By John O’Leary
Having drawn the eight groups and the schedule, the betting odds for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia have also been settled.
The early favorites are clear, with Germany, Brazil, Spain, and France leading the way according to most online sports books. If you’re looking to lay down a bet on the tournament this summer, be sure to utilize this Sportingbet Promotional Code when “care to make things interesting.” It’s a decently wide open field, so it’s a
FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018 – TO WIN OUTRIGHT |
|
GERMANY |
+450 |
BRAZIL |
+500 |
FRANCE |
+550 |
SPAIN |
+700 |
ARGENTINA |
+900 |
BELGIUM |
+1200 |
ENGLAND |
+1600 |
PORTUGAL |
+2500 |
URUGUAY |
+2500 |
COLOMBIA |
+3300 |
CROATIA |
+4000 |
RUSSIA |
+3300 |
POLAND |
+4000 |
SWITZERLAND |
+8000 |
DENMARK |
+8000 |
SWEDEN |
+12500 |
MEXICO |
+10000 |
SENEGAL |
+12500 |
PERU |
+20000 |
SERBIA |
+15000 |
EGYPT |
+15000 |
ICELAND |
+20000 |
NIGERIA |
+20000 |
AUSTRALIA |
+30000 |
JAPAN |
+25000 |
MOROCCO |
+40000 |
IRAN |
+50000 |
TUNISIA |
+75000 |
COSTA RICA |
+50000 |
SOUTH KOREA |
+75000 |
SAUDI ARABIA |
+100000 |
PANAMA |
+100000 |
5. Spain
The Spanish team had an early exit in Brazil 2014; in fact, it was the first squad to be eliminated. It was a shocking surprise for a team that entered the tournament on the heels of the only thrice Euro-World Cup champion in history.
Most of squad is formed of new blood with some grizzled veterans in the fold. Players of the quality of Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos and Sergio Busquets are the backbone of the team, joined by the likes of Thiago, Alvaro Morata, Isco, Dani Carvajal, Koke, Marco Asensio, and Saul. Guarding the goal is David De Gea who has developed into arguably the top keeper in the world.
4. France
It’s hard to think of a team with such talent in its fold that nevertheless has struggled to perform. How is it possible that with a squad that includes the likes of Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Anthony Martial, Alexandre Lacazette, Blaise Matuidi, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Thomas Lemar, Dimitri Payet, Ousmane Dembele, Adrien Rabiot, Corentin Tolisso, Kingsley Coman, Nabil Fekir and Olivier Giroud, manager Didier Deschamps is unable to find a winning combination?
The clock is ticking for France and after their loss in the Euro Cup the stakes are higher than ever for this team to once more bring back the Cup.
3. Argentina
Even the World’s best player, Lionel Messi, is aware of what can happen if Argentina fails to win the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The Argentinean fan base grows tired of a team that despite its obvious talent has not managed to win a World Cup in recent history and that, in fact, was almost eliminated from participating.
This seems mind boggling for a team with players of the caliber of Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, and Paulo Dybala. But, manager Jorge Sampaoli has another shot to mend things with a country that’s hungry for another Cup.
2. Brazil
The “Verde Amarelo’s” humiliating exit for the last World Cup on their home grounds is a dire reminder for what’s at stake in Russia.
However, the Brazilian squad is much different than what it was back then and under manager Tite a battle-hardened team has emerged that some say has the greatest chances of winning the Cup.
Tite’s choice of players has remained steady throughout all the qualifying stages. At the back, Dani Alves, Joao Miranda, Marquinos and Marcelo defend. Casemiro lends a defensive midfield role. The second four in a 4-1-4-1 are Philippe Coutinho, Paulinho, Renato Augusto and Neymar. Finally, Gabriel Jesus leads the line of attack.
1. Germany
Arguably, as the defending world champions, the Germans are the favorites to repeat in this edition.
But, as some might be keen to point out, Germany’s road to its qualification was somewhat accommodating and that might prove to be a disadvantage against squads such as Brazil.
Regardless, the squad’s ranks are nothing to sneer at. With players of the quality of midfielder Toni Kroos, Timo Werner, Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane, and Mesut Ozil, manager Jogi Low has talent enough to spare.
If there’s any doubt the Germans can win a second straight World Cup, consider what they achieved with a B-team in the Confederations Cup that defeated a Chilean and Mexican squads at full strength.