England to cry against Germany

If the English team is half passionate, then the 25-1 on shedding tears on the pitch is great value for mine. First, they'd have to lose. Second, they'd have to care that they lost. Pretty good odds, I'd think, unless of course there's some small print I haven't seen.

Victor Chandler make it a 9/4 chance that Fabio Capello picks the same starting line up against Germany that he did against Slovenia.

“There is a worry that Wayne Rooney’s injury could rule him out of contention” said VC spokesman Neal Wilkins. “But the rumours suggest it doesn’t seem serious. Another issue is whether Matthew Upson retains his place over Jamie Carragher after an impressive display, and of course, there is every chance that Capello throws in a curve ball with a team selection we are not expecting.”

Joe Cole is 7/4 to start against Germany, a bigger price than he was to start against Slovenia.

Cole incurred the wrath of Fabio Capello in the latter stages of the Slovenia match when he gave away possession instead of playing keep ball, and this might have a bearing on Capello’s decision. The firm also make it a 25/1 chance that an England player sheds tears on the pitch during the game as Gazza did in 1990.

“It’s unlikely to happen, but it’ll be a highly charged atmosphere on Sunday so we could see a few sniffles from someone.” Wilkins added.

England starting line-up same as Slovenia…….9/4
Joe Cole to start 7/4
Not to start 2/5

England player shedding tears on pitch 25/1

Why are England's World Cup soccer odds so short ?

I can't say I totally understand the logic behind the way the market has panned out for the World Cup in South Africa 2010.

England has firmed from $7 to $6.50 following a cosy draw - something which in effect guarantees them a place in the final 16. Perhaps the first round match too is easier than most.

But head to head against Spain, Brazil, Argentina and perhaps Italy and Germany, I wonder who would start favourite. Remember, these odds are about who will win the final, not who will cruise through the early rounds.

And I'm not great at maths, but let's do a quick calculation: Hypothetically, let's say England starts $1.40 favourite in the round of 16; $1.60 favourite in the quarter finals; $1.90 in the semis and $2 in the final. An all up bet on that result would equal about $8.50, much greater than the $6.50 odds now offered.

England is just one example. The same could be said for most of the favourites' odds. Simply put, there's much better value in match betting than futures betting.

Aussiepunt's recommendation: Save your money for the head to head clashes.

Odds:
Spain 5.50
Brazil 6.00
England 6.50
Argentina 10.00
Italy 11.00
Germany 13.00
Holland 13.00
France 15.00
Portugal 26.00
Ivory Coast 26.00
Chile 51.00
Paraguay 67.00
Ghana 67.00
Serbia 67.00
Cameroon 81.00
Greece 81.00
USA 81.00
Denmark 101.00
Mexico 101.00
Nigeria 101.00
Uruguay 101.00
Australia 101.00
South Africa 101.00
Others 201.00 Plus