The 2010 World Cup in South Africa has been beset by all sorts of issues, from slow ticket sales to threats of domestic violence. None of the organizers’ problems, however, have quelled the interest in the tournament among our players at Bodog’s online sportsbook, where we’re getting ready for our busiest soccer betting stretch ever this summer.

We’ve already posted the odds for the opening matches of the World Cup, with the June 12 contest between England (-175) and the United States (+450) drawing a ton of interest.

Get your $100 freebet at Bovada
(the new Bodog)
CLICK HERE

Those two countries are also seeing good support when it comes to the odds to win the World Cup. Obviously, many of our players have a rooting interest in the United States (50/1) while England (6/1) is always going to receive attention because of the international squad’s high profile around the world.

Other big World Cup games we’re currently accepting wagers on include defending tournament champion Italy (-120) versus Paraguay (+330) and well-known Brazil (-1000) versus complete-unknown North Korea (+2000).

Perhaps the hottest country when it comes to World Cup futures action is Argentina (15/2). You can probably thank 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year, Lionel Messi, for much of the optimism surrounding this squad. It never hurts to have the best player in the world and young Messi is considered exactly that by many soccer experts. (Arsenal probably votes for him as well.)

Argentina (-200) is the heavy favorite to win Group B, with Nigeria (+450), Greece (+600) and South Korea (+1100) not expected to offer too much resistance.

As strong as the Argentines appear though, they aren’t the favorites to win it all. That honor goes to Spain (15/4), currently at -300 to win Group H, which includes Chile (+450), Switzerland (+900) and Honduras (+2500). 

Spain is the top-ranked country in the world, according to FIFA, and of course won the 2008 European Championship. Can the Spanish finally get it done at the World Cup? Their best finish ever is fourth, way back in 1950.

The group favorite that has the hardest route, at least according to the oddsmakers, is France, which is garnering even odds to win Group A. All three of Mexico (+350), Uruguay (+400) and host South Africa (+600) are expected to give the French a run for their francs.

And how will the hosts do? South Africa, currently ranked No. 88 by FIFA, is getting 100/1 odds to win the World Cup.

I will be posting weekly articles including betting previews, matchups and the inside scoop from a bookmakers point of view right here at Doc's Sports.  Read my past articles - Click Here, and learn more about Bodog sportsbook - click here. If you're ready to set up an account and start playing I'd like to offer you a Sign up Bonus - Click Here.  Enjoy the Bodog Experience.