World Cup Group G betting preview

World Cup Group G odds, tips and free bets

Group G was immediately tagged with being the ‘group of death’ once the draw was complete. Containing three teams which are well fancied to go far in the competition, it is a certainty that one ‘big’ team will leave the competition at the group stage. Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast will almost certainly be fighting tooth and nail to qualify from this group, with football minnows North Korea seemingly left with little chance of getting any points. Brazil are favourites with the bookies to progress from this group which is understandable given their unquestionable pedigree in the World Cup. They are available at 4/6 to win the group with SKYBET. As usual they have plenty of attacking threats at their disposal with the likes of Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano. Also they have qualified from the group stages for the last five World Cups. However, they will have to try and keep it tight at the back with some very capable attack-minded teams also competing in the group.

Portugal are slight favourites over Ivory Coast to qualify at 20/23 (Totesport). Portugal, like Brazil, have lots of skilful attack-minded players, none more so than Cristiano Ronaldo. He has the ability to almost single-handedly beat any team in the world. He can score and create goals out of nothing and will certainly be one of the players to watch at this tournament. However, despite his importance to the team, Portugal are far from being solely reliant on one player. They also have the likes of Nani and Simao who are capable of similar feats. Although they have such talent in the squad, qualification was only achieved through a play-off having been beaten to top-spot in their group by Denmark. As a result, Portugal may well be the shock early-exit in the tournament. 1/1 is available on them not qualifying for the second round.

Should Portugal or Brazil slip-up at any point, the Ivory Coast will almost certainly there to take their place in progressing. 10/11 can be found on the Ivory Coast progressing to the second round. This may offer good value. The Ivory Coast’s main forward threat is that of their captain, Didier Drogba. Should he fire on all cylinders in South Africa, Ivory Coast have a massive chance of reaching the latter stages of the tournament. They have a very athletic side with players such as the Toure brothers, Emmanuel Eboue and Saloman Kalou which will test any side in the world.

The apparent no-hopers in this tough group are North Korea. Odds as large as 16/1 (bwin.com) can be found on them progressing to the second round. They are pretty much an unknown entity which may be there only advantage, it is very hard to see them picking up any points when drawn in such a difficult group.

Tips for Group G
Brazil to win the group with Ivory Coast 2nd- 9/4 (SKYBET)
North Korea to finish bottom of the group- 1/5 (expekt.com)

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