assuming portugal get out of the group, which is likely, they will face either Spain, Swiss, Honduras, or Chile...most likely either Spain or Chile. Obviously Spain would be a brutal draw so they would likely need to finish top of their group (means beating out brazil) to avoid them which tells me they don't have a great chance of getting to the quarterfinals, let alone the finals
Nigeria make an interesting longshot from a matchups standpoint because they have a fairly easy group and then would face a team from another easy group to get to quarterfinals. But they really don't have enough talent to make the finals so you'd be taking them in hopes of going for some guaranteed money if they could get to semis
Germany really have the easiest road. If they finish 1st in group they're likely to face USA or Slovenia in R16 which means they'll be in the quarters and I don't see any teams in A/B that would be favored against them. Same holds true for England except the 2nd placed team in group D (germany's group) would be a tougher opponent than USA or Slovenia. So I see either England or Germany in finals but, as 3rd/5th favorites, they are not an outsider of course.
In the lower half the only surprise would be if Spain AND Brazil fail to win their groups and play each other in KO stage which would open the door for Italy or Holland go be in the finals and both those teams are 10/1 or higher.
So right now I'd see much more value on Germany at 12/1 than on Portugal at 20/1 unless Portugal can avoid Spain in KO stage. If you wanted a super outsider I'd give Nigeria a shot at 100/1
Nigeria make an interesting longshot from a matchups standpoint because they have a fairly easy group and then would face a team from another easy group to get to quarterfinals. But they really don't have enough talent to make the finals so you'd be taking them in hopes of going for some guaranteed money if they could get to semis
Germany really have the easiest road. If they finish 1st in group they're likely to face USA or Slovenia in R16 which means they'll be in the quarters and I don't see any teams in A/B that would be favored against them. Same holds true for England except the 2nd placed team in group D (germany's group) would be a tougher opponent than USA or Slovenia. So I see either England or Germany in finals but, as 3rd/5th favorites, they are not an outsider of course.
In the lower half the only surprise would be if Spain AND Brazil fail to win their groups and play each other in KO stage which would open the door for Italy or Holland go be in the finals and both those teams are 10/1 or higher.
So right now I'd see much more value on Germany at 12/1 than on Portugal at 20/1 unless Portugal can avoid Spain in KO stage. If you wanted a super outsider I'd give Nigeria a shot at 100/1
nice writeup rolltide....counting on ronaldo at this moment isn't very wise and portugal have not shown they are world class like some of the other teams. I always like taking holland because of the talent level and i thought i was on to something in the EUROs....but they too disapoint but around 12/1 isn't a bad pick. But i really haven't looked at the next round scenerios like rolltide has.
for me rooney scores 7 goals and england wins but i don't know if i would actually bet it. At +1000 for rooney to be top scorer is tempting even though he underperforms for england.
41 days 08 hours 41 mins and 15 seconds as i type....cant wait.
for me rooney scores 7 goals and england wins but i don't know if i would actually bet it. At +1000 for rooney to be top scorer is tempting even though he underperforms for england.
41 days 08 hours 41 mins and 15 seconds as i type....cant wait.
I'd go with Holland as well 
And it's not only because I live here, but the dutch youngsters will definitely have their say in this year's edition of the World Cup. Their group is easy and I am sure they will reach at least the semi-finals.
The Netherlands is the kind of team that starts off (say, in the quarter finals) of World Cup or Euro as the underdog but always surprises. Honestly, I think they play much better than France, Italy or even Spain. It's all about their morale: most of the players are young or very young and they can't stand the pressure of having to score late in the game just to keep hoping.
And it's not only because I live here, but the dutch youngsters will definitely have their say in this year's edition of the World Cup. Their group is easy and I am sure they will reach at least the semi-finals.The Netherlands is the kind of team that starts off (say, in the quarter finals) of World Cup or Euro as the underdog but always surprises. Honestly, I think they play much better than France, Italy or even Spain. It's all about their morale: most of the players are young or very young and they can't stand the pressure of having to score late in the game just to keep hoping.
yeah...since Canada got knocked out 2 days after WCQ starting in CONCACAF i'm with RVP and Holland.
An interesting bet at bet365 is:
Will a Country Win the World Cup for the 1st Time this Year?
Yes is a +130
Considering you get Spain, Holland, all the African teams and even portugal i don't think it is a terrible play.
Of course Uruguay will win it all just to piss me off...but something to consider...and you get to cheer against Italy/Brazil/Maradona/France....
which is always a good thing :lolBIG:
An interesting bet at bet365 is:
Will a Country Win the World Cup for the 1st Time this Year?
Yes is a +130
Considering you get Spain, Holland, all the African teams and even portugal i don't think it is a terrible play.
Of course Uruguay will win it all just to piss me off...but something to consider...and you get to cheer against Italy/Brazil/Maradona/France....
which is always a good thing :lolBIG:
