Sportsbook odds rank Spain and Brazil at 4-1 to win the World Cup that starts in June in South Africa. Each of the 32 teams competing had to announce their provisional 30-man rosters by May 11th. Brazil left off Ronaldinho, Adriano and Neymar. Brazil coach Dunga is sticking to players that helped win last year’s Confederations Cup. “These players are winners,” Dunga said. “There is no doubt they are prepared to help Brazil reach its goal. They are ready to give their best for the country.” Other big names like Ruud van Nistelrooy of the Netherlands and Totti of Italy were not on rosters.
Spain is favored at the sportsbook and three of their most valued players are unhealthy. Xavi Hernandez, Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres are still healing but all three are on the Spain roster. England is also a favorite in the World Cup odds at the offshore sportsbook. England 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 official roster. Other roster players were not a surprise including Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba who accumulated 29 goals this season for Chelsea to head the Permiere League. Ivory Coast is an interesting 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,” 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 plays in a very tough group G with Brazil and Portugal but they might be the second team from that Group that advances as Portugal looks weak.
