World Cup Group G Betting – Brazil Edges Portugal To Top “Group Of Death”
Online betting players will be in for a wild ride in Group G, where all four of the teams aren’t afraid to play an attacking game. Look for the five-time World Cup winners from Brazil to be joined by Portugal in the next round.
Key Match
Portugal-Ivory Coast opens Group G on June 15th at 10:00 AM ET, and this will decide who goes through with Brazil.
- History: 19th appearance; Quarterfinals in 2006
- Best finish: Champions (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
- World Cup Group G Betting Odds: -175
Why they can win: Well, it’s Brazil, for starters. But if you need reasons, here are a few: despite the omissions of Ronaldinho, Adriano and Pato, Brazil still has attacking options in Robinho, Luis Fabiano and Kaka, providing he bounces back from a tough season at Real Madrid. They’re also stronger in midfield and defense than they is given credit for, and led by Julio Cesar, Brazil may have the deepest set of goalkeepers in the tournament.
Why they can’t win: Pressure is the only thing that can stop the Brazilians in South Africa. They’ve been at every World Cup, and have won it more than any other country, and the pressure to win in Brazil may be greater than anywhere else. How they handle that pressure will dictate their World Cup betting fate.
- History: 5th appearance; Fourth place in 2006
- Best finish: Third place (1966)
- World Cup Group G Betting Odds: +375
Why they can win: In Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal has the 2008 World Player of the Year, and you would have to put him in the conversation for best player on the globe right now. He didn’t score during qualification, but Portuguese fans shouldn’t worry too much. He has a solid supporting cast in Simao and Nani, who flourished once Ronaldo left Manchester United. Portugal also has a better defense than most think.
Why they can’t win: If the inconsistency from their qualification slate creeps in, Portugal could be in trouble. They have to make sure that they don’t get caught up in a wide-open game, especially with Brazil.
- History: 2nd appearance; First round in 2006
- Best finish: First round (2006)
- World Cup Group G Betting Odds: +400
Why they can win: The Ivorians should what they could do in 2006 when they lost to Argentina and the Dutch in the group stages, and they have one of the best strikers in the world in Didier Drogba, who is aided by Chelsea teammate Solomon Kalou. The defense is powered by brothers Yaya and Kolo Toure, and there is plenty of elite talent in the side.
Why they can’t win: Bad luck; the Ivory Coast drew the 2006 Group of Death with Argentina and the Netherlands, and then again in 2010 with Brazil and Portugal. The Ivorians are also lacking in midfield, and Boubacar Barry will have to make a name for himself among sportsbook players with a good performance in goal.
- History: 2nd appearance; didn’t qualify in 2006
- Best finish: Quarterfinals (1966)
- World Cup Group G Betting Odds: +8000
Why they can win: There isn’t much known about the North Koreans, but they’re not averse to upsets as they pulled out a 1-0 victory over Italy in 1996, and they gave Portugal all they could handle in the quarterfinals. Jong Tae-Se will lead the attack for North Korea.
Why they can’t win: Because they’re North Korea, and they were drawn in the Group of Death. That’s it. North Korea winning this group would be the soccer equivalent of the USA “Miracle on Ice” in 1980. Winning the World Cup would probably cause the world to implode.
World Cup Group G Betting Prediction & Outlook
We’re taking Brazil to win the group, because even though they’re not the offensive juggernaut as years past, they still have more than enough talent to win this group. We’re also taking Portugal to come out on top of the Ivory Coast, and the first match of Group G between these two may end up being the best match that sports betting players will watch.
