Johannesburg: After the first week of action, the odds have changed on the fancied contenders for the tournament. Here's a look at the top 10 countries who are now the favourites to win the title.
10) Mexico: Rocketing in is a new entry at number 10 and it comes all the way from Mexico. After dominating South Africa in their opener only to ahem, 'record' a point, Javier Aguirre's side demolished the French to set themselves up nicely for the last 16. Going all the way is unlikely though as the best Mexico have ever achieved is the quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986 when they hosted the tournament.
9) Portugal: With a pouting prima donna Portugal were always likely to feature in any top 10 pop countdown and are joint sixth favourites. Their odds have lengthened and a dismal game against the Ivory Coast certainly hasn't convinced anybody. A scrap with samba specialists Brazil will likely decide their fate.
8) Uruguay: Upstarts from South America who upset the local talent by gatecrashing the party are now eighth favourite. Thumping South Africa has seen a flurry of bets on Uruguay winning their group but scooping a third World Cup is a different prospect. It would be an even greater shock than their stunning defeat of Brazil in the Maracana back in 1950.
7) Italy: The slowest of slow starters will need a rendition of Nessun Dorma if they are retain their crown. Marcello Lippi's Azzurri odds have stretched after a disappointing opener against Paraguay. We wait with interest for new performances from an ageing line-up.
6) England: The Three Lions have dropped three places from last week. Like many British artists they found it difficult to crack the American market, spoiling the hopes of a nation. It's been more Spice Girls 'On Top of the World' than New Order's 'World In Motion' so far.
5) The Netherlands: Capable of producing some of the best material, the Dutch showed their class against Denmark. Have got agonisingly close to the number one spot in the past only to be denied by the hosts. Pretty unlikely to see that happening this time around so perhaps this is Oranje's year after all.
4) Germany: A win and a shock loss for the Nationalmannschaft. Always reliable, the Germans should never be discounted and could face a showdown with fierce foes England in the next round.
3 & 2) Brazil & Spain: We have a tie for second spot. Spain's shock defeat against Switzerland will see them stretch, while Brazil will have to overcome Drogba's Ivory Coast. Both have the capacity to entertain and whoever beats the samba or does a better flamenco dance is sure to have an outstanding chance of winning the World Cup.
1) Argentina: Flying in at number one is La Albiceleste. Inspired by their manager who had quite the career at the top of the charts, Argentina are now installed as favourites. Already virtually through to the knockout stages, pundits are currently eating their words about Diego Maradona's management skills. Tread carefully though. We were saying the same thing four years ago after they dazzled in the group stage only to be eliminated by Germany.
Comments
0 comment