argentina

Manager: Diego Maradona
Captain: Javier Mascherano
FIFA World Ranking: 7
World Cup Appearances: 14
Best World Cup: Winners – 1978, 1986

Argentina Betting Article

Argentina Team Profile

Just the name ‘Argentina’ has this daunting affect on its opponents, and the Argentine’s may need their intimidating aurora to play a huge part during their stay in South Africa, as to say Argentina were inconsistent during qualifying is an understatement.

Diego Maradona was the man put in charge by the Argentina football hierarchy and midway through qualifying they must have been wishing they hadn’t. Argentina were supposed to cruise through South American qualifying, leaving the rest of the South American nations to battle it out for the remaining two spots. That certainly wasn’t the case however, as Argentina scraped through by the skin of their teeth and only just snatched the last remaining qualifying position by virtue of a 1-0 win in Uruguay in their final qualifier. Argentina are in South Africa though, not without their fair share of good luck mind, and now that they’re here they mean business.

Despite a rocky qualification, Argentina are still rated No.7 in the FIFA Rankings, while almost every bookmaker has the Argies rated as the fourth best team in the tournament according to their outright odds. We would strongly disagree after watching an awful lot of them throughout qualifying, but we can also understand that Argentina possess some nifty players, none more so than the World’s very best, Lionel Messi. However, Messi, a player who the natives don’t exactly idolise, will have the pressure of an expectant nation upon his shoulders in South Africa and the 22 year-old, who still has tonnes of time to mature and improve his already wonderful game, hasn’t always shone for his country, so to expect more magic from the Barcelona maestro might be a rash assumption.

Nevertheless a team with tonnes of International pedigree and they themselves will fancy their chances in South Africa, so understandable the Argentine’s will be a popular punt for the FIFA World Cup as they seek out their third World Cup success, their first since 1986.

Manager

Where do we start with the ‘controversial’ character which is – Diego Maradona. Many fans around the globe will remember him fondly for his memorable displays in an Argentina shirt, even guiding them to a World Cup success when he captained the side back in 1986. However, for England fans, he will be remembered for his cheating antics in the quarter-final which seen him put the ball into the England net with his hand. That game with the English defined his career as he went on to score what many pundits tout as ‘the goal of the century’ as he weaved through what seemed the entire England squad to score a sublime solo goal. In that game the whole footballing worlds seen the very best and the very worst of the Argentine great and now the world will need to brace themselves again as the lively and charismatic Maradona aims to guide Argentina to another World Cup success, this time as coach.

Diego Maradona has managed two clubs before taking over the role as national team coach but with little success. He took over what is a talented group of players with his country but he has yet to either find the right selection or formation, or perhaps even a combination of the two, to improve Argentina’s performances on the pitch. He has come under mass amounts of scrutiny, mainly from those outside of Argentina in all fairness, but the Argentina board have shown their faith in the Argentine legend in a bid that it might just pay off in the form of a successful World Cup campaign in South Africa.

Argentina Key Players

Lionel Messi

It didn’t take us long to highlight who Argentina’s most influential player is, Lionel Messi. Quick feet, the ability to leave a player standing in awe, bags of pace, skills and tricks in abundance and a very precise and clinical finisher in the final third. Messi can turn any game right on it’s head as one mazy run or one piece of trickery can open the game right up in Argentina’s favour. The entire squad has struggled to adapt to Maradona’s tactics but Messi is the exception to the rule. He can score or create a goal out of absolutely nothing and he will be the man every opposing manager will pinpoint as the biggest danger.

Javier Mascherano

Diego Maradona has put his faith in the Liverpool midfielder to guide his side to bigger and better things at the forthcoming finals. Mascherano has nailed down a starting berth in the Liverpool as a solid and reliable defensive midfielder. However, he has now not only nailed down a starting spot in the Argentina fold but he has also secured the captaincy of his country, arguably his greatest honour as a player. However, he hasn’t had the instants impact many, including Diego Maradona, had expected as captain so the pressure will be just as much on him as the manager himself.

Strengths

Well, it’s hard to look past Lionel Messi being Argentina’s biggest asset in South Africa as he’s a football genius. Quick and nimble footwork, this unique ability to weave in and out of the tightest defences, good vision and awareness, great ball retention and a prolific goalscorer. From a forward perspective, Lionel Messi has it all. Everytime he picks up the ball, the crowd goes silent as they know something special is in the offing whether it’s a jinxing little run or a quick yet precise shot on goal. If Argentina need a goal and Messi gets hold of the ball, be afraid as the kid, who is still just 22 years-old, can punish you with aplomb.

Another player who can and will score goals in South Africa, providing Maradona starts with him, is Gonzalo Higuain. The Real Madrid forward was prolific during the previous campaign. He has a decent turn of foot, he’s great at getting into those scoring positions while he’s a very composed finisher of the ball. Dare we say it, if Higuain gets a starting role at the forefront of the Argentina attack in the summer, we would put a fair wedge on the Real Madrid forward outscoring his Argentine team mate Lionel Messi.

The two we’ve just mentioned are, of course, forward players, so the strength with Argentina is quite obviously really in that they have plenty of goals in them.

Weaknesses

Our biggest criticism with Argentina would be their poor defence. That isn’t at all surprising when you consider that Diego Maradona, the Argentina coach, never did a single bit of defending in his life as a player. That’s no way to run a football team though, despite boasting some great riches in the final third. Their defence needs tightening up before they clash with some of the World’s elite nations because it was leaky during qualifying, with even some of South American’s smaller nations locating Argentina’s goal with alarming regularity.

Another negative, and this one is a big pet hate with us, is Maradona’s tinkering. We don’t recall the great man ever recalling the same eleven for two matches in a row, while players with very few international caps were being called up in what appeared a desperate bid to get Argentina through their sticky situation during qualifying. If you watched Argentina during qualification you would have noticed a lot of stray passes, a lot of smart forward runs by the strikers which went unnoticed, while the organisation at the back was non-existent. This is because Maradona hasn’t given the team enough time to get to know one another and form some team chemistry. No-one was on the same wavelength, and against the very best footballing nations, Argentina will come unstuck unless they come together as a team. With Diego Maradona as manager, we have our doubts over whether sufficient changes will occur before Argentina kick-off their World Cup against Nigeria.

Argentina Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: South America

Position: 4th

Win-Draw-Lose: 8-4-6

Goals Scored: 23

Goals Conceded: 20

Argentina Qualifying statistics:

• Argentina severely struggled on their travels in qualifying, losing five of their nine away fixtures.
• Lionel Messi was the only player to be chosen to play in each of their qualifiers, participating in all eighteen of their World Cup Qualifiers.
• Sergio Aguero, Juan Riquelme & Lionel Messi all shared the honour of being Argentina’s top goalscorers with four goals each.
• 4 (Half/50%) of their wins came by just a one goal margin.
• Diego Maradona used a total of 49 players during the course of the campaign, which just highlights how much tinkering he has done during his spell at the Argentine helm.
• Carlos Tevez appears a fiery character when playing for Argentina, receiving two of the three red cards that Argentina received during qualifying.
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World Cup Potential: 4/5

If we were to be brutally honest about Argentina’s chances in South Africa, we would say they were slim. They are inconsistent, lack cohesion and have a manager at the helm which we simply do not rate in the slightest. Nevertheless, this Argentina team is pack full of world-class individuals, the type of individuals which can hand handle the Big Game pressure, the intense limelight and, more importantly, know how to win games. At club level the majority of these players have a deadly desire to win, that winning mentality that has helped their respective club become successful, but for their country they have failed to replicate that desire and determination, and without those key characteristics, we don’t see Argentina winning this summers showcase event.

However, while Argentina were hugely disappointing throughout qualifying for South Africa, the fact they even managed to qualify is a statement of intent in itself, and one that spells out in bold letters that Argentina just know how to get the business done when it really matters. It doesn’t matter how they got here, that’s all irrelevant now. All that matters now is bringing home the bacon in South Africa, and considering this Argentina team has goals in them, they will be a big threat to Italy’s World Cup crown.

Argentina World Cup Betting Odds

Argentina to win the World Cup: 9/2 Paddy Power

Before the World Cup the odds on Argentina were 7/1 

Official Argentina World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar)

Mariano Andujar (Catania Calcio)

Diego Pozo (Colon de Santa Fe)

Defenders

Gabriel Heinze (Olympique Marseille)

Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich)

Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield)

Walter Samuel (Inter Milan)

Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes de La Plata)

Nicolas Burdisso (AS Roma)

Ariel Garce (Colon de Santa Fe)

Midfielders

Javier Mascherano (FC Liverpool)

Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle United)

Angel Di Maria (Benfica Lisbon)

Mario Bolatti (AC Florenz)

Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes de La Plata)

Javier Pastore (US Palermo)

Maxi Rodriguez (Liverpool)

Strikers

Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)

Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid)

Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)

Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid)

Diego Milito (Inter Milan)

Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Argentina Fixtures – Group B

27/06 – 19.30 – Round of the last 16: Argentina – Mexico

World Cup 2010 Group B - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

Friday 2nd July was the most exciting day of the World Cup so far, with the first two quarter final matches being played at Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg respectively. While neither games were classic encounters, both contained plenty of drama and saw the eventual victors come from behind to triumph and set up an intriguing contest in Cape Town next Tuesday.

During their last eight match against Brazil, the Netherlands were available at around 30/1 on betfair’s outright market, with nothing to suggest that this team were going to overcome a 1-0 deficit at half-time. Bert van Marwijk’s team had seemed short of ideas and the Selecao had spurned several chances to double their advantage. However, a spirited second half comeback from the Dutch means they are now the 9/4 favourites (Paddy Power) to win their first ever World Cup.

Holland could have been backed at 7/2 with Blue Square to win their match with Brazil and they were certainly helped by the opposition shooting themselves in the foot. Goalkeeper Julio Cesar made an uncharacteristic mistake to allow the opposition to equalise and the south Americans seemed to crumble shortly afterwards.

It was noticeable on the outright market that, as soon as Bert van Marwijk’s team took the lead, the odds on Spain winning their first ever World Cup began to contract. Vicente Del Bosque’s team had been around 3/1 before the Netherlands v Brazil game, although William Hill actually make them the 2/1 favourites even before they have played their quarter final match against Paraguay (and knowing that they will have to beat Germany or Argentina to make the final).

This shortening of Spanish odds is partly because it was felt that Brazil might have the players to nullify La Furia Roja if the two teams met in the final, although the removal of Dunga’s men makes Spain arguably the best side remaining in the 2010 World Cup. However, it’s interesting to note that the odds on Argentina (4/1 Sporting Bet) and Germany (6/1 Sky Bet) have barely changed in contrast.

As for Uruguay, they must have been ready to pack their suitcases after a Luis Suarez handball in the last minute of extra-time against Ghana seemed certain to help the Black Stars become the first African team to progress beyond the quarter final stage of the World Cup. However, Asamoah Gyan’s missed penalty allowed La Celeste to go through on spot kicks themselves and it will be great news for the shrewd punters who backed them at 25/1 shortly after Oscar Tabarez’s team beat Mexico to be sure of top spot in Group A.

The draw has been kind to the south American team who are now as short as 8/1 (Paddy Power) to win their first World Cup for sixty years, although Boylesports are a bit bigger with their 12/1 quote that Uruguay go all the way. They will be missing Suarez for the match in Cape Town, although the pressure will be off them as underdogs.

Nobody loves the thrill and excitement, all the adrenaline rush, that comes from players shooting from a mere 12 yards out in a penalty shoot-out. That is with the exception of the millions upon millions of neutrals now spectating the biggest sporting event on the planet, and we’re aiming this message at you poor English folk specifically.

If you’ve got your eye on a new World Cup lover, and don’t worry the wife cannot class this as cheating or playing away from home, then why not add a bit more spice to proceedings by slapping a small wager  (£5+) on the new love of your life winning 2010 FIFA World Cup outright? This is hoping you haven’t already done so with another bookmaker, but 888sport are doing their ‘penalty shoot-out saving’ promotion all over again, only this time you have the advantage of only being up against just seven other opponents.

Back any of the 8 teams still left in the FIFA World Cup rat race and if your team falters in a penalty shoot-out, 888.sport will refund your wager, anything up to £50, as a FREE BET. How’z that for security!

You will find an even better explanation of the promotion directly on the 888.sport website – But we did try our best.

In case you were wondering, we’ve opted in and have chosen the free-scoring Argentina – £5 returns £25 (Including stake) should they go all the way and lift the trophy for the third time. A team which is jammed-packed with world-class forwards, and has goals galore written all over them. Oh yeah, and they have this kid many deem as some sort of wonder-kid, he goes by the name of Lionel Messi?! Lets hope the Germans don’t give me a double low-blow on Saturday.

Good Luck, especially if you’re plucky enough to go for one of the outsiders – Uruguay (14/1), Ghana (40/1) and Paraguay (50/1).

Argentina V Germany Preview

Kick-off: Saturday, 3rd July – 15:00 GMT
Venue: Green Point Stadium, Cape Town
World Cup Quarter-Final

Argentina

The exciting prospect of facing their fierce South Americans rivals, Brazil, is still on the cards but Argentina must first tame one of the competition’s most consistent nations in that of Germany, who will be aiming to make their 12th semi-final in the history of the competition which is in stark contrast to the Argentine’s who would make just their fifth. Even so, it is Argentina who arrive in Cape Town as favourites after scoring 10 goals in just 4 games, but will they put their striking prowess to good use on Saturday in a game which promises to produce fireworks.

Reports claims that Diego Maradona had two dream encounters planned for these finals, with the first being against the English. That dream was wrecked at the Round of 16 stage by their last-eight opponents Germany, who themselves are high up on Argentina’s list of enemy’s. Four years ago in Germany, the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Argentina went crashing out of the tournament on penalties to the Germans before later exacting their frustration and disappointment onto the German team with their hands. It was ugly scenes, an act of a sore loser from an Argentine viewpoint, and they’ll be eager to make amends for their embarrassing post-match antics, as well as their shortcomings, by avoiding any such commotion by beating Germany, preferably before the dreaded penalty shoot-out.

A lot has been made of Argentina’s prolific strike force, the five-strong list of deadly forwards which now contain two-goal Carlos Tevez, Golden Boot contender Gonzalo Higuain and the majestic Lionel Messi, who has yet to find the back of anyone’s goal but has looked magnificent nonetheless. Their 10 goals in 4 games would emphasis their strength in numbers up front, with Argentina currently leading the way in goals scorer for the tournament so far, but it is easy to forget that a defence which did look suspect on paper has conceded just two goals thus far. That’s not to say that Argentina’s defence should be feared in any which way, nor that it’s impenetrable, but it was previously an area of huge concern and it’s definitely a pleasing aspect to see Maradona’s defence going about their business in a casual and reliable manner, as the forwards continue to steal the limelight with their goals.

Diego Maradona is fortunate enough not to have any injury woes or suspension headaches to concern himself with as he ponders how to mastermind a victory over an opponent which will put them through their paces like no other has done previously in the tournament. There are, however, several with a yellow card to their name and another caution would mean they would miss a potentially all South American semi-final with Uruguay or Ghana. Javier Mascherano, who is prone to receive a card in big games, and Gabriel Heinze, another to have a tendency to pick up needless cautions, will both miss out on the last-four should they be cautioned in Cape Town. Other than that, it’s full steam ahead as Diego Maradona has a full squad of players to choose from.

Germany

Quick, hide, the Germans are coming. The sound of Joachim Low’s men marching into Cape Town would be enough to scare the socks off of any hardened footballing professional, but they may well find their match on Saturday as they prepare to take on an opponent just as feisty and battle hardened as themselves in that of South American giants Argentina. However, the Germans come baring gifts, or scalps shall we say, and will arrive at the Green Point Stadium boasting the blood of England. Will they add Argentina to their list of conquests so far in this tournament, or will the apparent immaturity of the squad be their downfall in a clash where boys are likely to be found out.

Germany were in a ruthless mood as they trampled on English dreams last Saturday, crushing one of their bitter enemy’s in a utterly dominant and convincing win over England. The Three Lions were favourites heading into that clash, just ever so slightly, so perhaps a case could be made for the Germans and their love for the underdog status. Well, if they weren’t recognised as slight underdogs in their previous clash against England they certainly will be against Argentina, as Germany are as big as 12/5 (3.40) with SkyBet and Ladbrokes to upset the odds, yes upset the odds!, on Saturday in a symmetrical fixture they won four years ago via spot-kicks. For all you ladies out there who love a bargain, we think Germany could be the deal of the century, especially if they turn up and perform as they did against England exactly a week ago.

Their four goals against England last weekend took their tally for the tournament to 9, leaving them just one shy of Argentina. That’s some achievement for a team which doesn’t have a recognised forward in its midsts, and by recognised we mean recognised for their talent and recent form. Miroslav Klose has accounted for two of those but he’s looked out of sorts for some time and may well find chances hard to come by against this Argentina defence, so the onus is on the likes of Lukas Podolski (2 Goals), Mesut Ozil (1 Goal) and Thomas Muller (3 Goals) to continue their fine run of form in front of goal because, in all honesty, their forwards just aren’t World Cup quality. With that said, you’ll struggle to find a forward more experienced and cunning that Klose, who with another three goals would equal the great Ronaldo’s record of 15 goals in finals.

Unlike his opposite number, Joachim Low does have plenty to ponder before the big game, while he isn’t fat and ugly either. The German equivalent of a glamour model has worries over two big names in that of Mesut Ozil, who has been sensational in that play-maker role and would leave a huge void should he not feature, and Lukas Podolski. The pair have had to miss large chunks of training recently and their doubts only add more woes, especially as the energetic and lively Cacua is unavailable through injury as well. Just to add insult to injury, any number of key players could miss the semi-final should they receive another caution on Saturday, including Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Ozil and Lahm. With injuries causing havoc right now and the possibility of suspensions in the next round, the term ‘walking on egg shells’ couldn’t be more appropriate.

Match Odds:

Argentina – 2.38 BetFred
Draw – 3.25 bWin
Germany – 3.40 SkyBet

Our Betting Tip: Argentina to WIN – 2.38 BetFred

We, unfortunately, cannot see past an Argentina victory. The Germans were breathtaking last weekend as they dismantled England’s hopes of lifting the trophy after a 44-year drought, but there’s doubt over their defence, their forwards and their overall conditioning ahead of a clash against a team which has shaped up as possible FIFA World Cup champions. Thomas Muller commented earlier in the week that the Germans are a hard-working group of players, willing to go that extra mile for the good of the team. We hope that is true, as Low will need another courageous and industrious effort from his players on Saturday if they’re to despatch of the South Americans.

As for Argentina, they’re proving a difficult team to assess purely because they’ve looked the bee’s knees but haven’t yet been pitted against a team worthy or likely to win the title itself. This will be their first proper test of the tournament and should they handle whatever the Germans have to offer and give back twice as much, then who’s to say Argentina won’t continue going from strength to strength as they’ve done throughout the competition so far. Plus, with a deadly trio of forwards; Tevez, Messi and four-goal Higuain, it’s difficult to oppose a team possible of scoring any number of goals and unlikely to fire any blanks against any opponent.

Recommended Bet: Argentina to Score 3 or More Goals -  5.00 PaddyPower

Current Argentina v Germany Odds:

Argentina

Argentina have kept their discpline in these finals, having received just five cautions after four games. Jonas Gutierrez has two but has already served a suspension, but Javier Mascherano and Gabriel Heinze are two players which could pick up another yellow against Germany on Friday and would then miss the semi-final against either Spain or Paraguay.

Brazil

Dunga has his work cut out with injuries, as Elano is ruled out of Friday’s encounter with Holland while Felipe Melo and Julio Baptista are major doubts. A highly likely replacement for Melo would have been Benfica’s Ramires, but his second yellow card of the tournament against Chile in the previous round means he will serve out a one-game suspension. Kaka, Luis Fabiano and Juan are all one caution away from missing the semi-final against either Uruguay or Ghana.

Germany

It has been well documented that Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Ozil have been nursing injuries, or knocks, but both are likely to start after playing pivotals roles in dismantling England in the previous round. However, Cacau has been ruled out entirely from featuing against Argentina on Friday, while Lukas Podolski missed some training in the lead up to the big game although is expected to start nonetheless. There are, though, a host of key players on the verge of missing the semi-final, should Germany qualify, through suspension; Per Mertesacker, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller, Philip Lahm and Arne Friedrich.

Ghana

Jonathan Mensah leaves coach Rajevac with a defensive void to fill, as the centre-half serves out a one-game suspension, as does Andre Ayew. It is, however, the news that Kevin-Prince Boateng, who opened the scoring against the United States in a 2-1 Round of 16 victory, is a massive doubt to feature against Uruguay on Friday, while three-goal forward Asamoah Gyan is recovering from an ankle injury sustained in that USA win. The latter is, however, expected to be fit in time for Friday’s showdown. Anthony Annan, Prince Tagoe, Isaac Vorsah and Lee Addy are one yellow card away from a suspension.

Holland

To the sheer delight of the Dutch contingency over in South Africa, Arjen Robben has seemingly found a new bill of health and after starting against Slovakia in the previous round, scoring the opener as well, Robben is set to start his second game in succession against Brazil. He remains Van Mariwjk’s only injury concern, while no player will serve out a suspension, although a whole host are one caution away from doing so; Stekelenberg, Van Der Wiel, Van Bronckhorst, Kuyt, Nigel de Jong, Robin Van Persie, Van der Vaart and Boulahrouz.

Paraguay

We haven’t been made aware of any injury setbacks, so coach Gerado Martino should have a full squad of 23 fit players to choose from, which is just as well considering their next assignment is against the current European champions, Spain. Their star man, Roque Santa Cruz, is a card away from missing a potential semi-final, as are Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros.

Spain

Coach Vicente Del Bosque doesn’t appear to have any apparent absentee’s, although there are several carrying knocks or nursing minor injuries; Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Fernando Torres three of note. Xabi Alonso is the only player to receive a caution for Spain in the whole tournament so far, so only a red card would stop any of Spain’s stars from participating in the semi-final.

Uruguay

Nicolas Lideiro has already served a one-game suspension, but other than that manager Oscar Tabarez has little to worry his cotton socks over ahead of a daunting last-eight clash against the team the whole of Africa will be supporting in Ghana. Diego Lugano, Jorge Fucile and Mauricio Victorino are just a yellow card away from missing a tasty last-four encounter against either Brazil or Holland.

While we have done our utmost to notify everyone of any suspensions and injuries, we cannot guarantee that every piece of suspension/injury news will be reported. We will, however, update when and if we hear any news whenever necessary.

On Friday 11th June, South Africa and Mexico got the 2010 World Cup under way, although they and twenty-two other teams have bitten the dust as we now enter the business end of the competition. We have waved goodbye to England, France and Italy along the way and now have eight sides battling it out to be kings of the planet.

Interestingly, the USA are the only group winner not to be involved in the quarter finals, with Ghana’s passage meaning that Group D still has two representatives in the competition. The Black Stars are bidding to become the first African team to win the World Cup and the draw has been relatively kind to them. Friday night’s match against Uruguay will have Milovan Rajevac dreaming of glory and you can get 40/1 (William Hill) about them making history.

However, it’s probably fair to say that just five teams can now win the 2010 World Cup and it’s Brazil who currently head the market at odds of 5/2 (Sporting Bet). The Selecao sit in the easier half of the draw (they would play Uruguay or Ghana in the semis) and have barely put a foot wrong since beating North Korea in the opening match. Manager Dunga has assembled an excellent defence and the team were devastating on the counter-attack against Chile in the last sixteen.

Hot on their heels in the outright market is Spain at odds of 3/1 (Ladbrokes). The competition is much richer for the presence of Vicente Del Bosque’s team, who have given supporters and backers plenty of nervous moments already in this tournament. La Furia Roja are clearly the best passing team in the World Cup, although the defence has a fragility which has already seen Switzerland beat them in the group stages.

The next two teams in the betting will meet each other in Saturday afternoon’s quarter final and it’s hard to split Argentina and Germany for this Cape Town clash. Diego Maradona’s team are 9/2 (William Hill) to land the spoils twenty-four years after the manager did so as a player, although many think that this Albiceleste defence hasn’t yet been tested and the Germans might be the team to do so. Even so, it’s hard to argue with the attacking prowess of Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain, with Angel Di Maria providing plenty of inspiration from midfield.

Germany are available at odds of 15/2 (Sky Bet) to win the World Cup for the first time since becoming a unified nation but they will have to do things the hard way! Having disposed of England in the last sixteen stage, they now face Argentina before potential matches against Spain and then Brazil! It’s an incredible task facing Joachim Loew’s young team, although they are looking fearless and perhaps Die Mannschaft will benefit from having youth on its side.

Holland are the fifth team who have a chance of winning the competition, although the Netherlands have been something of an enigma. Sporting Bet offer 15/2 that Bert van Marwijk’s team win the 2010 World Cup, although this team haven’t really lived up to their billing and will need to show improvement against Brazil or they will go out.

We’re now down to the quarter final stage of the 2010 World Cup as teams get down to the serious business of winning the 19th renewal of this illustrious competition. Seven countries have been victorious since the inaugural tournament was held in 1930 and four of them are still standing in South Africa, with England, France and Italy no more.

The question is – will we see a new name on the trophy? Or will Brazil, Argentina, Germany or Uruguay continue to keep the World Cup winner’s club to an exclusive band of teams? The bookies offer 4/7 (Paddy Power) that the old guard are triumphant, while you can get odds of 13/8 (Sporting Bet) that we see a new winner – Spain being the most likely to achieve this.

Meanwhile, you can also bet on which continent will provide the winner of the 2010 World Cup. At the start of the tournament, Europe were the overwhelming favourite, although that was before France and Italy decided to implode at the group stage! Ladbrokes now make South America the odds-on favourite (8/13), with Europe on offer at 11/10 and Africa the rank outsider at 33/1 (Blue Square).

Several bookmakers have also resurrected their ‘Name the Finalists’ market now that we’re down to eight teams. Brazil appear to feature in the easy half of the draw, so it’s no surprise to see the Selecao included in many short-priced combinations. Many people’s idea of a dream final is Brazil v Spain and that’s the slight favourite at odds of 3/1 (Sky Bet). However, if you think it will be an all-South American final for the first time since 1950 (!), Brazil squaring off against Argentina is on offer at 9/2 (Paddy Power).

The Dutch will surely have a gameplan to try and overcome their Brazilian opponents in the quarter final and victory would leave them well placed to reach the final for the first time since 1978. They lost to Argentina that year and the bookies make the prospect of the two teams playing each other a 9/1 chance (Paddy Power).

There’s also an interesting competition to see which team can score the most World Cup goals during this tournament. In case you haven’t been counting (!), Argentina and Germany both have nine goals and Brazil have managed eight. It looks to be a three-horse race and it’s the latter who are the 11/10 favourites on betfair, especially as the other two teams play each other.

Although Spain are unlikely to win that particular market, it’s Vicente Del Bosque’s team that are favourites to be Top European Team. Few people would have expected just three sides from this continent to remain at the quarter final stage, although the Spanish are 4/6 (bet365) to land the spoils, compared to the 3/1 (Paddy Power) on offer about Germany and the 7/2 (bet365) that it’s the Netherlands who are top European dogs.

After finishing second in Group C, the England squad knew they had to do things the hard way to reach the World Cup final, although the same applies to Germany even though Die Mannschaft finished top of Group D. Victory over the Three Lions on Sunday was comfortable enough, although they now face Argentina on Saturday afternoon before a potential semi final against Spain and final against Brazil or Holland!

It means that Germany are still 7/1 (Sporting Bet) to win the 2010 World Cup, although this young team certainly have the potential to go all the way. While they are without captain Michael Ballack for this tournament, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira have stepped up to the mark and midfielder Mesut Ozil has been a revelation in a free role behind the strikers.

The main concern would probably be in defence, with Schalke’s Manuel Neuer inexperienced between the sticks, while the same applies to the 21-year-old Jerome Boateng in central defence. However, Phillip Lahm and Arne Friedrich are excellent full-backs, with the former regularly getting forward in this World Cup to support the team’s attacking players.

It was something of a surprise to see them as outsiders to beat England and the bookmakers are happy to take on Klose, Podolski and Co when they meet Argentina at Greenpoint Stadium. Ladbrokes offer 5/2 that we see another German victory in ninety minutes, although La Albiceleste have not been convincing in defence either.

Meanwhile, Argentina are now no bigger than 7/2 (bet365) to win the 2010 World Cup following their 3-1 win over Mexico. There was an element of fortune about the way the team took the lead after Carlos Tevez’s offside goal was allowed to stand, although they are certainly an attacking force who have racked up nine goals so far.

Uruguay have been the biggest market movers on the outright betting since beating Mexico to finish top of Group A last Tuesday. Paddy Power originally installed them as 25/1 to go all the way, although the way that the draw has worked out in addition to their 2-1 win over South Korea now means that La Celeste are 12/1 (Ladbrokes) to win the World Cup for the third occasion.

Despite also making the quarter finals, Ghana are given less chance of glory by the bookmakers. The Black Stars are now just three games away from becoming the first African team to win the World Cup, although firms are still regarding this as a remote possibility and Sporting Bet offer 33/1 that Milovan Rajevac steers them to success. Then again, they will regard a quarter final match against Uruguay as winnable and don’t forget that this team reached the final of the African Nations Cup in January.

Bet365 continue to run with their World Cup penalty payback promotion, where you will get your stake refunded if the team you have backed on the outright loses on spot kicks. With Germany beating Argentina on penalties in the 2006 World Cup, it’s worth considering!