The 2010 World Cup is the 19th FIFA-organised tournament, scheduled for June 11th to July 11th 2010 in South Africa, the first time that the tournament has been hosted by a nation in the Confederation of African Football. Thirty-two teams will compete in the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals, with one place allocated for hosts South Africa. Of the remaining 31 places, 13 are allocated to Europe, 5 to Africa, 4 or 5 each to South America and Asia, 3 or 4 to CONCACAF (comprising North America, Central America and the Caribbean) and 0 or 1 to Oceania.
Odds and Predictions
Here are some useful soccer betting tips. The 18 competitions since the inaugural event have produced just 7 different winners. Brazil have been the most successful nation, lifting the Cup 5 times, Italy have won 4 times, Germany 3 times, Argentina and Uruguay twice apiece, with England and France each boasting a single victory. Additionally, only 9 different nations have been losing finalists, Germany 4 times, Argentina, Brazil, Czechoslovakia, Holland, Hungary and Italy twice each, while France and Sweden have been runners-up on one occasion. With the breakup of Czechoslovakia this leaves a shortlist of 10 sides that have contested a World Cup final. Much has been made of the fact that no European team has won a World Cup hosted outside Europe. However, in the 8 non-European hosted tournaments, European teams have made the last 6 six finals. Furthermore, the June-July tournament will be played in the South African winter, so temperatures will at least be bearable for European players. However, it should be noted that Spain (a best-priced 6/1 to win the 2010 World Cup), Portugal (40/1), Russia (33/1) and Croatia (66/1) have never contested a World Cup final. Euro 2008 champions Spain seem very short considering a best finish of 4th place in 1950, while the others seem likely to qualify only via the playoffs. England have impressed in their qualification campaign to date, but also look short at 9/1. Germany (12/1), Italy (12/1) and Holland (14/1) offer better value than Spain or England.
The main competition seems likely to come from South America which has provided 9 of 18 World Cup winners. 5-times winners Brazil look worthy favourites at 5/1, but Argentina, who have made just 2 quarter-finals in the last 4 tournaments look woefully underpriced at 11/2.
Elsewhere, it is difficult to enthuse about CONCACAF and Oceania, with only the USA (125/1) and Mexico (150/1) likely to make any impact at all. Africa provides 6 teams, Ivory Coast (40/1), Nigeria (80/1), Ghana (80/1), Cameroon (100/1), hosts South Africa (150/1) and Egypt (200/1). It is surely too big an ask to expect South Africa to become the 6th hosts to lift the World Cup, but, as South Korea proved in 2002, experience of conditions and vocal home support may lead to better performances than expected. The Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Egypt, winners of the last two African Cup of Nations, all merit respect.
Asian sides seem up against it, though Japan (300/1) and South Korea (500/1) have reached the knockout phase in recent tournaments and look set to qualify for the 2010 finals. Its useful to look for soccer betting tips online before placing any bets.
The seasoned European campaigners look the best value, with Germany, 3-times winners and 4-times runners-up, the recommended bet at 12/1.
Responsible Betting
Responsible gamblers decide in advance how much time and money to devote to gambling, and, most importantly, when to stop. Gambling responsibly with money set aside for entertainment will keep gambling a fun hobby. Making the most of free bet offers and bookmakers’ sign-up offers will make punting money go further.
