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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.
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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.
2018 World Cup Betting Odds
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FIFA World Cup 2018 – Outright Winner
Germany
Argentina
Spain 8/1
Brazil 8/1
France 10/1
Netherlands
Italy 16/1
Belgium
England
Russia 20/1
Colombia
Portugal
Chile 33/1
USA 33/1
Bosnia-Herzegovina 50/1
Uruguay
Croatia 50/1
Mexico 66/1
Switzerland
Czech Republic 66/1
Poland 66/1
Ukraine
Denmark
Sweden
Greece 100/1
Serbia 100/1
Japan 100/1
Ivory Coast 100/1
Nigeria 150/1
Turkey 150/1
Algeria 150/1
Austria 150/1
Ghana 150/1
Montenegro
Romania
South Korea 150/1
Norway
Bulgaria
Australia
Cameroon
Ecuador
Paraguay
Costa Rica
Hungary
Canada 400/1
Bolivia 500/1
Macedonia
Finland 500/1
Peru 500/1
Republic of Ireland 500/1
Wales 500/1
Scotland
Iran 1000/1
South Africa 1000/1
Northern Ireland 2000/1
FIFA World Cup 2014 – Outright Winner
Who is going to win? Well it’s not France and we want you to make big bucks with our handicapping picks so sign up today for the final games in this years world cup matches.
Brazil 11/4
Germany
Argentina
Netherlands
France 7/1
Colombia
Belgium
Costa Rica 40/1
World Cup 2014 – Name the Finalists
Brazil/Argentina
Brazil/Netherlands
Argentina/Germany
Germany/Netherlands
Argentina/France
Netherlands/France
Brazil/Belgium
Argentina/Colombia
Netherlands/Colombia
Germany/Belgium
Belgium/France
Brazil/Costa Rica
Belgium/Colombia
Costa Rica/Germany
Costa Rica/France
Colombia/Costa Rica 80/1
Bonus…
Where will the 2022 FIFA World Cup be held?
Qatar 1/1
USA 9/4
Any Other 2/1
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
World Cup 2014 – Top Goalscorer Futures Odds
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Lionel Messi (Argentina) +750
Messi leads the dynamic Argentina attack and he ranked 2nd in Spain’s La Liga in goals this club season for Barcelona. Since Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain are also great strikers so teams cannot just focus on Messi, which is why he has the best odds.
Neymar (Brazil) +1000
Neymar only had 9 goals this season for Barcelona and that is because Messi is THE main guy there. Still the young up and coming star spearheads the Brazil attack.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) +1200
Ronaldo lead La Liga in goals this season and may be THE best striker in the world, Messi fans may have some thin to say about that, but he may not be the best bet. First of all he is playing in the Group of Death and second teams will really key on stopping him, as Portugal does not have a great 2nd option on offense.
Sergio Aguero (Argentina) +1600
Plays alongside Messi and Gonzalo Higuain for a loaded offense for Argentina and he has a good season at Manchester City that was derailed a big by injuries. If teams key on stopping Messi Aguero may make them pay, big time.
Diego Costa (Spain) +1600
Costa ranked 3rd this season in goals scored and for Spain he is one of the key players. However, he may not be fully ready for the tournament dealing with injuries at the end of the season for Atletico Madrid.
Luis Suarez (Uruguay)+2000
Suarez was on fire this whole season in the England Premier League scoring the most goals, by a wide margin, even though he missed several matches in the beginning of the season due to a suspension. He is the leader of a Uruguay offense that is one of the best playing this summer.
Fred (Brazil) +2000
Fred plays alongside Neymar and while does not get the press is still a great striker for the solid Brazil attack.
Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina) +2000
Yet another world-class striker for Argentina, as they have three players that rank in the top 10 in top goalscorer odds.
Karim Benzema (France) +2500
Benzema may be a good bet, as he leads the attack for France. The French imploded in 2010 in South Africa, but they have a solid team this year and Benzema leads the attack for the squad that is not playing in the toughest of groups.
Thomas Muller (Germany) +2500
Muller is THE main guy up front for the German squad that is totally stacked. However, the Germans get many of their goals from the midfield and Muller may not be the best bet.
Robin Van Persie (Netherlands) +2800
Surprising that Van Persie is this far down on the list, as he plays for Dutch team that has a great defense. He is a goal-scoring machine when healthy and his goal scoring numbers were down this season for Manchester City, as he was injured for part of the season.
Here are the players with the best odds to win the top goalscorer and you can check out the full list at Bovada.
Lionel Messi (Argentina) +750
Neymar (Brazil) +1000
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) +1200
Sergio Aguero (Argentina) +1600
Diego Costa (Spain) +1600
Luis Suarez (Uruguay)+2000
Fred (Brazil) +2000
Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina) +2000
Karim Benzema (France) +2500
Thomas Muller (Germany) +2500
Robin Van Persie (Netherlands) +2800
Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) +2800
Mario Balotelli (Italy) +3300
Edinson Cavani (Uruguay) +4000
Hulk (Brazil) +4000
Miroslav Klose (Germany) +4000
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.