Smaller South American nations value in the World Cup outrights

With all 32 sides now known for the World Cup in 2014 it is a good time to start building a portfolio for the event. Here is our guide to who represents early value ahead of the draw.

CONTENDERS

Brazil are the market leaders at 7/2 (BETVICTOR/betway/YOU WIN) for a tournament that will be held in their own country. The hosts are five times winners and have to be respected especially after their recent win in the Confederations Cup. The price is a little short as they have failed to make it past the quarter-finals in each of the last two World Cups. Germany are the 11/2 (BETVICTOR) second favourites and they sit second in the FIFA World Rankings. The Germans were excellent in Euro 2012 and 2010 World Cup though they lost in the semi-finals both times. This is a hugely talented side though just enough question marks against them to make you think twice about backing them at these prices. Argentina are the third favourites at 6/1 (BWIN) and they are ranked third highest in the FIFA World Rankings and they came top of qualifying in South America. Lionel Messi is the main man though this is a side packed with World Class players. The defending World and European Champions Spain are as big as 6/1 (GENERAL). True the Spaniards did lose to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final though that was a tournament that clearly meant a lot more to the South Americans. Spain should never be ignored.

CHALLENGERS

It is in the second tier where I feel the betting value can be found. Belgium are 16/1 (GENERAL) fifth favourites which is too short for a side with no tournament experience .

The Netherlands are 22/1 (YOU WIN) which might be a little high on a side who made the World Cup Final in 2010 while Euro 2012 finalists Italy are also generously priced at 22/1 (YOU WIN). France are an engima but odds of 33/1 (TOTESPORT/betfred) could be considered value. Portugal at 33/1 (GENERAL) does not appeal as they are hugely dependant on the talents of Cristiano Ronaldo while England at 28/1 (YOU WIN) is a no go.

The fact that the tournament is in South America means it makes sense to get a couple of their nations on side in the betting. Colombia came second in South America qualifying, sit fourth in the FIFA World Rankings and have a recent friendly victory over Belgium side who are half their price. CORAL and betway go 28/1 on the South Americans and this looks value. Chile are another nation I really like the look of at 50/1 (GENERAL). They are ranked 12th in the FIFA World Rankings and recently friendly results including beating England at Wembley, drawing with Spain and a narrow loss to Brazil. The price looks too good to miss. Uruguay at 34/1 (unibet) and Russia at 90/1 (YOU WIN) also feature in this category.

NO-HOPERS

The remaining 18 sides are priced at 150/1 and given little to no hope of winning the event. Of these sides I think one side are over-priced and this is the 250/1 (william hill) are offering on the USA to win the World Cup. By no means do I think they can win that has to be a price that you can lay off down the line. The States will likely get a decent draw thanks to their 13th ranking and they have beaten Germany, Italy and Spain in the last few years.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Colombia EW in the World Cup, 28/1 (CORAL/betway)
SILVER: Chile EW in the World Cup, 50/1 (GENERAL)
BRONZE: USA EW in the World Cup, 250/1 (william hill)

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25/11/2013     © Frixo 2026