8th Jun 2014 | World Cup
Group A Betting Preview
Brazil were met with boos from their own supporters as they completed their World Cup preparations against Serbia. Could the pressure get too much for them? Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon hope so.
Tournament hosts Brazil got an early indication of the potential pitfalls of being favourites on home soil when they were jeered from the pitch against Serbia. Phil Scolari’s boys won the match 1-0 but the performance wasn’t good enough for the expectant supporters.
If pressure does get the better of Brazil then it may be worth betting on them to exit in round two at best odds of 3/1 with BetVictor. Before dismissing that, consider that they are likely to face Spain or Netherlands at that stage regardless of how they perform early on.
But the real battle in Group A appears to be for second place. Croatia are 11/10 (Bet365) to qualify and they have warmed up with narrow victories over Mali and Australia. Mexico are 7/5 (Skybet) to progress but have lost 1-0 to both Portugal and Bosnia in the last few week. Much tougher matches, but the lack of goals will be a concern.
Perhaps outsiders Cameroon shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand after drawing 2-2 with Germany in their final warm-up outing. The Indomitable Lions are 9/2 (Boylesports) to advance.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 08:30 8th Jun, 2014 but subject to change
