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The United States soccer team failed to qualify for the World Cup this year for the first time since 1986, and after enjoying seeing their team in the last six competitions, many Americans will be wondering whether there’s any point in watching the tournament in Russia. Despite not being able to cheer on their own boys, though, American soccer fans could get World Cup fever by betting on an outright winner.
Prior to the ultimate competition this summer, Germany and Brazil are among the bookies’ favourites to go all the way and lift the trophy. The reigning champions can be backed at around 9/2, while the five-time winners from South America are at odds of 4/1. The sensible money may be on favouring one of these giants to win, but some soccer fans would prefer to back a dark horse.
Portugal could be the team to go for if you are this way inclined. The team, which includes one of the best footballers the world has ever seen, won Euro 2016 two years ago in France. And Cristiano Ronaldo will surely be looking to add a World Cup medal to his overflowing award cabinet before he hangs up his boots. In fact, at 33 years old, this could well be the last World Cup in which the Real Madrid man features. The Navigators can be backed at around 25/1 going into the competition, which makes them firm underdogs against the likes of France, Spain, Argentina, and Belgium.
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Along with coming off the back of such success in France in 2016, Portugal possess some extremely strong players in every position. Some have even described this set of Portuguese stars as a golden generation. They have Nelson Semedo and Andre Gomes at La Liga winners Barcelona, Bernardo Silva at Premier League winners Manchester City, and Joao Moutinho who was an integral part of Monaco’s awesome title-winning team last season. When comparing the players against other strong squads such as France, Portugal offer serious strength all over the park. Above all, Ronaldo has frequently proven that he can be the deciding factor in games.
Going for Portugal in the World Cup 2018 betting could be a good way to make use of a free bet, such as the £30 available at Paddy Power. This way there is no risk involved, but there is potential for high returns if they do go all the way. Perhaps the main reason that such great odds can be found on Fernando Santos’ charges is the fact that they were drawn in the same group as Spain. With their local rivals also looking strong, Portugal could end in second and face a much tougher run of fixtures heading to the final.
Another team that American soccer fans could consider backing is Belgium. Roberto Martinez has a wealth of some of the world’s best talent at his disposal and is aiming to be the first person to get the best out of them. Certainly, with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard in the side, they have a good chance of going the distance.
