World Cup Futures Betting Update: Group D
We’ll provide free soccer picks, group by group world cup 2010 predictions, team schedules, our World Cup Handicapping Guide, matchup analysis and more.
The best way to describe Group D in World Cup futures betting is “Germany and the rest.” The Germans are head and shoulders above the competition in this group and have a rich history of success at the World Cup, with three titles, four other final berths and two third-place finishes in their last 11 tournaments.
But who will join Germany among the Group D survivors?
AUSTRALIA (+12500 to win World Cup)
The Aussies enter the tourney with their backs against the wall, but they’re a fearless group that relishes playing the role of underdog. They actually have one of the best keepers in the world in Mark Schwarzer, so I wonder if they could surprise. Playing Germany first could be a blessing or a curse; depending on their showing, they could be empowered or embarrassed. In the long run, we’ll have to keep our expectations fairly low for them.
GERMANY (+1400 to win World Cup)
Though their 1-0 loss to Argentina in a home friendly recently shook confidence among their supporters, I’m not too worried about the Germans. Whereas the English are a team that tends to play its worst on the international stage, Germany’s best seem to step up in that situation.
Look at Miroslav Klose; he has 10 goals in two World Cup tournaments. Michael Ballack also plays great soccer at the international level. Because of efforts like these, Germany should breeze through Group D and still has potential to make noise in the elimination rounds. 
GHANA (+7000 to win World Cup)
Ghana is one of two bubble teams in this Group. It has plenty going for it – especially in the midfield, where Sulley Muntari, Stephen Appiah and Michael Essien give them a rock-solid core. The only problem is that Michael Essien may not be healthy enough to play. Asamoah Gyan will be counted on to take his game to the next level and chip in offense for a team that struggled to score at the Africa Cup of Nations, potting just four goals despite reaching the final.
SERBIA (+6600 to win World Cup
Serbia is definitely a popular sleeper team entering this year’s World Cup. We’ve seen unlikely runs from European underdogs like Turkey, Croatia and Bulgaria in the past. Now Serbia, which formerly competed as Serbia and Montenegro or Yugoslavia, could be the latest team to steal our hearts.
I actually see potential for solid offense from these guys. Nikola Zigic is a beast up front and Milan Jovanovic scored five goals in qualifying. I have a good feeling about Serbia.
THE PICKS
Germany is a no-brainer, so the second berth should come down to Ghana and Serbia. The way I see it, Ghana is offensively challenged and it’s not like they play absolutely top-notch defense too. That opens the door for the more balanced Serbians to emerge from Group D.
Prediction: Germany and Serbia
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