by: Pedro the intern
World Cup Futures (FanDuel Odds)
Who to take:
Argentina (+550)
Coming off their recent Copa America victory, Argentina comes into the competition with a lot of momentum. Argentina is undefeated in their last 35 matches along with their last 17 World Cup qualifier matches, allowing just 8 goals in those 17 matches. On top of that, Lionel Messi has already announced that this will be his last World Cup thus giving this team that much more inspiration to win it all. With Messi having his most stable squad in years, look for Argentina to make a deep run in this year’s tournament.
Brazil (+320)
Brazil comes into this tournament as the betting favorites. Along with the attacking flair that Brazil tends to produce every tournament (Neymar, Vinicius, Antony, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli), there is top talent at every level. Not only do they have top talent at each position, there is so much depth up and down this roster with a great mix of youth and experienced players. You should feel comfortable putting your money on the Seleção.
Germany (+1200)
Germany comes into Qatar with a great mix of youth and experienced players on their team. With players such as Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller in the twilight of their careers, Germany also brings in new players such as Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz that will provide a new spark for this squad. Along with the players, Germany also comes in with a new manager, Hansi Flick. Flick is the successor to Joachim Low who was the manager the previous 15 years. A change up in the squad and leadership will give Germany a fresh perspective after their previous 2 major tournaments finished in disappointment.
Value Picks:
Uruguay (+3800)
Although they’re not one of the favorites, Uruguay provides a lot of value at +3800. The squad comes in with a lot of depth in each part of the field and can be a force in this year’s tournament. On top of that, they bring one of the most formidable attacking units in the tournament with legends such as Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani returning to the squad to play alongside new talents Darwin Nunez and Federico Valverde. Under new manager Diego Alonso, it will be interesting how he lines this team up and their up-tempo style could provide problems for opponents.
Portugal (+1500)
Along with Argentina, Portugal’s greatest player, Cristiano Ronaldo, has also announced that this will be his final World Cup. Along with that, there is the saga surrounding Ronaldo at Manchester United where he’s been ousted by the club. With this, you can expect an angry and more motivated Ronaldo in this tournament. Along with CR7, there is plenty of talent around him with guys such as Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, Joao Felix, and more. Portugal at +1500 provides great value for a very complete squad.
Who to avoid:
France (+750)
The last defending champion to win the World Cup was Brazil in 1962. (They also had this guy named Pele who was pretty good) On top of that, the last 3 champions didn’t even make it out of their groups the following World Cup. Although I don’t see France getting ousted in the group stage, history is not on their side. Without using history as reasoning, there are serious issues with this squad. To start off, two of their best center midfielders, Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kante, have already been ruled out for the tournament along with RB Leipzig talent Christopher Nkunku. The value at +750 with these problems tells me to stay away.
Belgium (+1900)
Belgium’s “Golden Generation” has not won any major tournaments. The 2018 third place finishers come into this tournament, aging and similar in terms of top talent. Although they contain high end players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Thibault Courtois, there is not much depth in this aging squad and I think it is best to stay away.
Note: No team with a value above +700 has won the World Cup since Italy won it all in 1982 with +1800 pre-tournament value.