USA 7/1 to beat Brazil in Johannesburg and win the competition
Very few people gave the United States of America a prayer of winning the 2009 Confederations Cup at the start of the tournament, where they were priced at around the 33/1 mark. That price soon drifted after 3-1 and 3-0 defeats to Italy and Brazil respectively, by which stage they could be backed at odds of 1000/1 on betfair. Those that took an unlikely plunge on Bob Bradley’s team are now sitting pretty after the Americans not only beat Egypt to scramble into the semi-finals but also defeated Spain to book their place in Sunday’s final. Ladbrokes and bet365 offer 7/1 that they now go all the way.
They certainly have plenty of momentum after scoring five goals and conceding none in their past two matches. They might have ridden their luck against the European champions, although their athleticism and some good goalkeeping from Tim Howard ensured a 2-0 victory. It’s a massive 60/1 (Paddy Power) that they repeat this scoreline against the Brazilians, who were made to work hard for their place in the final on Thursday. Hosts South Africa pulled a strong performance out of the bag and were only beaten by Daniel Alves’ late free-kick. Therefore, it’s questionable as to whether 2/5 (Sky Bet) is a value bet about the Samba stars.
Nevertheless, Dunga’s team might have the Indian sign over their opponents after beating them comprehensively in the group stages and Paddy Power predictably go best price that Brazil lead the match at half-time and full-time. This happened a week ago in Pretoria, where the South Americans raced into a 2-0 lead after twenty minutes before scoring once more in the second half. Sporting Bet go 8/1 that the score finishes 3-0 in their favour once again, although personally I feel this re-match will be a good deal tighter. Bet365’s 9/10 about there being two goals or less, something which occurred in both semi-finals.
However, there’s little doubt that Brazil have the players that can shine on a big global stage and it’s clear that Kaka (5/1 Ladbrokes), Luis Fabiano (7/2 Betfred) and Robinho (6/1 Boylesports) will all want to shine in the final. The trio have all been on the scoresheet during the tournament, although it’s worth bearing in mind that the Real Madrid star is the designated penalty taker for the team. He’s 6/4 (Coral) to score at any stage and will clearly relish the chance to show the world why his new club splashed out so much for him. The US also have a Spain-based player who could cause the Brazilian defence a few problems. Jozy Altidore is only 19 but opened the scoring against Spain with a fine goal and is 14/1 (Ladbrokes) to break the deadlock and send his country into a surprise 1-0 lead.