Slovakia World Cup Betting Preview

Slovakia odds and free bets for 2010 World Cup

This will be Slovakia’s first appearance at a major tournament since they broke away from the successful Czechoslovakian side in 1993. The team are not considered to be a major threat at the World Cup finals in South Africa, however they are a team that demonstrates a willingness to graft in order to gain a result. The shortest odds for a Slovakia triumph are 150/1 which is offered by Ladbrokes; William Hill offers far more attractive odds at 250/1. These odds demonstrate the fact that the Slovaks are not considered to be a serious threat.

Drawn into Group F with holders Italy, Paraguay and New Zealand; Slovakia are not considered favorites to qualify from the group. They are predicted to finish the group third after Italy and Paraguay. If Slovakia graft they have every chance of qualifying from Group F, Victor Chandler offer the best odds at 7/4 for qualification. Coral offer odds of 9/1 for Slovakia to finish the group as winners, this could be a good bet as there is every chance of this happening if Italy fail to perform. It is widely considered that Slovakia could qualify from the group, BetFred offer odds of 15/8 for Slovakia to be eliminated in the Second Round. BetFred also offer odds of 12/1 for Slovakia to be eliminated at the Quarter Final stage (This could be worth a bet; stranger things have happened).

Slovakia topped their qualification group; however it was not a straightforward qualification campaign. The Slovaks had a difficult group to qualify from but on October 14th 2009 they defied all their doubters and qualified for their first World Cup finals as an independent nation. The campaign saw Slovakia lose twice to closest rivals Slovenia, however with seven wins and one draw against teams such as the Czech Republic and Poland saw Slovakia finish the group with twenty two points.

There are several key players in the Slovakian squad who if on form could lead the team to qualify from Group F. Liverpool central defender Martin Skrtel was one of several players who helped the team to qualify for South Africa with his brave and assured defending. Strikers Marek Hamsik and Satnislav Sestak. Both of which have proved to be goal scorers at both club and international level. The latter finished as Slovakia’s top scorer in qualification with six goals, expert.com price him at 300/1 to be the tournament’s top goal scorer.

Reccomended bets: Although unlikely to be a major player at this year’s finals Slovakia have the potential to at least qualify from the group. One bet worth making would be for a Slovakian victory or a draw with group favourites Italy. Sk Bet offer the best odds for both these outcomes, a Slovakia win is priced at 11/2 and a draw at 11/4

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