This summer, 32 countries will compete for the greatest achievement on the international soccer stage. This summer, millions of fans will place bets – whether at sports books or in their living rooms – on who is going to win the World Cup. Below are the favorites:
Brazil, 3/1 Odds
After cruising to an easy victory at last year’s Confederations Cup, it isn’t a surprise that the host nation is the favorite heading into the World Cup at 3/1 odds. Behind 22 year old superstar Neymar, the host country has to like their chances on home turf. Simon Kuper, author of Soccernomics, said home-field advantage alone is worth a lead of about two-thirds of a goal. But, then again, no team has ever gone on to win the World Cup after winning the Confederations cup.
The host nation is a favorite in this year’s World Cup (Photo: Celso Pupo | Shutterstock.com)
Argentina, 9/2 Odds
With 9/2 odds, Lionel Messi and Argentina almost don’t have enough room to fit all of the great players that will be on the attack. Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuaín and Ezequiel Lavezzi are all world-class forwards, and with La Liga stars Angel Di Maria and Javier Mascherano in the midfield, this could be the year the White and Sky Blue raise the trophy.
Germany, 11/2 Odds
Germany rolls into the tournament with 11/2 odds and are just as stacked as the Argentines. Mesut Ozil, Mario Gotze, Thomas Muller and Bastian Schweinsteiger are just a few of many top-notch players on the roster.
Spain, 13/2 Odds
Then there are the defending champions with 13/2 odds. Spain doesn’t look to miss a beat as they skip over the Atlantic to Brazil. With majority of their 2010 championship team traveling to Rio, and a ferocious, patient, passing attack that builds frustration within their opponents, La Roja has all the tools to repeat as champions in 2014.
Spain won the 2012 Euro cup, and will surely be a factor in Rio (Photo: katatonia82 | Shutterstock.com)
Most the time you can eliminate a vast majority of the other participants from contention to actually win the World Cup. But there are some teams that aren’t favorites that may have odds worth betting on. Here are some underdogs who shouldn’t be counted out:
Uruguay, 22/1 Odds
The fourth place finishers of 2010 have 22/1 odds to bring the trophy back to inaugural site of the World Cup. But with two pure goal scorers like Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, the two time World Cup Champions know what it takes to go deep in the tournament. There have been 4 World Cups in South America and a team from the continent has won every time. Keep an eye on the Uruguayans.
Edinson Cavani will need to help Suarez up front if Uruguay is going to make a run (Photo: Celso Pupo | Shutterstock.com)
England, 28/1 Odds
Getting out of group stage hasn’t been an issue for the English – although the last time they won a World Cup was on home soil back in 1966. England has made it to the elimination round in their last 7 visits to the World Cup and we like them to continue that trend. Yes they are in the same group as Uruguay, but the English have just as deep a lineup as anyone in the field, just not as good as their odds are at 28/1.
Steven Gerrard hopes his 3rd World Cup will be his best (Photo: Vlad1988 | Shutterstock.com)
United States, 100/1 odds
100/1 odds are steep. Enter the United States of America. The US has the highest ticket count so far among countries. The opportunity to put little money down and make a lot always opens the eyes of betters. The US hasn’t shown that they can compete with the World’s best, but if they can some how find a way to get out of group stage, this team could make a run.
US captain Landon Donovan will hope to bring a little magic to the USMNT, as he plays in his final World Cup. (Photo: Photo Works | Shutterstock.com)
