2010 World Cup Power Rankings
Ready to bet on World Cup Soccer? The greatest tournament in sports is just weeks away and, hopefully, we’ve done a decent job preparing you to bet on it by previewing each group. Now, it’s time to keep you in the know. Whose odds have shifted over the past few weeks?
Here are the current World Cup Power Rankings – based on how sportsbooks are currently ranking teams’ odds.
1. Spain (+400)
The Spaniards were the original favorites but their odds slipped when Fernando Torres’ health was up in the air. Now that it looks like he’ll recover from his knee surgery in time for the tournament, Spain is back atop the rankings.
2. Brazil ((+450)
Brazil is certainly the safe pick; it can match Spain’s talent with the amazingly gifted Kaka and Robinho but doesn’t have the same health concerns. Time will tell if leaving Ronaldinho behind was the right decision.
3. England (+600)
Talk to any England fan and he or she will tell you “this is the year.” The English believe their tremendous depth, not to mention the fact that guys like Wayne Rooney are in the prime, will prevail. But is their goalkeeping good enough?
4. Argentina (+750)
As if Lionel Messi wasn’t approaching God-like status already, Diego Maradona just proclaimed him “better than I was.” Argentina’s qualifying effort was so-so but maybe Messi will add to his legend in South Africa.
5. Holland (+1100)
Even with Ruud Van Nistelrooy gone, it still surprises me to see that Holland’s odds to win aren’t better. How could they improve on an 8-0 qualifying record and 17-2 scoring margin? Watch out for the Dutch.
6. Germany (+1200)
Like Brazil, the Germans are consistently rock-solid, reliable picks. At least, that would normally be the case. But what will happen now that Michael Ballack is out of the tournament? Germany will have to hope youngsters like Jerome Boateng will step up in his stead. That makes Germany more exciting this year, but also less predictable.
7. Italy (+1200)
The defending champions are ranked seventh here because they’re long in the tooth. Gianluigi Buffon isn’t exactly ancient at 31 years old but he’s no spring chicken either; and what about Fabio Cannavaro at 36? I don’t see the Azzurri flopping – they’re still talented, disciplined on defense and skilled overall – but the youth movement may overwhelm them in the end.
8. France (+1800)
Are the French a sucker’s bet this time around? Despite the talents of Thierry Henry and Frank Ribery, this is a very inconsistent group from game to game, year to year and World Cup to World Cup. They better hope their weak efforts against questionable opponents in qualifying don’t translate to South Africa.
9. Portugal (+2800)
With the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and a vicious draw in the Group of Death, Portugal will get plenty of attention. But can they survive with Brazil and Ivory Coast as roommates? It’s worth noting that one reason for their rocky qualifying effort was Ronaldo’s ankle injury.
10. Ivory Coast (+3300)
The bandwagon is gaining steam. They have a great midfield and a rising star scorer in Didier Drogba. Bettors also have to love the value they offer at +3300. Am I saying you should pick them to win? No. But could we at least pick them to be this year’s upstart team that reaches the semifinal? Quite possibly.
ON THE BUBBLE: Serbia, Chile, Mexico
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