Brazil World Cup Betting

Odds: 5/1

Positives

Nobody in the world has a better World Cup record than Brazil. They have now won the tournament five times throughout its history and, crucially for this World Cup, are the only nation to have lifted the trophy outwith their own continent. They qualified in first place from the tough South American qualifying structure and in manager Dunga they have a man who knows all about winning the games most prestigious prize.

They have also made it to the semi-final on five other occasions, so if you’re looking for a good run for your money than Brazil are the reliable bet.

Negatives

You have to dig pretty deep to find some dirt on this Brazil team and in truth there aren’t many negatives. One which could be key is that if they or Spain finish second in their respective groups then they will have to play each other in the round of 16.

There are also some minor concerns over personnel. Ronaldinho was a glaring omission from Dunga’s squad for their World Cup warm up match against Republic of Ireland and the out of form attacking midfielder will be a big loss if he cannot recover his best form. There are also a number of key players – notably Robinho and Adriano – who are now plying their trade in the Brazilian domestic league which is not of the same high standard as Europe’s elite leagues, making the step up from this level to international level may not be such a smooth transition.

Key Player(s)

Kaka is the man with the big money price tag hanging over his head and he will be the man charged with pulling the strings in this Brazil team. He hasn’t been as prominent in proceedings at club level since his move to Real Madrid but that could be due to the fact that he like many of Madrid’s other star signings have taken time to acclimatise to each other’s style of play. Back in the Brazil team where he knows all those around him he could be a star of this World Cup and after watching from the sideline as his compatriots lifted the 2002 trophy he will be eager to get his own hands on it this time around.

In front of Kaka, Luis Fabiano has taken up the mantle of Brazil’s main striker. Following in the footsteps of Ronaldo and Romario is no mean feat but with 25 goals in under 40 international games Fabiano is doing a rather amicable job. Who partners him will be one of Dunga’s main selection headaches as he must choose between Robinho, Adriano and Nilmar all of whom can be devastating when on top form.

Best Bet

One of the prerequisites when looking to back a player in the Golden Boot Betting is that they must stand a good chance of making it to the latter stages of the tournament. Brazil tick that box and Luis Fabiano is their main man.

Back Luis Fabiano to win the Golden Boot @ 13/1 each-way