World Cup Mania Starts in Earnest on Friday

Filed in archive Betting on June 8, 2006

The World Cup is finally upon us and the entire world, except the USA, will no doubt be glued to their sets for the next month.

The finals seems to have been all about injuries so far - with England's Rooney have a high profile break of his metatarsal in his foot - but has finally been announced injury-free despite Manchester United's manager, Alex Ferguson not too happy to rush Rooney back to full fitness. Other injuries include German captain Ballack out for the first game whilst Brazil's Ronaldo sat out of training because of a fever.

If you're looking for a flutter, current favourites are Brazil at 9/4 looking to win for their 6th time, whilst England are second favourite at 6/1. The hosts, Germany are 7/1 and consistent under-achievers, Spain are 14/1. If you're after a shock outsider to win, then the Ivory Coast are 50/1 whilst the USA comes in at 80/1

Brazil 9/4
England 6/1
Germany 7/1
Argentina 8/1
Italy 9/1
France 12/1
Spain 14/1
Holland 14/1
Portugal 22/1
Czech Republic 33/1
Sweden 40/1
Mexico 50/1
Ivory Coast 50/1
Ukraine 66/1
Croatia 66/1
Usa 80/1
Australia 80/1
Serbia & Montenegro 100/1
Poland 100/1
Switzerland 150/1
Korea Rep. 200/1
Paraguay 200/1
Japan 200/1
Ghana 250/1
Tunisia 400/1
ecuador 400/1
Togo 500/1
Iran 500/1
Costa Rica 500/1
Saudi Arabia 750/1
Angola 750/1
Trinidad And Tobago 1000/1
(odds taken from William Hill)