2010 WORLD CUP ODDS AND PREDICTIONS FOR TOP TEN CONTENDERS

You've only got a few hours left to lock in your bets on the 2010 World Cup before most major bookmakers snap their odds markets shut until the end of the group stage. If you're looking to cash in a big bonus and grab a free bet on the World Cup, then you should definitely check out Bet365 who are giving away up to £200 free. 
You won't find World Cup odds like that in Las Vegas. 

Spain are considered to be the favourites with a 5.0 price while Brazil are trading just behind them at 5.5. Some bookmakers have put Spain and Brazil on an even-keel, but I have to agree that what Brazil boast in history and organization, the Spanish make up for in terms of sheer quality. I've learned in the past to never underestimate the Spanish national teams ability to screw things up, but I do agree that they are justifiable favourites. 
Brazil don't look like the same type of side and they are adopting a more defensive and effective attitude that didn't even have room for Ronaldinho. 
Argentina's odds to win the World Cup trade at 7.5 with Lionel Messi's side dropping about 2.5 points over the past week and usurping England as the 3rd place favourites. I think they boast the best individual players, but their solidity as a team isn't what you would normally expect from a World Cup-winning side, Diego Maradona is really that much of a wildcard. 
England have lots of expectations on them, as usual, and you'll find them listed at an 8.5 price with Bet365. Wayne Rooney and the boys are my tip to win, but they will definitely need some luck to get there. I think on their day they can match up to any team in the tournament, but they need to give 200% in every match and they need a red-hot Wayne Rooney. With Wazza and a little luck, I think England are world beaters. 
Holland round out the top five with a 10.0 price and they play some great attacking stuff so they likely won't struggle for goals. They do tend to choke a little late on in tournaments and it will be interesting to see how they cope without Van Nistelrooy. 
Germany are 15.0 and that's a rather high price for a lot of people who don't follow football too closely. You can get great odds on Germany to win their group as well, as it appears as though the bookmakers think they are one of the more beatable favourites. 
Italy's odds to win the 2010 World Cup are 17.0 and that's a high price for defending Champions, but they are bringing through another generation of players right now so it looks like people are being hesitant with their money. 
France are my pick to be the beaten favourite here and they are a lengthy 21.0 to win the World Cup. They don't appear to be particularly solid in defence and it looks as though Raymond Domenech doesn't have the support of the players. They could very well struggle. 
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal side are at 29.0 and that's a great price. The things going against them are an aging strikeforce and a mediocre defence. Ronaldo needs to step up even more now that Nani won't be around to add any flair and penetration from the flanks. 
The last team in the list of top ten favourites is the Ivory Coast and they're trading at a lengthy 51.0 price. They were initially at shorter odds, but Didier Drogba's injury has seen their price nearly double. They could be the African team to watch though, Drogba or no Drogba.