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Group A
Mexico +275
France is a 6/5 favorite? You can't be serious... Look, I get that they've got the most overall talent in the group, but on the field they're an absolute mess. This is the same team that needed a miracle Hand of God moment against Ireland to even qualify in the first place. Historically, France have never even advanced out of their group when the World Cup is played outside Europe and I wouldn't be surprised to see that happen again. Meanwhile, this is Mexico's wheel house. They'll be playing games at altitude (Azteca is at altitude), the vuvuzelas will make the whole thing sound like a constant swarm of bees (once again, not exactly a stark contrast to Mexico's home games), and Mexico has advanced in each of the past 4 World Cups including twice winning their group over Italy.
Group B
These odds make a bit more sense as Argentina is at least playing with the best player in the world. But with Maradona as their coach, I'm still 50/50 on whether this team will even advance at this point. It's like an NBA team being gifted with LeBron James and then naming Isiah Thomas head coach. That said, I have a hard time picking amongst the other 3. I actually gave some thought to South Korea at 10/1, but that 2002 run was mostly fueled by homefield advantage and Guus Hiddink.
Group C
England deserve to be favored, not much else to say here. They've got no chance of winning the entire tournament, but that's thanks to an inability to beat the big boys. US is too schizophrenic to win the group, even if we do pull the huge upset on Saturday. Smart money might take Slovenia at 10/1, but it's really England's group to lose.
Group D
Germany -120
A nice discount thanks to the injury to Ballack, but he's not even close to the best player on this team anymore. With Klose and Podolski leading the way, I'd honestly be amazed if Germany finishes with fewer than 7 points against a pretty weak group.
Group E
Holland is favored at just about the right odds. There's not really any value with any of these teams.
Group F
Ugh, I wouldn't mind picking against Italy, but who do you take and at what odds? Pass.
Group G
Brazil -200
Drogba's injury pretty much ruins whatever silly notion anyone had that this was really a group of death. Brazil is going to roll through this group.
Group H
Spain will win, but it's not worth leveraging yourself at 1/5 odds.
Overall Winner
Brazil +450
European teams can't win to save their lives outside of Europe, Argentina has a certifiably insane head coach, and Brazil once again has the greatest collection of talent in the field, so who else is going to win this thing? Don't overthink it.
My plays
Mexico +275
Germany -120
Brazil -200
Brazil +450
Mexico +275
France is a 6/5 favorite? You can't be serious... Look, I get that they've got the most overall talent in the group, but on the field they're an absolute mess. This is the same team that needed a miracle Hand of God moment against Ireland to even qualify in the first place. Historically, France have never even advanced out of their group when the World Cup is played outside Europe and I wouldn't be surprised to see that happen again. Meanwhile, this is Mexico's wheel house. They'll be playing games at altitude (Azteca is at altitude), the vuvuzelas will make the whole thing sound like a constant swarm of bees (once again, not exactly a stark contrast to Mexico's home games), and Mexico has advanced in each of the past 4 World Cups including twice winning their group over Italy.
Group B
These odds make a bit more sense as Argentina is at least playing with the best player in the world. But with Maradona as their coach, I'm still 50/50 on whether this team will even advance at this point. It's like an NBA team being gifted with LeBron James and then naming Isiah Thomas head coach. That said, I have a hard time picking amongst the other 3. I actually gave some thought to South Korea at 10/1, but that 2002 run was mostly fueled by homefield advantage and Guus Hiddink.
Group C
England deserve to be favored, not much else to say here. They've got no chance of winning the entire tournament, but that's thanks to an inability to beat the big boys. US is too schizophrenic to win the group, even if we do pull the huge upset on Saturday. Smart money might take Slovenia at 10/1, but it's really England's group to lose.
Group D
Germany -120
A nice discount thanks to the injury to Ballack, but he's not even close to the best player on this team anymore. With Klose and Podolski leading the way, I'd honestly be amazed if Germany finishes with fewer than 7 points against a pretty weak group.
Group E
Holland is favored at just about the right odds. There's not really any value with any of these teams.
Group F
Ugh, I wouldn't mind picking against Italy, but who do you take and at what odds? Pass.
Group G
Brazil -200
Drogba's injury pretty much ruins whatever silly notion anyone had that this was really a group of death. Brazil is going to roll through this group.
Group H
Spain will win, but it's not worth leveraging yourself at 1/5 odds.
Overall Winner
Brazil +450
European teams can't win to save their lives outside of Europe, Argentina has a certifiably insane head coach, and Brazil once again has the greatest collection of talent in the field, so who else is going to win this thing? Don't overthink it.
My plays
Mexico +275
Germany -120
Brazil -200
Brazil +450
PS-MARVIN LOVES SPLIT SALAD !! 
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