World Cup Futures Betting Update: Group G
We’ll provide free soccer picks, group by group world cup 2010 predictions, team schedules, our World Cup Handicapping Guide, matchup analysis and more.
Finally, the words you’ve been waiting for: Group of Death. We know Brazil and Portugal are powerhouses, but the presence of the exciting Ivory Coast team could really make things interesting in this group. You have to feel sorry for North Korea for this draw.
Let’s break it down.
BRAZIL (+450 to win World Cup)
Given Spain’s injury woes, it’s no major surprise to see that Brazil has taken over as the top favorite to win the 2010 World Cup. Brazil has it all: a tough defense led by Lucio, a strong keeper in Julio Caesar and a dynamic attack featuring Kaka and Robinho. Brazil has a great chance to win it all but the beauty of the Group of Death is that it can seriously affect their hopes; even a small slip-up against Portugal or the Ivory Coast could set off a chain reaction that would have Brazil playing an early elimination game against Spain.
IVORY COAST (+3000 to win World Cup)
Ouch. Just when Ivory Coast seemed poised for its deepest World Cup run ever, Group G happened. Still, we can’t necessarily write them off just yet. Didier Drogba, who scored six goals in five qualifiers, joins Salamon Kalou in a pretty formidable attack; Yaya Toure and Didier Zokora are outstanding in the middle, too. This isn’t a perfect team – the back end is a bit questionable – but the Ivory Coast remains a major threat. 
NORTH KOREA (+75000 to win World cup)
Is there any point discussing North Korea’s chances in this group? If we’re worried about Portugal, North Korea is clearly preparing to be massacred. Let’s not waste any more time on them – with all due respect.
PORTUGAL (+2600 to win World Cup)
The Portugese had strong World Cup prospects before this group draw raised major questions. Sure, they have a strong defense helmed by Pepe and we all know that Cristiano Ronaldo is a supreme talent, though he doesn’t always perform his best at the international level. Still, bettors have to worry legitimately about Portugal given their struggles against Denmark and Bosnia-Herzegovina in the qualifiers.
THE PICKS
Even in the Group of Death, Brazil still seems like the class of the lot and should survive. The second berth will likely come down to the Ivory Coast versus Portugal. Call me crazy, but I have a feeling Ivory Coast’s talent will prevail over Portugal, which seems to have a mental block right now.
Prediction: Brazil and Ivory Coast
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