The greatest sporting show in the world happens once every 4 years and the 2010 World cup is about to begin in South Africa with 32 nations battling it out to be crowned the world champions. Will it be Brazil, Spain or could it be Australia!!
Realtime 2010 world cup betting odds from leading Australian and International sportsbooks can be viewed here.
Spain are the clear favourites for the 2010 World Cup with good bets at Sportingbet Australia bringing their odds in from $5.50 to $4.75.
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said bets including one of $10,000 and another of $5000 had arrived over the past week.
“Spain is the only side the punters want prior to the tournament kicking off,” said Sullivan.
“We’ve taken bets including one of $10,000, another of $5000 and plenty of other four figure sums over the past week.
“The return of star front man Fernando Torres from injury has convinced punters and they’re expected to cruise past Switzerland and Honduras with only Chile providing any opposition in the group stages.”
Spain are ranked second in the World and are current European Champions but the best they have done in previous World Cups is a fourth place in 1950. They must also overcome the hoodoo that no European side has ever won a World Cup held outside of Europe.
2010 FIFA World Cup
Sportingbet Australia Market
Spain 4.75
Brazil 5.50
Argentina 7.50
England 8.50
Netherlands 11.00
Germany 13.00
Italy 15.00
France 21.00
Portugal 29.00
Ivory Coast 41.00
Paraguay 67.00
Ghana 67.00
Serbia 67.00
Mexico 67.00
Chile 67.00
USA 67.00
Australia 101.00
Uruguay 101.00
Nigeria 101.00
Cameroon 101.00
Denmark 101.00
Others 151.00 Plus
Check out Sportingbet Australia’s World Cup Betting Portal – HERE
World Cup Day 1 – South Africa v Mexico
While on paper this game says Mexico all the way there are a couple of important factors for punters to consider.
Firstly, the South African crowd will be fanatical and while this can sometimes add pressure, there’s no doubt the home side will be hell bent on ensuring they are not the first host nation not to qualify for the second round.
Secondly, this match will be played at high altitude and the South Africans are the best equipped side to play under these conditions.
While stats will tell you both sides don’t score many goals, the atmosphere of a World Cup opener and indeed the high altitude atmosphere, coupled with the contreversial Jabulani ball, could see the opposite and the over 2.5 goals could be worth a punt.
With South Africa’s leading goalscorer Benni McCarthy not even making the squad the key man could well be Tim Cahill’s Everton team-mate Steven Pienaar (pictured) whose creativity in midfield will go a long way toward setting up the forwards.
For Mexico, star centre back Rafael Marquez is available after injury and that is a huge boost. The Barcelona man holds the defence together and adds stealth and experience to what is essentially a young side. After being in doubt West Ham striker Guilermo Franco has also proved his fitness and with seven goals from twenty one caps could be the value bet for first goalscorer .