World Cup Countdown: 7 or more favs to win their groups is 7/1

There is only a single week before the greatest festival of football known to man kicks off in Brazil (not the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy) and to mark this moment in time Ladbrokes offer up another World Cup countdown special.

The firm attach odds of 7/1 that seven or more of the pre-tournament favourites to top their respective groups go on and do, just that.

It’s a pretty big ask, but then again, a deeper than cursory look at the groups suggests that this may not be too far off the mark.

Let’s start with the bankers. Hosts Brazil are the overall favourites for glory and look every bit unopposable to top Group A at 1/6.

Next up at the same price are fellow South Americans Argentina situated in Group F alongside Bosnia, Nigeria and Iran.

At 1/6 themselves, Lionel Messi and co should absolutely breeze their group. Belgium are about the next most viable victors having turned in a near flawless qualification campaign. Packed with
Premier League stars the Red Devils are 4/6 shots for Group H.

Meanwhile, Spain and Germany may have been placed into trickier groups than the aforementioned trio, but should still rise to the summit of Group B and G respectively.

The reigning world and European champions have topped their last three groups at major tournaments, whereas it’s six in a row for the super efficient Germans.

Admittedly the waters surrounding the possible winners of Groups C, D and E are a little murkier, but 2/3 of, Colombia (4/5), Italy (13/8) and France (4/5) towing the favourite’s line isn’t an outrageous shout.

Italy are three-time winners of the competition, Colombia should prove too strong for Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan and in-form France, replete with one of the best squads in the tournament, could easily overpower Ecuador, Switzerland and minnows Honduras.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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