It should come as no surprise that the top two soccer betting favorites for the 2018 FIFA World Cup are Germany and Brazil. The German National Team is the defending champion which always makes for a popular choice. Brazil last won the World Cup in 2002 but is always in the mix as a chalk. The Brazilian National Team won the 2016 Olympic Gold Medal to enhance their resume. Beyond the “Big Two” there are several other potential choices to win the World Cup with better value being offered.
2018 FIFA World Cup
Date and Time: June 14 through July 15, 2018
Location: Russia
World Cup Betting Online Odds: (Click Here for Lines)
2018 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage: Check Listings
Defending FIFA World Cup Champion Germany opened as the 9/2 soccer betting favorite to repeat the feat. The next choice is Brazil at 9/2. The third choice to win the World Cup is France at 6/1. Spain opened at 15/2 with Argentina at 9/1. Other popular choices are Belgium at 12/1, and England at 16/1.
It is understandable why Germany is such a popular choice with the offshore betting odds. The Germans have a tradition rich program that is loaded with talent and depth. Germany has three World Cup titles and is coming off a 2017 Confederations Cup. It is remarkable to note that Germany had a slump after winning the 1990 World Cup. From 1994 through 1998 they failed to get past the quarterfinals. But since 2002 Germany has finished no worse than third place. Joachim Low is considered by many to be the best coach on Earth. He was the coach of Germany’s 2014 World Cup and 2017 Confederations Cup teams. Goaltender Manuel Neuer is the team captain and also considered to be the best at his position in the world. He is the star of the famed Bayern Munich team from the Bundesliga.
The thrill for Brazil is equally understandable. Though not as disciplined as Germany they are perhaps more talented. Tite took over as coach for Brazil in 2016. He gained fame as coach of Corinthians in the Brazilian league. At Corinthians Tite won both league and FIFA Club World Cup titles. Brazil has a rich history with five World Cup titles. They also boast the greatest player of all time in Pele, who starred for the national team from 1957-71.
England is a team to keep an eye on. The Three Lions last won the World Cup in 1966 and are always touted as a favorite. The English are considered by many to be perpetually overrated. The English National Team has struggled because of the popularity of the English Premier League. The EPL has become a financial beast that has seemed to take away from prioritizing the national team efforts. But there is still an incredible passion for this team and enough talent to make it dangerous.
Matchup to Watch
The obvious soccer betting matchup that many are waiting for is a Germany vs. Brazil rematch. However smart handicappers looking for value will pick elsewhere. There will simply be too much public money on the “Big Two” and plenty of quality alternatives at better prices.
2018 FIFA World Cup Betting Odds Picks
England will bring enough talent and a far better price to make for an outstanding value. The national team is also sick of the bickering and complaining of its passionate fan base.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: England 16/1
