World Cup Futures Betting: Group H
Group H is definitely not the most competitive group. This is in part in that Belgium is still considered a surprise favourite at a World Cup as they have not traditionally been this good and everyone seems to be wondering whether they are really capable of winning a big event like this. [ad-1519080]
Russia is considered a good but not great side though they do have a coach who knows how to win in import Italian Fabio Capella. Korea has had success in the past but most of those players from 2002 are gone so even though their odds are much better than Algeria’s they are not that much better a bet.
Belgium
(Odds to win group H) -150 [dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Currently Belgium is ranked 12th in the FIFA rankings ahead of more celebrated squads like the Netherlands and Mexico. This is somewhat rare territory for a nation that did not even qualify for the last two World Cups.
They were very strong in qualifying play and are a definite team to consider if you are looking outside the top few squads to win it all, +1800 is a pretty nice windfall.
The fact that they are in an easy group helps and so does the fact that is seems like a group of high quality players are all coming of age at the same time. Their best player is likely to be Vincent Kompany, who showed at Man City that he is capable of being an elite player.
Kompany has impressive company too. I can’t take full credit for this stat but the Belgian starters have the third highest combined salary competing nations.
They are no stiffs or flukes that is for sure.
Russia
(Odds to win group H) +200
Russia does not have a long World Cup resume qualifying only twice before Brazil. They are the hosts of World Cup 2018 so this year’s event will be a critical stepping stone for Russian soccer. As was to be expected the Russians have spared no expense in bringing in Italian coach Fabio Capella.
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Capella has been parachuted in before and his results with England in 2010 were not great. A lot of the top Russian players play in their home league so they may not be as recognizable as others.
The one player who stands out the most is Alan Dzagoev who is an attacking midfielder. Their odds to win the group are enticing but they would have to beat Belgium straight up.
Korea Republic
(Odds to win group H) +750
The Koreans are probably still basking in their success from 2002, when hosting the tournament enabled them to spirit to a 4th place finish. This team always plays with lots of energy but if you can match that than opponents should not have much trouble beating them.
There just isn’t much talent there outside of Son Heung Min, the only Korean player suiting up for teams that play in the Champions League. +750 seems like long odds but in reality they should probably be closer to Algeria.
Algeria
(Odds to win group H) +2000
Algeria qualified for the World Cup in 2010 and it is going to be hard for them to match their performance there of one draw and 2 losses as they are by far the weakest team in this group.
In their history they have pulled off some big upsets, most notably back in 1982 over then West Germany but that was more than a generation ago. One of the challenges the Algerians have is that some of their top players are eligible to play for France.
One such player is leader Sofiane Feghouli but he has elected to play for Algeria even though he has suited up for France many time in the past. There are a bunch of stories like this one amongst the top African nations.
Some work out in their favour and others do not. Love the name Fennec Foxes for this club. It is a cute and cuddly little guy.
Group H Picks
Belgium is the obvious pick and I think the Russians will play to form and take the second slot out of this group. Since the Belgians are far from a lock it might be worth putting a little on the Russians if you like.
Perhaps it would be better to back them to win in their game against Belgium though, The payoff might be better.
The 2014 World Cup futures betting season is here in full force! If you like to bet on the World Cup, you are in the best possible place for online betting.
