World Cup Futures Betting Update: Group C
We’ll provide free soccer picks, group by group world cup 2010 predictions, team schedules, our World Cup Handicapping Guide, matchup analysis and more.
It’s not the Group of Death, but it could be the group the world is watching. At least, American and British media will probably frame it that way.
Does Algeria or Slovenia have a chance to upset the English or the Americans?
ALGERIA (+45000 to win World Cup)
The Algerians are back after a 24 year absence from the World Cup. In their last appearance, they shared a group with Brazil and Spain and were predictably dominated. I’m not convinced the result won’t be similar this time around.
The reason: Algeria barely scraped into the tournament. It battled Egypt in a bitter tiebreaker to qualify amidst fan violence from both sides. Algeria also scored just one goal to escape the Group stage at the Africa Cup of Nations and took a 4-0 beating from Egypt. I don’t see them scaring the top dogs in Group C at all.
ENGLAND (+650 to win World Cup)
Is this the year? Many soccer betting pundits feel 2010 presents England’s best shot at the World Cup in many years.
But the glass is half empty or half full depending on whom you talk to. Sure, all the big names are there – Wayne Rooney, John Terry, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and so on. But England could have some cracks in the armor. Rooney is the go-to man for offense but doesn’t have great support up front. England also lacks a big –game goalie, which is just one of the reasons why it’s been so poor in shootouts over the years.
Also, there’s no telling how distracted Terry and Rio Ferdinand might be by their off-field issues. I do believe Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard will rise to the occasion, however.
The English will advance past Group C but the road could get rocky very quickly after that. 
SLOVENIA (+30000 to win World Cup)
If there’s a sleeper in Group C, it’s undoubtedly Slovenia. It took a tough road to reach the tournament, planting a seed with a late goal in the first leg of a qualifier against Russia and finishing the job after that. Now, the Slovenians will hope to nudge past the Americans past the group stage.
Given their gritty defense, the Slovenians can’t be counted out. They entered their battle with Russia having allowed just four goals in 10 qualifying matchups.
USA (+8000 to win World Cup)
We definitely have to take the Americans seriously in 2010. Look at their showing in the Confederations Cup last year; they beat Spain of all teams to reach the final and almost had Brazil, leading 2-0 before blowing it and falling 3-2.
More so than in past World Cups, the U.S. has some legitimately elite talent on its hands. Landon Donovan is the real deal. Given their solid roster makeup, I see the U.S. surviving the group stage.
THE PICKS
Slovenia could make noise – if it played against the team the Americans fielded four years ago. I don’t think it can topple the 2010 U.S. team and England, for all its baggage, has too much talent not to crack the top two in Group C.
Prediction: England and USA
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