Updated World Cup betting

Wow it has been a fascinating World Cup so far and the glamour sides are certainly being given a run for their money by the underdogs. Argentina have surged in the betting following a convincing first fixture while Germany has also shortened. Surprisingly there is still betting support for England...

Here are some of the key events that have shaped week 1 of the tournament:

• England have been incredibly disappointing so far and maybe are cracking under the pressure. Their press have absolutely gone to town in ripping them to shreds. Facing a first-round exit behind Slovenia, Algeria and the USA
• Germany - brilliant in the first game and now possibly also going out in the first round as well after losing to Serbia. I still think these guys will go through but they have left themselves a lot to do against a Ghana that is on form
• USA have again been good value for money. I suppose it shouldn't be a total surprise considering how well they played in the Confed Cup
• Pre-tournament favourites Spain have lost to Switzerland and might have a tricky task getting into the top 2 in their group if Chile and Switzerland don't play according to script
• Portugal have the capacity to be stuffed by Brazil and the Ivory Coast
• France also looks like they're on an early trip back home - but like they say cheaters never prosper!

After a week of soccer here is the updated betting via World Sports Betting:

• Spain, Argentina and Brazil - 5/2
• England and Holland - 8/1
• Germany - 10/1
• Italy - 14/1
• Portugal - 30/1
• Ivory Coast, Mexico, Uruguay - 40/1
• Chile - 60/1
• Serbia - 70/1
• USA and Paraguay - 80/1
• Ghana - 100/1

I have to say USA at 80/1 isn't the worst odds around. They've shown good spirit, been well disciplined through the tournament and been one of the few sides who has been able to bounce back after going down early in a match.

US to surprise England tonight

Probably not a very popular pick but I reckon that the US is going to upset England in Rustenburg tonight.

I've put money down on:

The US winning (6/1)
1/0 US - 15/1
2/0 US - 35/1
2/1 US - 22/1

(Odds supplied by World Sports Betting)

The US has a BIG supporter contingent out here in South Africa and when they were for the Confed Cup last year they were full of running and skill and they pushed a lot of teams hard in getting to the final. They knocked out the World Cup favourities Spain (2:0) and they ran hard at Brazil taking a 2:0 lead before going down 2:3.

This US side can play and don't be surprised if they upset the applecart tonight especially when you consider that England have not had the best preparation for this tournament.

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Easy draw for England

I think the official term is "group of death" if one looks at the South Africa group...

It is also going to be interesting to see what will happen with the betting in the next few days. I believe quite a lot of money has come for England after they got their draw.

My pick of Australia looks like they are ok and should finish in the top 2 of their group with Germany.

For those who missed the groups:

Group A - South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France -Oh my word.

Group B - Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece

Group C - England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia

Group D - Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana

Group E - Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon

Group F - Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia

Group G - Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal

Group H - Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile