World Cup – The Darkhorses of South Africa

Those checking out Final Four odds will obviously look for darkhorses, and they’ve had plenty of them in this year’s NCAA Tournament. Here’s a look at the top five darkhorses to ride into a big payday in South Africa.

France (+1000)

Well, we all know that the French probably shouldn’t be here, but they’re not going to overturn Theirry Henry’s handball against Ireland, so let’s move on. The French won back in 1998, and famously lost to the Italians in 2006 (you may remember a certain Zidane headbutt in the final). They should look to Henry for inspiration, even though he’s failed to hold down a spot at Barcelona. Hugo Lloris of Lyon will be the first-choice keeper.

Netherlands +1200

The Dutch is to World Cup betting players as Kentucky was to college basketball betting players: all the talent in the world, but can they put it together? First things first, they need Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie healthy, while Wesley Sneijder has been marvelous for Inter Milan. Edwin van der Sar came out of retirement to be the keeper for the qualifying portion, but will he stay?

Portugal +1800

Any team with Cristiano Ronaldo in the side will have a chance, and Ronaldo has been brilliant at Real Madrid. However, the Portuguese struggled to score goals in the qualification portion, while means that Ronaldo, Simao and Nani need to step up their game. The defense was surprisingly sound, but you can’t progress without scoring, and Ronaldo as the captain has to inspire his team.

Ivory Coast +2200

African teams usually make a splash during the World Cup, and this time around, the Ivorians should have enough talent to push the top teams. Didier Drogba is one of the best strikers in the world and has an alarming mix of power, pace and skill, and he can singlehandedly win a game playing on his own up front. Chelsea teammate Salomon Kalou will be counted on to support Drogba, but the back will have a lot to say in how the Ivory Coast performs. Kolo and Yaya Toure will lead the defense, but Kolo in particular will need to play better than he has for his club, Manchester City.

United States +4000

This is worth a sports betting risk, but there is legitimate talent on the roster, led at the back with goalkeeper Tim Howard, who plays for Everton, along with Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey. Their match against England in the group stages may be the most-watched game of the tournament in North America, and England had better be careful, because the Americans are disciplined, they don’t try to do more than they can, and that’s a good recipe for a sportsbook upset.