2010 WORLD CUP GROUP STAGE PREDICTIONS AND BETTING TIPS PART ONE

If you’re looking to win your office pool for the World Cup 2010, pretty much the most important part of winning it is getting the group stage predictions right. One of the best ways to do this is to pay attention to the odds listed by major bookmakers in Europe and Las Vegas for the World Cup. You should remember that there are always upsets and there’s usually one favourite that doesn’t qualify and 2 or 3 upstart teams that go a lot further than they probably should.

Group A is my pick for the group with the most beatable favourite. France are listed at a slim 2.1 to win their group, but I am planning to back Uruguay to surprise them and go out as group winners. Their first match against France on Friday is a pivotal one and they are 4.33 to go through as group winners and 3.4 to qualify as runners up. Mexico could even wind up finishing second and they are 3.3 to do so. If you’re looking for some great odds on Group A try backing Uruguay/Mexico, which trades at a juicy 13.0 price with Ladbrokes. South Africa just don’t look up to par for me and I don’t expect them to progress although it would be great to see them do it.
Group B looks to be all about Diego Maradona’s Argentina side that boasts some of the best players in the world. Lionel Messi is the heavy favourite to be named player of the tournament and the Argentines are 1.4 to win their rather underwhelming group. Nigeria are 5.5 to win while Greece are at 9.0. South Korea are the longshot here at 10.0 to win, but I actually plan on backing South Korea to progress. They are trading at 3.25 to go through to the next stage while Argentina/South Korea is an enticing 5.5.
Group C has England listed as the second biggest favourite to win their group (the biggest being Spain in Group H). Fabio Capello’s men are trading at 1.33 to win their group while the USA are listed at 5.0. Slovenia are 11.0 and Algeria a distant 15.0. An England/USA straight forecast here pays out at 2.37 and that’s more or less what everybody expects. The first match is crucial and if England take the victory, they should be able to coast through to the knockout stages. The USA is 2.2 not to qualify.
Group D has Germany listed as a lukewarm favourite to win their group. They are higher-priced than most other favourites with a 1.8 margin ahead of 4.0 Serbia and 5.5 Ghana. Australia are 9.0 to win the group, but I would take a look at them to progress to the next stage like they did last time. The Australian side are at 3.0 to progress while they are a much better 4.33 to finish as runner up specifically. A straight forecast on Germany/Australia pays out at 6.0, but that may be a bit adventurous for some. The more likely outcome is Germany/Serbia at 3.75 but you can get a better price on Serbia/Germany at 7.0.
Official Predictions for Groups A-D:
Group A: Uruguay, Mexico, South Africa, France
Group B: Argentina, South Korea, Greece, Nigeria
Group C: England, USA, Slovenia, Algeria
Group D: Germany, Serbia, Australia, Ghana