10th Jun 2014 | World Cup
World Cup Outright Winner Tip: Spain
The winners of the last three major tournaments they have contested are a big price to keep re-writing history in Brazil.
There are two aspects to a World Cup outright tip which need to be given equal consideration. Firstly, obviously, who do we think will win the tournament and secondly, which bookmaker is giving us the biggest bang for our buck?
The initial quandary can immediately be assisted by the latter dilemma. Coral are offering your money back as a free bet if either Brazil or Argentina lift the trophy. These are the two clear favourites to go all the way and it’s worth remembering that every World Cup hosted in South America has been won by a South American nation.
Given that Brazil and Argentina are the only two teams from their continent to taste victory since 1950, it’s fair to say that the chances of getting our money back are very high. With that established we can now assess other hopefuls as something close to a free gamble.
Further great news is that we can rule out most of the other so-called contenders pretty quickly. Belgium haven’t gone deep in a major tournament since 1986 and therefore lack crucial experience as a group. France lack genuine match-winners, particularly now that Franck Ribery has been ruled out. Italy arrive on a run of seven winless matches, Uruguay finished 5th in South American qualifying and Portugal’s reliance on Ronaldo would be a problem even if he was 100% fit.
Instead, only two names really stand out as legitimate rivals to the South American powerhouses. Germany have a wealth of talent and are always there or thereabouts. Under Joachim Lowe they have been finalists at Euro 2008, then semi-finalists at both the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
But where Germany have been nearly-men, Spain stand alone as proven winners. La Roja arrive as the only team ever to have triumphed in three consecutive major tournaments. Victories at Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012 make them worth a flutter at a best price of 13/2. Coral are offering those market-leadings odds, and with a remarkable promotion thrown in.
Vicente del Bosque knows that many think his team are past their best but that accusation will only ensure that Spain arrive with a renewed hunger to prove a point.
Of the key players, only Xavi is of an age (34) where you would have to concede that his peak has been and gone. The same cannot be said of Gerard Pique (27), Sergio Ramos (28), Jordi Alba (25), Andres Iniesta (30), Cesc Fabregas (27), Sergio Busquets (25), David Silva (28) and Diego Costa (25). This is a squad well-equipped for another tilt at the big prize.
The defending champions can continue to pass almost all their potential opponents to death, and in the heat this could be crucial. They may not sparkle at times, but expect the 1-0 victories and winning mentality to last a little while yet.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 11:40 10th Jun, 2014 but subject to change
