they do not have a great back line defense. Still, they made the quarterfinals back in 2010 and they won the World Cup the last time it was played in Brazil back in 1950.
Portugal +3000
Portugal has, arguably, the best player in the world in Cristiano Ronaldo, but can the other players around him step up when he is bottled up and can the team make it out of the Group of Death?
Here are the odds to win the World Cup:
Brazil +300
Argentina +400
Germany +500
Spain +650
Belgium +1300
Colombia +2000
France +2200
England +2500
Netherlands +2500
Italy +2500
Uruguay +2500
Portugal +3000
Chile +4000
Russia +7500
Switzerland +10000
Ecuador +12000
Mexico +13000
Japan +14000
Ivory Coast +15000
USA +16000
Croatia +20000
Bosnia and Herzegovina +21000
Ghana +24000
Greece +25000
Nigeria +25000
Korea Republic +40000
Cameroon +60000
Australia +65000
Iran +100000
Honduras +100000
Costa Rica +100000
Algeria +100000
Greece World Cup Preview
Greece World Cup Preview
Greece has the worst betting odds to win their group, but they are in one of the weaker ones and have one of the best defensive squads playing this summer. They finished 2nd in World Cup qualifying and while they have lacked a legit striker for a long time Kostas Mitroglou may now be that guy. However, after tearing up the Greek league he played poorly when he transferred to Fulham in the England Premier League. It has been 10 years since Greece shocked the world with their European Championships win and can they do the same this summer?
Group Preview
Greece in Group C with Japan, Colombia, and Ivory Coast, which is one of the weaker groups this summer. Their first match is a good one facing the group betting favorite in Colombia, who may be without their best striker due to an injury. They then face a very tactical team in Japan and finish up group play facing Ivory Coast. The Greeks have the defense and they will be facing Colombia and Ivory Coast, who both have solid attacks.
BETTING ODDS
Odds to win World Cup: +30000
Odds to win Group: +750
Odds to finish bottom of group: +163
Best World Cup Finish: Group Stage (1994, 2010)
World Cup Match Schedule
14/06/14 Colombia vs. Greece – Estadio Mineirão
19/06/14 Japan vs. Greece – Estadio das Dunas
24/06/14 Greece vs. Ivory Coast – Estadio Castelão
Qualifying
Greece finished European World Cup qualifying with the exact same amount of points as Bosnia-Herzegovina, but lost out on the top spot because of goal differential. Their defense was superb in the qualification process, as in their 10 matches they only gave up 5 goals. They drew Romania in the playoff tie and they advanced on aggregate 4-2 winning 3-1 at home and playing to a 1-1 draw on the road. The squad was 7-1-2 with their lone loss coming to Bosnia-Herzegovina on the road.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Defense, defense, defense. I mentioned that the Greeks only gave up 5 goals in qualifying and 3 of them came in the Bosnia-Herzegovina match. They were only 1 of 3 teams that qualified for Brazil that did not give up a single goal on corner kicks in the qualifying process. The offense is their weakness and if Kostas Mitroglou does not find his form the Greeks may be in trouble. While their defense is solid they gave up most of their qualifying goals on headers.