Sportsbook World Cup front-runners team rosters

Sportsbook odds rank Spain and Brazil at 4-1 to win the World Cup that begins in June in South Africa. All of the 32 teams in the World Cup had to announce their provisional 30-man rosters by May 11th. Brazil didn’t include Ronaldinho, Adriano and Neymar. Brazil coach Dunga is sticking to players that helped win last year’s Confederations Cup. “These players are winners,” said coach Dunga. “There is no doubt they are prepared to help Brazil reach its goal. They are ready to give their best for the country.” More big names like Ruud van Nistelrooy of the Netherlands and Totti of Italy were missing from rosters.

 

Spain is a favorite at the sportsbook and three of their star players are unhealthy. Xavi Hernandez, Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres are currently injured but all three are on the Spain roster. England is another favorite in the World Cup odds at the offshore sportsbook. The U.K. included on their roster 32-year old Jamie Carragher and Gareth Berry. “The FA got in touch a few weeks ago and asked if I would have a rethink, due to injury problems,” Jamie explained. “I said I would make myself available. The World Cup and Champions League are the highest levels of football. I am keen to work under Fabio Capello.”

 

Australia listed Harry Kewell on their roster disregarding his groin injury. Switzerland included 18-year-old Xherdan Shaquiria on the Swiss roster. Other roster inclusions were not a surprise including Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba who scored 29 goals this season for Chelsea to lead the Permiere League. Ivory Coast is a notable team in World Cup odds at sportsbook. They are a darkhorse candidate with odds of 20-1. It’s not enough to hope Drogba will go out and score some goals,” their coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said. “If we don’t play as a team, we cannot be impressive. Quality isn’t enough in football, you need to work together.” Ivory Coast competes in a very tough group G with Brazil and Portugal but they could be the second team from that Group that advances as Portugal looks weak.