In part one of this article which can be found here, I looked at the potential Outright winners, the Golden Boot and the Group Stages. Now we will have a look at the upsets and shocks whilst checking out any special bets that the bookmakers may have.
Doubts And Early Exits
There are some doubts regarding some of the big teams going into this World Cup. Argentina, with Maradona managing them, have come under a lot of criticism after they nearly missed the competition by failing to qualify. They played some shocking games and their confidence will not be high, however, I think they will turn up on the day and should make it to the Quarter Finals at least.
The teams who I do think will fail one way of the other, are France and Portugal. The former have struggled in friendlies and don’t seem a well-knit unit and I think they will cave under the pressure and go out in the Group Stage, Bet365 (who are best catered for these types of bet) are offering 9/4 for this to happen. Portugal will struggle in a hard group and I think they will suffer the same fate.
African Sides
The world looks to the African sides to provide flair and surprise on these occasions and many times they do, and with the competition in their continent the world will be expecting even more from them. After watching and studying the last couple of African Nations it seems to me that the best side, Egypt, have not even qualified. They were beaten to it by Algeria but Algeria were lucky to overcome the African champions and it was very much a one-off – so don’t expect anything special from Algeria.
Ivory Coast are the favorites for the African side to progress the furthest, but whilst they seem to have the best players, they don’t get too well. South Africa have home advantage but they couldn’t even qualify for the last African Cup of Nations and will struggle. Ghana, the second favorites, are a young team and lack the cutting edge so I think the money should go on Cameroon at 5/1. Eto’o and Co. should be able to beat Japan and Denmark to progress through the group stage along with Holland, and from there they have the potential to edge even further.
Eto’o would also be a good pick for top African goalscorer in this competition as I think Drogba will struggle to have his way in what is a hard group.
Final Four
The Final Four, the teams to get through to the Semi’s, is a hot subject, and a good tipster can make a pretty penny from Laying big teams and backing outsiders. Germany and Italy are both short odds here as are France (as discussed above) and I think neither will make it that far, so get your money against them. On the other side of the scale, the USA always put together a good unit and although they lack star individuals they are very adept and have tactical knowledge and sound teamwork, so at 10/1 they are worth a small bet.
Top Four Goalscorers
Another bet offered, which could be a good money maker. Torres tends to be outplayed by his strike partner Villa and never normally does as well for his national side as he does for Liverpool, but Spain will be scoring a lot and at 5/1 the odds of him being in the top 4 scorers can’t be shunned. Peter Crouch, as mentioned in the first article, is also a good shout for many goals and is a tempting 12/1 for this bet.
I also think that Holland will do very well in this competition so Robin Van Persie, at 4/1, is a good bet as is Kuyt at 20/1. Spread your bets and keep them small and you should be fine.
Specials
The best special I have found comes from Sky Bet, who are offering a Free Bet to new members. They will be running a ‘Super 6’ competition throughout the World Cup. This is a fantastic way for small punters and high rollers alike to get their hands on a massive Pounds 100.000 by correctly predicting the games. Recommended to anyone who enjoys the ‘Fantasy Football’ competitions and to anyone who simply wants to win life-changing amounts of money with small stakes. Skybet are more than ready for the summer spectacle and have plenty of promotions on, they also offer a Free Bet for new customers joining by the above link. They are well worth a look.
Don’t forget to tune into Newsblaze during the World Cup for a game-by-game update of the competition.
If you are looking for an online Bookie to start placing your bets, check out the following links. All offer Free Bets for new customers to help you get your foot on the ladder:
