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World Cup 2010 - Betting, Odds, News and More.Looking for some of the more informative World Cup coverage for 2010? You came to the right place. Below we will be adding numerous articles about the 2010 World Cup as well as World Cup Soccer betting information. Here are just some of the topics we will be covering. World Cup Betting World Cup Predictions World Cup odds Get a FREE 20% Signup Bonus at Bookmaker Sportsbook - Click Here - Mention bonus code DOC300 World Cup Odds and Picks: Netherlands Vs. Spain Predictions After 63 games and a month of almost endless soccer action we have reached what it is all about - the finals of the World Cup. Regardless of which team comes out on top we are going to have just our second first-time winner in eight World Cups (France won for the first time in 1998). The Dutch have made it to the finals twice before, while the Spanish have never previously made it past the quarterfinals.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Uruguay Vs. Germany Predictions The third-place game is a staple of international competition. The Olympics have their bronze medal games and the World Cup has its third-place game. In the United States the consolation game is a thing of the past. The NFL did away with their version of it in 1969 right before the AFL merger and in men’s college basketball, the final third-place game was played in 1981.  World Cup Betting Trends for Semifinals The total in these two games is set at 2.5, and that’s where the large majority of the games have been throughout the tournament. When Germany decides to go ‘over’ they take responsibility for it by themselves - they have scored four goals in an incredible three different games. You want to be careful in assuming that they will automatically explode offensively, though - they have been on both sides of 1-0 results this tournament as well.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Germany Vs. Spain Predictions The second of the two World Cup semifinals is simultaneously being heavily anticipated and somewhat bemoaned - anticipated because it has the potential to be an explosive barn-burner, and bemoaned because it seems to feature the two best remaining teams in the tournament meeting one round too early.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Netherlands Vs. Uruguay Predictions The first of two World Cup semifinals certainly qualifies as a surprise. Netherlands got there by beating probably the most feared team in the tournament in impressive fashion, and Uruguay made it by landing by far the easiest path to the Semis in the entire bracket. The important thing now, though, is that both made it. You can argue whether they deserve to be there all you want, but the only thing that matters is that they are.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Argentina Vs. Germany Predictions The World Cup has been full of surprising results and unexpected performances from non-traditional soccer powers, but now that eight teams remain the marquee matches everyone expected to see in South Africa are coming to fruition.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Paraguay Vs. Spain Predictions If you go strictly by world rankings, the final quarterfinal match at the World Cup between Paraguay and Spain on Saturday is the biggest mismatch of the four, with Paraguay ranked No. 31 (only Ghana, at 32, is lower) and Spain at No. 2 in the world. And the odds – see below -- bear out that this should be the most guaranteed result.  World Cup Players to Watch We are down to the quarterfinals at the World Cup, and most of the top heavyweights have made it to the final eight, including five of the world’s top-seven teams: No. 1 Brazil, No. 2 Spain, No. 4 Netherlands, No. 6 Germany and No. 7 Argentina.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Brazil Vs. Netherlands Predictions Powerful titans will clash twice in the quarterfinals, with this matchup being perhaps the most interesting. Brazil is the undisputed king of the World Cup. They have won it five times and lost in the finals twice more, and and are an obvious and serious threat to win it all every time the tournament takes place. Netherlands can't nearly match up to that impressive record, but they have finished second twice and fourth once, and 1938 was the last time they qualified for the World Cup without advancing beyond the first round.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Uruguay Vs. Ghana Predictions There’s been some pleasant storylines so far this World Cup, but perhaps the play and success of both Uruguay and Ghana tops the list. As the group stage concluded, most wanted to cynically look at the crash and burn of world notables France and Italy. However, it is instead time to praise the likes of those who have achieved in South Africa this summer.  World Cup Final Eight Power Rankings and Predictions The final eight has been set for the World Cup. Three-quarters of the field has gone home to pout and lick their wounds, while the remaining eight are harboring more or less realistic dreams of glory. Since we're down to the elite now (with a couple of notable exceptions) this is a good time assess the remaining teams and see how they stack up. Here's an updated power ranking for the final eight teams at the World Cup:  World Cup Player Salaries While no soccer player in America comes anywhere close to ranking on any Top 50 list of U.S. sports stars’ earnings – the Galaxy’s David Beckham makes about $6.5 million as the highest-paid player in MLS – soccer stars are paid huge sums in the world’s premier leagues.  World Cup History USA The American soccer team made some history in this World Cup by winning their group for the first time since 1930. And that epic 1-0 win over Algeria to advance out of group stage play was only the fifth shutout by a U.S. team in soccer’s biggest event and the first since 1950. Landon Donovan’s stoppage time goal against Algeria gave him four goals, which tied Bert Patenaude (1930) as the American leader.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Spain Vs. Portugal Predictions Tuesday’s final Round of 16 match at the World Cup is a doozy as neighbors Spain and Portugal, the No. 2 and No. 3 teams in the world rankings, meet for a spot in the quarterfinals. People are calling this the “Iberian Derby.”  World Cup Odds and Picks: Paraguay Vs. Japan Predictions The Japanese won matches in the World Cup on foreign soil for the first time and reached the knockout round for the second time; they also advanced in 2002, when they were tournament co-hosts with South Korea. The winner of this match faces the Spain-Portugal winner in the quarterfinals.
 World Cup Odds and Picks: Netherlands Vs. Slovakia Predictions This unlikely pairing will be played out on Monday, June 28 at 10 am ET in Durban. That stadium was the site of Switzerland's stunning upset of Spain, so it has definitely been kind to European underdogs. It was also the site of the Dutch win over Japan, so Netherlands will have the relatively unique advantage of familiarity.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Brazil Vs. Chile Predictions These two teams are certainly familiar with each other. They were, after all, the top two teams qualifying out of the CONMEBOL. Unfortunately for Chile that familiarity just means that they know how much trouble they are in. The two teams played twice during qualification, and Brazil won easily both times - 3-0 in Chile, and 4-2 at home.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Argentina vs. Mexico Predictions For the past four years Mexico has been salivating for a chance at redemption against Argentina. It was the Round of 16 in Germany in 2006 when Mexico could not hold on to a 1-0 lead and eventually succumbed to Argentina 2-1 in extra time on an incredible goal by Maxi Rodriguez.  World Cup Odds and Picks: England Vs. Germany Predictions With the group stage ripe with surprising results, overachieving countries and disappointing performances from perennial powers, a clash of two global titans in the Round of 16 was not out of the question. And that is exactly what the draw has produced with Germany and England meeting in the Round of 16 at 10 a.m. EST on Sunday in Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Uruguay Vs. South Korea Predictions Uruguay will come right at you and they make no secrets about wanting to run everything through their top player Forlan. He runs the show and is the engine that makes this car run. South Korea does everything well. They aren’t exceptional or great in any one category, but to that point they rarely ever bet themselves.  World Cup Odds and Picks: United States Vs. Ghana Predictions How big was Landon Donovan’s 91’ goal to send the U.S. through to the elimination round? Well, results to come will really dictate that answer but for now it really gives the Stars and Stripes all kinds of momentum and confidence to put together a magical run.  World Cup Odds and Picks: North Korea Vs. Ivory Coast Predictions Go ahead and disregard North Korea’s chances in this match Friday as it enters off the biggest rout of the tournament, a 7-0 beat down by Portugal. Unfortunately for the Ivory Coast, that definitive Portuguese win pretty much means that the Elephants won’t advance in Group G.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Honduras vs. Switzerland Predictions Both Switzerland and Honduras enter Friday’s Group H match off a loss, but the Swiss still have a real chance to advance with a victory here and Spain beating Chile by enough goals. If that occurred then Switzerland, Spain and Chile would all tie atop the group with six points if the former two win Friday. World Cup Odds and Picks: Chile Vs. Spain Predictions Spain advances with a win, a tie and Swiss loss, or tie or a loss to Chile and Honduras win but keep the goal differential over those two countries (Spain is +1 on the Swiss and +4 on Honduras). The Spanish, the defending European champs, have to be feeling better about themselves after being stunned by Switzerland in the opener but then beating Honduras 2-0.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Japan Vs. Denmark Predictions Both of these teams have a win over Cameroon and a loss to Netherlands in their first two contests. Though they have the same records, tie breaking rules give Japan the advantage here - they only need a draw to advance to the second round, while Denmark needs a win. Surprisingly, this is the only game in the third round of round robin action, which is a virtual playoff with a playoff spot for the winner, and nothing but heartbreak for the loser.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Italy Vs. Slovakia Predictions It's not that surprising that the contest between Italy and Slovakia has implications for the playoff future of Group F. The surprise is that Italy, the defending World Cup champions, are playing for their lives in what should have been a fairly easy group for them. Slovakia needs a win and some help from Paraguay to advance beyond the group stage. Italy has a slightly easier path - a win guarantees them continued life, and a tie would be okay as well as long as New Zealand loses or scores fewer goals than Italy while also playing to a draw.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Cameroon Vs. Netherlands Predictions Unfortunately, that script hasn't been followed at all. The Dutch have done their part with two wins, and are guaranteed of a spot in the second round. Cameroon has already lost twice, though, and is eliminated from the next round regardless of what they do here. In fact, they were the first team to be eliminated from the tournament. In other words, this game is essentially meaningless.  World Cup Odds and Picks: United States Vs. Algeria Predictions Which side takes the pitch against Algeria on Wednesday at 10 a.m. EST at Loftus Versfeld Stadium is anyone’s guess, including coach Bob Bradley who has been on the sideline for the 180-plus minute roller coaster ride that has been the United States 2010 World Cup Tournament thus far.  World Cup Odds and Picks: England Vs. Slovenia Predictions The last thing Group C favorite England expected to be doing before its third game of the World Cup is contemplating tiebreaking scenarios. But after another stunning draw against an underdog, the Three Lions and their supporters are fully aware that anything short of a win against an all-of-a-sudden daunting Slovenia side will mean England could be in store for one of the most disappointing World Cup performances for a country with a history of underachieving.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Germany Vs. Ghana Predictions But just five days later the Group D favorites and 2006 semifinalist fell to the wayside like so many other perennial powers with a surprising 1-0 loss to Serbia. It was the German’s first group stage loss since 1986. Now you can count Germany along with England, France, Italy and Spain as countries finding themselves in unusual positions.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Serbia Vs. Australia Predictions It is currently Ghana on top of Group D with four points ahead of Germany and Serbia (3 points each) and Australia with its one point. This could be one of the more exciting World Cup games because of the situations each country finds itself in. A draw between the two sides could potentially send them both packing so a quickened pace and visible sense of urgency can be expected.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Uruguay Vs. Mexico Predictions The best two players from Group A will be on the field in Uruguay’s Diego Forlan and Mexico’s Giovanni Dos Santos. Forlan has been a stoic leader for his side and his play has been just as stellar. Santos, who’s pace and playmaking abilities makes him one of the world’s brightest young talents, might have to shoulder more of the load with his youthful partner Carlos Vela quite possibly out after leaving the France match with an apparent hamstring injury.  World Cup Odds and Picks: South Korea Vs. Nigeria Predictions Still, if you told the Koreans they’d had their own destiny in their hands with regards to the knockout stages, you better believe they would take it. Group B was always unclear from the start, not really having a legit second team emerge. South Korea can pencil their name in with a draw or victory (barring Greece doesn’t shock Argentina).  World Cup Odds and Picks: Argentina Vs. Greece Predictions The Greeks are fairly monotonous in their style and they make no attempt to hide their defensive nature. A big, physical backline and a very systematic approach that tends to dumb the game down to their liking. But you can’t sit back for 90 minutes against a side as brilliant as Argentina – not unless you prefer to be taken out back to the shed.  World Cup In-Game And In-Play Betting Soccer is the global game with an enormous appeal all over the world, but a lot of people still don’t like it because of the low scoring and ties. But Sports Interaction believes betting during the game is drawing people in and exposing people to a whole new world of betting during the game’s showpiece tournament in South Africa.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Brazil Vs. Ivory Coast Predictions The Group of Death (G) opens second-round group stage play with another terrific matchup on Sunday between Brazil and the Ivory Coast. The match will be at 2:30 p.m. Eastern and shown on ABC and is one of the most influential both in this group, and in the World Cup spectrum.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Chile vs. Switzerland Predictions The story of the World Cup thus far – other than an astounding lack of goals and nearly every total going under – is Switzerland’s stunning upset of Spain in the opening round of the group stage.
How stunning was it? Spain was a -500 favorite (Swiss at +1200) and entered the game on a 12-game winning streak - they also had not lost to Switzerland in 18 meetings - and the defeat was just the team's second in 50 games. (The other coming to the U.S. in the 2009 Confederations Cup.)  World Cup Odds and Picks: Slovenia Vs. USA Predictions Here in the United States the match against England was billed as the biggest game in the history of the men’s soccer team. That was a bit of overstatement considering the outcome of that game hardly mattered as long as the United States took care of business in its second and third game of the group stage. The first of these more winnable games is at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 18 in Johannesburg when the United States takes on Slovenia.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Netherlands Vs. Japan Predictions Two results - one expected and one a surprise - means that this game between Netherlands and Japan will likely determine the winner of Group E. At the very least, the winner of this game will be moving on to the second round. Netherlands was supposed to beat Denmark and they did, though they didn't earn style points doing so. Japan upset home continent favorites Cameroon and earned their first World Cup win away from home in the process.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Cameroon Vs. Denmark Predictions One thing that makes a soccer game, or any sporting event for that matter, more interesting is when the teams involved are desperate. This game should be a classic, then, because it just oozes desperation. Both teams are coming off of humbling, frustrating losses in their first games of the World Cup, and a second loss for either team will likely mean the end of their already very slim championship dreams. On the other hand, a win doesn't guarantee anything, but it makes the final game of the round robin particularly meaningful. World Cup Odds and Picks: Slovenia Vs. USA Predictions Here in the United States the match against England was billed as the biggest game in the history of the men’s soccer team. That was a bit of overstatement considering the outcome of that game hardly mattered as long as the United States took care of business in its second and third game of the group stage. The first of these more winnable games is at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 18 in Johannesburg when the United States takes on Slovenia.  World Cup Odds and Picks: England Vs. Algeria Predictions Both England and Algeria enter the game with an extreme sense of urgency. With only three group games every one has a sense of urgency in the group stage but after the results of these two countries in their first game this game surely has all the makings of an elimination game. Thankfully for England, it enters the game as one of the biggest favorites in the first round. As unexpected as the 1-1 tie against the United States was anything short of a win by the Three Lions will be looked upon as a stunner.
 World Cup Odds and Picks: Germany Vs. Serbia Predictions Yet with the draw of their group this year and the injury to Michael Ballack, the 2006 hosts will be in danger of an early exit if they look beyond the group stage, specifically their matchup with Serbia at 7:30 a.m. EST on Friday in Port Elizabeth. With Ghana looming large as a threat neither team can afford to leave this game without a point. Serbia knows all too well that scenario after a late-game mishap against Ghana put itself in a precarious position.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Greece Vs. Nigeria Predictions This match between Greece and Nigeria may be a battle for the runner up position in Group B. I don’t think anyone will feel insulted if we go ahead and assume the vastly skilled Argentines will be making quick work of first place in this foursome. Now what’s left to be decided is the second spot, and Greece and Nigeria are in a good place to dictate terms on their own behalf.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Argentina vs. South Korea Predictions Park Ji-Sung is an exceptional world-class player for South Korea, and the Manchester United winger’s brilliance will be seen this summer. But when on the pitch against Argentina’s handful of skillful footballers, in a game of poker it’d be like an Ace-high hand against a full house. Argentina squares off against South Korea in the two’s second World Cup group play match. On June 17 these two will take the pitch with Group B’s top spot on the line at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.  World Cup Odds and Picks: France Vs. Mexico Predictions When comparing this year’s teams from both France and Mexico, quality group play results are not the only thing these two teams have in common. Both have received their fair share of criticism, and rightfully so. Both have come to South Africa with high aims and a desire to prove those wrong that uttered harsh words. Expect a methodical approach from each squad in this fixture.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Uruguay Vs. South Africa Predictions Oh, just another massively important game for the hosts in the second play of South Africa’s group campaign. But then again, when you’re the host of the FIFA World Cup and no host nation has ever failed to qualify for the knockout stages, expectations and the desire for good results come with the territory. And it doesn’t lessen the impact when you’re the first African nation to stage the tournament in the history of the event either.  World Cup Odds and Betting Picks: Spain Vs. Switzerland Preview and Predictions I have a feeling that it’s going to be devastation in South Africa for the Spanish national team. But the question is, will they continue to devastate opponents on their way to a title or will their faithful nation of supporters once again be devastated by another World Cup flop?  World Cup Odds and Betting Picks: Honduras Vs. Chile Preview and Predictions Outside of the host nation and some excitable African squads, few teams in the World Cup field will be tapping as much emotional reserve as the team from Chile. Less than four months removed from one of the most devastating natural disasters in the South American nation’s history, the Chilean team will hope to send some shockwaves through Group H in the 2010 World Cup at South Africa. World Cup Odds and Betting Picks: Ivory Coast Vs. Portugal Preview and Predictions The Ivory Coast hosts Portugal at 10 a.m. EST on Tuesday, June 15 in Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. In my opinion, this is the best and the most meaningful match of the opening round of games and pits two teams that could either flame out or catch fire, impacting everything else going on in their group and the knockout bracket. World Cup Odds and Betting Picks: Brazil Vs. North Korea Preview and Predictions What would you say if I told you that North Korea over Brazil in the opening match for each team was one of the best wagers you could make in the entire 2010 World Cup? The two teams will meet at 2:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, June 15 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. And North Korea stands about as much of a chance of winning this game as I do of being named Kim Jong-Il’s successor.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Slovakia Vs. New Zealand Predictions ESPN is advertising these World Cup games with the slogan “One Game Changes Everything.” It’s hard to imagine the marketing executives at ESPN were talking about the New Zealand/Slovakia game as one of those games that would change everything.  World Cup Odds and Betting Picks: Netherlands Vs. Denmark Preview and Predictions Netherlands will open its 2010 World Cup journey with a match against Denmark at 7:30 a.m. EST on Monday, June 14 at Soccer City in Johannesburg. The Netherlands is No. 4 in the world heading into soccer’s biggest stage while Denmark may be one of the more underrated squads heading to South Africa at No. 36.  World Cup Odds and Betting Picks: Japan Vs. Cameroon Preview and Predictions Cameroon, one of the top African teams in the World Cup, will be “hosting” Japan at 10 a.m. EST on Monday, June 14 at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein in the first game for either team. Cameroon is presently No. 19 in the world while Japan is situated at No. 45.  World Cup Odds and Betting Picks: Italy Vs. Paraguay Preview and Predictions The Italians begin the defense of their World Cup title at 2:30 p.m. EST on Monday, June 14 with a match against Paraguay. The game is the Group F opener for each squad and will be played in Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. World Cup Odds and Picks: Germany Vs. Australia Predictions Germany begins its march toward a fourth World Cup title with a match against upstart Australia at 2:30 p.m. EST on Sunday, June 13. The Aussies are making their second consecutive appearance, and third overall, compared to the 17 that the Germans will have embarked on.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Algeria Vs. Slovenia Predictions Algeria and Slovenia will lock horns at 7:30 a.m. EST on Sunday, June 13 in the World Cup opener for each club. Slovenia is ranked No. 25 in the world by the latest FIFA rankings while Algeria is No. 30. But while England and the United States are the clear favorites to come out of this group, the winner of this game would have an inside track at advancement.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Serbia Vs. Ghana Predictions This summer Ghana will try to pick up where it left off in the 2006 World Cup after an impressive run to the knockout round four years ago in Germany. On the other side of the pitch Serbia is just trying to get off on the right foot in its inaugural World Cup appearance as an independent country.  World Cup Odds and Picks: England Vs. USA Predictions The Yanks are set to lock horns with one of the top teams in the field and an old-time rival. A loss in that game would not only be a blow to American confidence (on the pitch, anyway, we still know we can kick your ass at anything else. Except education. And beheadings. And darts.) but it would put the United States in do-or-die mode for their remaining two group games against sneaky Slovenia and Algeria.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Argentina Vs. Nigeria Predictions Two of the more rip-roaring, free-wheeling, fluid and creative national teams on the earth are set for dueling brushes in the World Cup opener for each team. However, in an odd turn there seems to be more attention being paid to the headmen on the sideline rather than the players on the pitch.  World Cup Odds and Picks: South Korea Vs. Greece Predictions Greece enters the 2010 World Cup as the No. 13 team in the FIFA World Rankings. Their opening game opponent, South Korea, will begin play in South Africa at No. 47. But don’t let the rankings fool you: this isn’t a significant mismatch on paper or on the pitch.  World Cup Odds and Picks: France Vs. Uruguay Predictions Les Bleus enters the World Cup with one of the shakiest, most dumbfounding rosters in the field. Their qualifying has been riddled with missteps that have included, but not been limited to, uninspired play, controversial goals that led to their entrance in the field, sex with underage prostitutes, injuries and an overall lack of team chemistry. All in all, it is safe to say that bad karma is abundant with this squad.  World Cup Odds and Picks: Mexico Vs. South Africa Predictions South Africa will kick off the 2010 World Cup on its home soil, hosting Mexico at 10 a.m. EST on Friday, June 11 at Soccer City in Johannesburg. And they do so wielding the most powerful advantage that any club will have in Africa this summer: the home-field edge. And past performances have displayed that the home team has an inside track on advancing to the Knockout Stage, which would be a tremendous victory for South African soccer. Where to Bet World Cup Soccer The 2010 World Cup begins Friday, June 11 and it is the most massive global betting event. If you aren’t familiar the World Cup, take notice. Not only is this one of the best events to watch, it’s one of the best events for a sharp handicapper to make money on. For the next month leading up to the July 11 Final, all eyes will fall on South Africa and the stage FIFA is putting on for the world’s game.  World Cup Betting Tips and Advice on Late Games in Group Stage We're still a week away from the start of the World Cup, yet Bodog already has World Cup odds posted not only for the first game every team will play in the group stage, but also their second games. Sports Interaction goes one step further - they have lines set for every one of the 48 preliminary games that will be played. They go beyond just the outcome as well - you can bet totals, first half results, the exact score, the first team to score, and so on.  World Cup Predictions: Teams Outside of Europe and South America There have been 18 editions of the World Cup. The 19th begins June 11 in South Africa. Even though the World Cup is considered the world’s biggest sporting event, every champion has come from only two continents, Europe and South America.  World Cup Betting Props: Team Goal Totals One of the many interesting ways to bet on the World Cup is through the individual team goal totals. Bodog is among the several books that has posted totals for the number of goals each team will score in the tournament. Some of them have already been bet so heavily that the prices are far from attractive. When you look closely, though, you can find some that are still interesting. Here are six that stand out as at least a little interesting in my mind:  World Cup South Africa Predictions: Interesting Props Leave it to the world’s biggest sporting event to have sportsbooks rolling out just about any betting prop someone could think to wager on. Only the Super Bowl rivals the World Cup in sheer amount of ways to bet on games, players, penalties and cumulative stats. Here are three of the more interesting World Cup prop bets and some World Cup predictions for South Africa. All odds are from Sports Interaction.  World Cup Props Predictions: Which Group Will Winner Come From? If the 32-team World Cup field makes it too hard to try to try and pick an outright winner, there is a prop that gives you the option of picking an entire group. This prop bet is a little more involved than picking an outright winner. You have to take into account top teams in each group who have a chance to get out of the group stage and also take into account the draw the two advancing countries will face in the knockout stages.  World Cup Betting Props: Group Exactas World Cup Group Exacta betting - where soccer meets horse racing. Like in horse racing, these exacta bets require you to pick the teams that are going to finish first or second in each group, and to pick them in the correct order. It should, in theory, be quite a bit easier to hit them in the World Cup, though - there are only four teams in a group, and you'll almost never get to bet an exacta with just four horses in a race. World Cup Props Predictions: Top Goal Scorer by Country For most countries in the World Cup, there are odds available on who will lead the team in goals throughout the entire tournament. It’s like wagering on the Golden Boot prop but for specific teams. And the props list the entire roster, too, including the option of betting on there being no goals scored by that country. Here is a breakdown of the odds for the top goal scorers from the following countries. Odds are listed from Sportsbook.com  World Cup: Betting the Draw No sporting event should ever end in a tie. That's why I love the shootout in hockey, and I loathe the NFL's ridiculous overtime rules. It's also soccer's biggest flaw. Because teams get one point for a draw in the World Cup it would be possible for a team to advance to the second round without ever winning a game. That's not how it should be. Ties, or draws in soccer-speak, are also one of the biggest headaches for soccer bettors - especially those who don't bet the sport regularly.  World Cup Props Predictions: Best Team in Each Region There are already an amazing number of prop bets available on the World Cup, and the number and range should be up in the Super Bowl range by the time the tournament kicks off. What really stands out when you look at the range of props on offer is the number of them that are truly interesting and challenging. That's definitely not the case with the Super Bowl.  Most Overrated Teams in the World Cup It's very hard for anyone to get a good grasp on all of the teams in the World Cup, and especially hard for the general betting public who doesn't follow soccer a lot to do so. That means that a lot of betting decisions are based more on reputations and past accomplishments than they are on the team that will be hitting the field in the tournament. Here are three teams that seem to me to be overrated. 2010 World Cup Golden Boot Odds and Predictions for Top Goal Scorer You can bet on pretty much every aspect of the World Cup, so it only makes sense that you can make a wager on the winner of the Golden Boot - the tournament's leading goal scorer. It's a remarkably tough field to handicap - Bodog lists odds for 85 different players.  World Cup Teams That Could Surprise in South Africa By now we are all very familiar with the World Cup contenders - the ones who are expected to make a deep run, and which will disappoint their fans and backers mightily if they don't. What's at least as interesting as those teams that can win the World Cup, though, are the squads that aren't nearly as highly regarded, but which could surprise and make a deep run if everything fell in their way - like it did for Turkey when they finished a stunning third in 2002. 2010 World Cup Props Predictions: First Player to Three Goals Sports Interaction has a World Cup prop bet available which is perhaps the most interesting of any on the entire tournament - who is going to be the first player to score three goals? This is a very different bet than betting on the Golden Boot for the tournament's top scorer (which I have already looked at) because there is so much more involved, and so much more strategy to consider. Besides the obvious - players that are capable of scoring a lot of goals - you have to look closely at at least three other factors in order to succeed with this bet: Team USA 2010 World Cup Outlook There are numerous questions surrounding the United States national soccer team as it gears up for a trip to the World Cup in South Africa this June. There are health concerns, roster questions, and an overall feeling of anxiety in the U.S. soccer community about how our side can hold up in the world’s greatest sporting event.  World Cup Betting: Top First-Round Games The closer we get to the World Cup (the first game kicks of June 11), the more I find myself staring at the World Cup schedule looking for the best and brightest of the games. Each game in the World Cup is interesting for some reason, but there are obviously some that stand out more than others. There are 48 first round games, and eight that I am particularly excited about. Here are those eight, with odds from Bodog:  2010 England World Cup Outlook It's not a happy time to be an England soccer fan. It hasn't been for a long time. The country has an expectation of excellence. It is home to perhaps the best league in the world, and its soccer-mad fans think that the team should be the best in the world. They just haven't been, though.  2010 World Cup Group Stage Predictions - Who Will Make The World's Sweet 16? It’s time to make some World Cup group stage predictions with the start of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa just three weeks away. Be sure to check Doc’s Sports homepage each day leading up to the World Cup as we will be previewing many of the games in the tournament (with free betting picks, as well) and we will cover the tournament from every possible angle. Without further ado, here are some World Cup group stage predictions:  Is Team USA a World Cup Contender? The U.S. soccer team really needs to have a good World Cup. They looked like they were taking a step forward into the world elite at the 2002 World Cup, but they haven't been able to keep up that momentum since. A good performance in South Africa would build support for the program and give it more to build on going forward - perhaps towards another home World Cup in 2018 or 2022.  Teams That Can Win the 2010 World Cup There are 32 teams in the World Cup. That means that there are 32 potential World Cup champions. Don't kid yourself, though - there aren't enough cheesy Disney sports movie writers in the world to craft a believable script about some of these teams winning it all. There are many teams that just have to content themselves with the fact that they made it this far - they should just be happy to be there.  World Cup Betting World Cup betting presents a bit different outlook than other popular wagering sports when approaching the games from a betting perspective. Most American sports such as NFL, NBA, college football and college basketball focus mainly on the point spread. Granted, you can also bet these sports on the money line and with totals, but for the majority of bettors the point spreads dictate the winners and losers.  Why to Bet the World Cup For most North Americans soccer isn't a high priority. It's low scoring, the games are long, and the rules and strategies aren't always clear, so many people ignore it - it's not like there aren't lots of other options for you sports viewing and betting pleasure out there. It also doesn't help that all of the top-level soccer in the world is played on other continents, so you mostly have to watch games early in the morning or late at night, and it can be difficult to get good analysis. While I understand why betting on soccer isn't attractive most of the time, I believe that there isn't a single bettor who shouldn't be betting on the World Cup once it starts on June 11. If you're not convinced then here are five good reasons to bet the World Cup:  Weaknesses of Major 2010 World Cup Contenders The closer we get to the World Cup, the more impressive each of the top contenders look. There are seven contenders that have a good chance of winning the tournament in my eyes, and most have had decent luck and have made more good moves than bad in recent weeks. Even the best teams have flaws, though. Here's a look at the biggest weaknesses of the top seven World Cup contenders:  World Cup Predictions: Spain Odds to Win World Cup Group H I start my Major League Baseball preview the same way every year: by saying that the Cubs aren’t going to win the World Series this year. I suppose you could start any FIFA World Cup soccer predictions article the same way. Only in this realm it would be Spain playing the role of the Loveable Losers and continuously disappointing their desperate fan base.  World Cup Predictions: Brazil Odds to Win World Cup Group G What if I told you that I knew of a betting situation this summer that hadn’t lost in more than 30 years? That’s precisely the case in the 2010 World Cup as one of the easiest wagers that you could make is on Brazil to win its Group and advance to the Knockout Stage. Presently, the odds of Brazil winning its World Cup group are an appetizing -150. And if you ask me that is a steal considering their performance in the tournament’s first round over the last seven World Cups.
 African Teams at the 2010 World Cup A lot has been made of the fact that this year's World Cup is the first to be played in Africa. It's about time that that happens, just like it's about time that the tournament returns to South America in 2014 for the first time since 1978.  Key World Cup Injuries for 2010 The World Cup field as been set for months now, and the teams have played all of their meaningful games in preparation. All that's left to do is watch and wait, and try to figure out who is going to win this thing. Because we can't watch the teams play, the best thing we can do with the serious contenders is to keep track of who is going to be playing, and, as importantly, who isn't.  New Zealand Odds to Win World Cup Group F Every four years one thing is for certain: New Zealand is going to be one of the teams with the best odds to advance from their Group at the World Cup championship and any World Cup group prediction invariably must focus on their national team’s dominance and skill. The only problem is that these New Zealand World Cup projections have nothing to do with soccer.  2010 South Africa World Cup Stadiums The World Cup is finally coming to Africa. The 19th World Cup, dubbed the biggest sporting event in the world, will be hosted in South Africa, the first African nation to play host to the World Cup. The games will stretch from as far north as Polokwane to the southeastern tip of the country in Port Elizabeth and to the southwestern tip of the country in Cape Town where the draw was announced back in December. World Cup Betting Tips It's finally almost here - after what has seemed like endless waiting, the World Cup is now less than two months away. Whether you are a die-hard soccer fan or not, the tournament is a great betting opportunity - the best of the summer. The chance to profit from this tournament only comes around once every four years, so you need to be prepared to make sure that you don't miss your chance. If you aren't feeling ready for the tournament now, here are five things you can do to get ready to cash some winning World Cup betting tickets:  2010 Italy World Cup Predictions Italy is the reigning World Cup champion, and if nothing else that validates them as a potential contender this summer. However, the devil’s advocate will say this is hardly the same team that raised the trophy in Germany four years ago.  2010 Ghana World Cup Predictions Ghana’s lone World Cup appearance was a major success, as the 2006 debutants were the Cinderella of the tournament in Germany. Faced with an extremely difficult task in a group that featured Italy, Czech Republic and the United States, the Ghanaians met the challenge head on, finishing ahead of the Czechs and the USA. The West African nation advanced to the Round of 16, but met mighty Brazil and was unable to continue its magical run.  2010 Paraguay World Cup Predictions One of the biggest World Cup stories off the pitch is no doubt the tragedy behind star striker Salvador Cabanas being shot in the head in Mexico after a domestic game. What is even more mind-boggling is his amazing recovery, and in March he was jogging and taking kicks with his team. Miraculously, he might find his way to South Africa, and that is reason enough to make Paraguay a team to root for this summer.  2010 Serbia World Cup Predictions 2010 marks the country’s first World Cup appearance as a total independent nation. First they were Yugoslavia and in 2006 they qualified as Serbia and Montenegro. And it only seems fitting this team is playing under their own name this time around, as Serbia has a wealth of experience and some extremely talented pieces playing throughout Europe’s top flight domestic leagues. 2010 New Zealand World Cup Predictions The All Whites of New Zealand are the exact definition of an unknown soccer entity coming into South Africa. Their lone World Cup appearance was 26 years ago, but the one connection to that team is their head coach Ricki Herbert, a player for his country in ’82.  2010 Germany World Cup Predictions Germany has advanced to at least the quarterfinal stage in each of the last four World Cups. From 1994 to 2006 they have proven their worth as one of the more accomplished and consistent football nations in the world. 2006’s finish was a big hit, wrapping up their time as the host country with a third-place finish. Four years later a bit different look is shaping up for the Germans.  2010 Slovakia World Cup Predictions Any past success seen by this nation at the World Cup was as former Czechoslovakia. Now Slovakia has emerged from the shadow of the neighboring Czechs and also bested them in the qualifying group to advance to the Finals via winning UEFA’s Group Three. Czech Republic was left at home in third place and perhaps a new central European country has risen to the top as one to contend with this summer, and also in the future.  2010 Australia World Cup Predictions Australia’s 2006 World Cup appearance was the only one of its kind in the team’s history, however it wasn’t without some drama. First, the Socceroos advanced to the Round of 16 despite no one expecting anything from them. Secondly, they were bounced via some major controversy when Italy’s star Francesco Totti was awarded a bogus, napkin-soft penalty in the final minutes with the game tied, leading to the game-winning score. 2010 Netherlands World Cup Predictions The Dutch are the best football nation never to win the World Cup. 2010’s version of the Oranje could be their best team capable of breaking through, but that is their gift and curse. Always being considered a top contender helps promote confidence, but the building pressure from an entire nation for their football team to finally break through is omnipresent and travels with them everywhere they go. 2010 Cameroon World Cup Predictions Cameroon has made more World Cup appearances than any other African nation. However, the Lions were absent from Germany four years ago. Prior to that they were at the Finals in four straight tournaments from 1994 to 2002, but just one of those times did they advance beyond the group stage.  2010 Denmark World Cup Predictions The Danes have to like their World Cup group much better now, knowing full well that not many gave them a chance to reach the finals once their European qualifying group was announced. Denmark was paired with the likes of Portugal, Sweden and Hungry but made quick work of their pairings by winning UEFA’s Group One and insuring automatically qualification and also forcing the Portuguese to find their spot in the 2010 World Cup via a play-off.  2010 Japan World Cup Predictions The Japanese are never going to blow you away with their footballing skills, but to that same point they are never a side to take lightly. Naturally, by virtue of playing in Asia, this side isn’t going to get a whole lot of credit, and perhaps rightfully so with comparisons to the rest of the major elite. But still, Japan has ability and they will not be the tournament’s minnow. 2010 England World Cup Predictions Say what you want about the Brazil’s ‘title or bust’ expectations or even Argentina’s lofty desire to finally get back on top as the world’s best, but no country will ever be as scrutinized about their World Cup play and results as England. 2010 USA World Cup Predictions Soccer in the States is never going to be overwhelmingly popular, and certainly not ahead of the big four American sports. But respect, now that’s a whole different consideration. And if the U.S. ever wants to be taken seriously as a legit soccer nation, the opportunity doesn’t get much better than this summer’s World Cup.  2010 Slovenia World Cup Predictions Slovenia makes just their second World Cup appearance as an independent country after the breakup of former Yugoslavia, having debuted in 2002. As the runners-up in Group Three of in European qualifying behind Slovakia but ahead of favored Czech Republic, Slovenia then went on to provide perhaps the shocker of qualification by knocking out heavily-favored Russia in a play-off to decide one of the last teams in the field.  2010 Algeria World Cup Predictions Similar to Slovenia, Algeria found its ticket to South Africa after a very impressive play-off result against a big favorite. The Desert Foxes sent Egypt packing, besting them in Sudan, no less, and that result has to be considered a massive upset considering the Egyptians’ success throughout African football (Remember, this is an Egypt team that had just won January’s Africa Cup of Nations, their third straight title in the bi-annual tournament). World Cup 2010 Handicapping: Odds for the First Games The World Cup can't get here soon enough. There is far too much time to kill between the drawing of the field and the start of the tournament. With this much time we are able to over-analyze, over-speculate, and generally drive ourselves crazy. That's why the NCAA Tournament is so perfect - just four days from the draw to the first tip-off. 2010 Spain World Cup Predictions Two years ago Spain couldn’t break its international tournament jinx. That is, until it ran the table at Euro 2008 and captured its first European Championship in 44 years. Now La Furia Roja are the favorites heading to South Africa in 2010.  2010 Portugal World Cup Predictions Just like France, Portugal barely found its way through qualifying and booked a spot to South Africa similarly in the second leg of their European playoff against Bosnia-Herzegovina. In 10 qualifying matches they won only five. Granted, four of the five non-wins were draws, but that drew a lot of criticism and would have likely cost head coach Carlos Queiroz his job if his squad failed to advance.  2010 Switzerland World Cup Predictions The Swiss found success in Germany during the World Cup in 2006, advancing to the second round. However, their exit wasn’t as conventional as most teams experienced. Get this: Switzerland didn’t allow a single goal in four games during their run. They did, though, fall victim to their inefficiencies on offense. The Swiss drew in their opener with France and pitched 2-0 shutouts in each of their last two group play matches. 2010 Brazil World Cup Predictions Brazil is the most accomplished football nation with five World Cup titles. The 2010 edition of The Select is again pegged for a deep run, and they will look to build off their 2009 Confederations Cup trophy, as that tournament played out last year in South Africa and always serves as a precursor a year before each World Cup.  2010 Ivory Coast World Cup Predictions Once qualified, many pegged Ivory Coast as the tournament dark horse and Africa’s best hope to raise the trophy on home soil. Once the group pairings were announced, the West African nation found itself yet again in the precarious position as a member of the ‘World Cup Group of Death’. Their World Cup debut in 2006 was a similar story, being stuck with world powers Netherlands and Argentina. This time around they will clash with Brazil and Portugal. 2010 Chile World Cup Predictions It’s been 10 years since Chile’s last World Cup berth. However, they were a pleasant surprise with a second-place finish in CONMEBOL (South America region). Even more impressive were their 32 goals scored, eight more than Paraguay and nine more than Argentina.  2010 Honduras World Cup Predictions Central America is an area that too often gets swept under the rug, with the attention understandably being given to the top South American teams or even elsewhere towards Europe or Africa. But Honduras is one nation that has talent that needs to be given its accolades. Stars like Wilson Palacios, David Suazo and Mayner Figueroa all make their living playing in Europe and several others are situated in domestic leagues throughout Europe’s vast football continent.  2010 North Korea World Cup Predictions It’s not a stretch to say North Korea is the most unknown entity among this year’s field. They haven’t appeared on this stage in 44 years, and despite finishing second to South Korea in their final qualifying group, this team is far and wide the least capable team headed to South Africa. 2010 France World Cup Predictions When June rolls around every soccer fan will know the name of Frenchman Thierry Henry, and not necessarily because of his great skill. Henry’s notorious handball was against Ireland in the second of a two-match playoff for Europe’s last spot in the World Cup. That play essentially gift wrapped France’s entry into the tournament and was undoubtedly the touch heard around the world that would spark endless debate about a possible replay of the match or another scenario. 2010 Uruguay World Cup Predictions When you think of World Cup past winners from South America, Uruguay isn’t the country that first comes to mind. Brazil? Absolutely. Argentina? Yes sir. But Uruguay has won soccer’s most glorious trophy multiple times as well. And while 1930 and 1950 seem like ages ago, there is reason for optimism for this widely forgotten football nation. 2010 World Cup Group of Death If we are talking about the World Cup then we are going to be talking about the ‘Group of Death’ - one of the most beloved and talked about themes leading up to every major soccer tournament. the Group of Death isn't an official title, of course. In the World Cup teams are arranged into groups of four, and the top two teams after all of those four teams have played each other move on to the elimination rounds. In most groups it seems clear which teams are the favorites to advance before the tournament starts. 2010 Mexico World Cup Predictions Outside of Argentina, perhaps no team in any qualifying region was more up and down than Mexico. They still finished second in CONCACAF behind the United States, and it took them three different coaches throughout the process to make it. Hugo Sánchez was fired after failing to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, only to see former England head man Sven-Göran Erikson coach for just 13 games, losing six times.  2010 Greece World Cup Predictions If you follow world football then you know the Greeks are most well known for their amazing underdog run to win Euro 2004. Prior to the European Championship six years ago, Greece was installed at 150/1 odds to win the tournament held in Portugal. The World Cup, however, has not been as kind to them and another unparalleled title run would be exponentially harder.  2010 Argentina World Cup Predictions Mario Ariel Bolatti’s 84th-minute strike in the final qualifying match against Uruguay was celebrated from Buenos Aires and Córdoba to Rosario and Mendoza. That’s because had it not been for such a timely winner, Argentina would be watching the World Cup from home this summer. 2010 Nigeria World Cup Predictions Nigeria was briefly in a state of limbo after its disappointing third-place finish during January’s African Cup of Nations earlier this year. After the continental tournament they fired head coach Shaibu Amodu and hired Swedish coach Lars Lagerback in late February to run the team this summer. Lagerback, during his stint with Sweden, led them to five major tournaments, including both 2002 and 2006 World Cup appearances. 2010 World Cup Predictions From a bettor’s perspective you can’t rule out the importance of where the event is being played. South Africa’s time zone falls in line similarly with that of Western Europe. So not only will the soccer rich continent with legalized betting be the betting frontrunners with their British pounds, Euros and Rubles being thrown around, but everywhere else can benefit as well. In the United States, games will be on throughout breakfast time and into the early afternoon.  World Cup Handicapping: Group G Predictions Group G is this year's edition of the dreaded Group of Death. North Korea is totally and utterly outclassed, but Brazil, Portugal, and Ivory Coast are all very legitimate teams that belong in the second round - and perhaps beyond. Unfortunately, only two of them are going to be able to get there.  World Cup Handicapping: Group H Predictions If you sit in the stands for any games during Group H you are going to hear a lot of Spanish around you - Switzerland is the only non-Spanish speaking country represented. The Swiss, along with Chile and Honduras, also face the unfortunate reality of playing for second place.  2010 South Africa World Cup Predictions 2010 marks the first World Cup held on African soil and the magnitude of that statement couldn’t be any stronger in terms of the pressure that it places on the shoulders of the hosts. But before you all but count out this relatively unknown team, know that no host nation has ever failed to advance past the group stage. It certainly won’t be easy with regulars France and Mexico amongst their quartet in Group A, not to mention upstart Uruguay.  2010 South Korea World Cup Predictions Eight years ago South Korea soared to heights never seen before when they rallied behind fans and their former head coach Guus Hiddink to finish fourth in the 2002 World Cup. No longer led by the Dutchman, new coach Huh Jung-Moo has helped this Asian football nation reach its seventh straight World Cup.  World Cup Handicapping: Group E Predictions There is absolutely nothing easy in the World Cup, but the draw that the Netherlands was given is as close as it gets. Their competitors - Cameroon, Denmark, and Japan - aren't disastrously bad by any means, and Cameroon is potentially pretty good, but a team as good as the Dutch are should be able to get through to the round of 16 without really breaking a sweat. World Cup Handicapping: Group F Predictions Italy and Spain are the top two teams on continental Europe. Conspiracy theorists won't be able to help noticing that those two teams have the easiest draws in the whole tournament. You can argue whether Italy's grouping is this group is easier than Spain's in Group H, but the fact remains that both should be able to move on without a whole lot of stress. World Cup Handicapping: Group A Predictions Group A is the answer to a trivia question that few people would be able to come up with - it is the only group in this tournament that has two former World Cup winners. France, the 1998 champion, is the obvious one. The other is more obscure - Uruguay took the first ever World Cup in 1930, and then added another in 1950. World Cup Handicapping: Group B Predictions It's 1994 all over again. In that year Argentina, Greece and Nigeria played in the same group - just as they will be doing in Group B this time around. Greece will be hoping things go better this time. Back then they didn't win a game, and were the only team from their group to advance (the 24-team field back then meant that four of the six third place teams also advanced).  World Cup Handicapping: Group C Predictions If there is one thing we know about this group it's that it is going to play in front of some big, rowdy crowds. Outside of the South Africans, fans from the U.S. have bought the most tickets for the games, with England close behind. That means that both teams will have virtual home crowds for each game and, in the case of England at least, hooligans will be out in full force.  World Cup Handicapping: Group D Predictions Group G is unquestionably this year's group of death, but Group D should also be considered at least a group of serious injury. None of the squads in the group are serious favorites to win it all, but all have the talent and the potential to pull off a serious surprise and even win an elimination game or two. |
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