Sportsbook World Cup front-runners team rosters

Sportsbook odds rank Spain and Brazil at 4-1 to win the World Cup that begins in June in South Africa. Each of the 32 teams in the World Cup had to announce their provisional 30-man rosters by Tuesday. Brazil left off Ronaldinho, Adriano and Neymar. Brazil coach Dunga is only using players that helped win last year’s Confederations Cup. “These players are winners,” coach said. “There is no doubt they are prepared to help Brazil reach its goal. They are ready to give their best for the country.” More big names like Ruud van Nistelrooy of the Netherlands and Totti of Italy were missing from rosters.

Spain is a favorite at the sportsbook and three of their most valued players are unfit. Xavi Hernandez, Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres are still healing but all three are on the Spain roster. England is also a favorite in the World Cup odds at the offshore sportsbook. England included on their roster 32-year old Jamie Carragher and Gareth Berry. “The FA got in touch a few weeks ago and asked if I would have a rethink, due to injury problems,” Carragher said. “I said I would make myself available. The World Cup and Champions League are the highest levels of football. I am keen to work under Fabio Capello.”

Australia added Harry Kewell on their roster despite his groin injury. Switzerland included 18-year-old Xherdan Shaquiria on their final roster. Other roster players were not a surprise including Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba who scored 29 goals this season for Chelsea to head the Permiere League. Ivory Coast is a notable team in World Cup odds at sportsbook. Ivory Coast is a darkhorse candidate with odds of 20-1. It’s not enough to hope Drogba will go out and score some goals,” coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said. “If we don’t play as a team, we cannot be impressive. Quality isn’t enough in football, you need to work together.” Ivory Coast competes in a very tough group G with Brazil and Portugal but they might be the second team from that Group that advances as Portugal might not be up to the challenge.