A bookies-eye view of the Football World Cup

 
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By matijamatanovic, 4 Jun 2010 matijamatanovic is a Roar Rookie

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    If you take the advice of the bookies, Spain will defeat Brazil to lift this year’s World Cup Trophy. Why? Spain is at $5.00 and Brazil is currently sitting at $5.50 to win the World Cup.

    However, what is a more interesting proposition is the odds for the winning confederation.

    A scorching hot $1.44 is paying if a team from UEFA comes up trumps, while any one of Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay coming out on top is at $3.

    Not a bad bet, if you ask me.

    If you’re into stereotypes, they’ll pay $5.50 if England go out on penalties and $12 if Italy finish with the most clean sheets.

    But how does Australia fare?

    England v Australia final, no chance, they’ll pay $326 if that happens. And they’ll fork out a solid $21 if Pim and co actually knocks England out of the World Cup.

    Will Lucas Neil be a world cup winning captain? Not if they are offering $101.

    The fact of the matter is that the bookies do not even think Australia will get out of their group, sitting with wooden-spoon odds at $3.20. Ghana is at $2.35.

    Will the winner come from the Asian confederation? Highly unlikely at $81, but the region is faring better than Oceania (New Zealand) which, at $1501, looks like there is more of a chance of Maradona taking home the Golden Boot.

    Top Asian team, on the other hand? Australia is at the pointy end to be the best performing side. Just. They are at $2.60; Japan and South Korea are at $3.

    North Korea, if they get smashed (as most predict) and concede the most tournament goals, the bookies will pay $6.50.

    Fancy any of those odds? Other than the risky $3.20 for Australia to get out of their group, none set my world alight. Perhaps you will need to look in-house for your Aussie related tipple.

    What’s your tip?

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