Back Brazil to be crowned world champions in South Africa
Brazil have been drawn in the toughest group in this summer’s World Cup in South Africa, but the Samba boys should still be able not only to progress from Group G, but also to win the group, and that will put them in pole position to win the whole tournament.
North Korea pose no threat, and both the Ivory Coast and Portugal are indifferent at best. Brazil are more than capable of beating both of those sides, as the Ivory Coast showed in the African Nations Cup that they are not as strong as many people claim, and Portugal’s qualification was achieved though other sides in qualification imploding, rather than them winning.
If they can qualify as group winners, then Brazil will avoid meeting the pre-tournament favourites, Spain, until the final, and a second round match with the runner-up of the Spaniard’s group, be it Honduras, Switzerland or Chile will hold no fears.
After that, the Brazilians will most likely take on Holland, who are a good attacking side, but don’t possess a defence strong enough to deal with the threat of players such as Luis Fabiano, Kaka and Robinho.
A probable semi-final against England then awaits, and patriotic England supporters will claim that Fabio Capello’s side are the equal of their opponents, but that is simply not true. Wayne Rooney excepted, England are a fairly ordinary international side. Brazil were utterly dominant in a recent friendly, and although Fabio Capello could not call on his regular starting XI, neither could Dunga, and by the time the semi-finals arrive, injuries and suspensions will have started to take their toll, and there is a very real possibility that players such as Rio Ferdinand, John Terry or Ashley Cole could be unavailable for England.
Even at full strength Brazil would be favourites to beat England, and then, once they reach the final, and a probable match against Spain, the experience in the Brazil squad will become a key factor. Dunga has won the World Cup as a player, and many of his stars, such as Kaka, Dani Alves, Robinho, Luis Fabiano and Marcelo have experience of La Liga football, and will not be fazed by facing up to the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and David Villa, who they face regularly at club level.
SkyBet are offering to refund all losing bets on the outright winner of the World Cup, if England lift the trophy. This is another argument for backing Brazil, as opposed to Spain or Argentina, who are in the other side of the draw, as it means that should the tournament go according to rankings and form, whoever triumphs in the semi-final will allow you to have a chance of either winning your bet or at least not losing your bet when the final comes.
Recommendation
World Cup Winner – Brazil (5/1, SkyBet)
