Argentina is climbing up the betting ladder. Bet365 has them at 9-1. Which would be terrific value if they win it all. Brazil has fallen a bit to 5-2 in Coral’s estimation. And Ladbrokes has England at 7-1. The news that Rooney will be in time for the knockout rounds must have bolstered England hopes.
Reason for Argentina to win the WC:
Great strikers in Leo Messi, Hernan Crespo, and Gabriel Heinze. An experienced defense led by the indispensable Roberto Ayala. And a midfield that comprises Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano, and Juan Roman Riquelme. The Guardian says that it is difficult to find a weak link in Luis Pekerman’s squad.
Golden Ball leaders: Spain’s Fernando Torres, Italy’s Luca Toni, and Argentina’s Hernan Crespo.
Bet365’s odds:
Brazil 3.5:1, England 8:1, Germany 9:1, Argentina 9:1, Italy 10:1, France 12:1, Holland 13:1.
USA: 81:1
Ivory Coast: 81:1
South Korea: 251:1
Iran: 751:1