Live on BBC1 & BBC3: 15-30 June: Brazil (13/8, Hills) are worthy Confederations Cup favourites and Neymar can fire them to glory.
Bookies believe the Confederations Cup is something of a two-horse race between hosts Brazil and Spain, who are both way out in front in the betting.
The Selecao are current favourites at 13/8 via William Hill and as they’ll be keen to put on a show in front of their own supporters, using the tournament as a warm-up for next year’s World Cup, it’s easy to see why. Similarly, it’s not difficult to make a case for BetVictor’s 15/8 chances Spain, whose credentials don’t need any scrutinising given that they head to Brazil as world and European champions.
Italy (7/1, Stan James) can’t be discounted of course having reached the final of Euro 2012, Uruguay and Mexico are 10/1 (Paddy Power) and 12/1 (bet365) respectively, but it’s hard to overlook the two market leaders.
Ultimately however it’s Felipe Scolari’s charges, aided by home advantage, that get the nod. In their own backyard they might play with a higher intensity than their opponents and as they are hosting next year’s World Cup and subsequently don’t have to qualify, they will be keen to take advantage of some rare competitive action in preparation for the 2014 finals.
Naturally, as Brazil and Spain are so far out front in the markets, they’re just 11/4 at BetVictor to contest the final, which is 5/1 via Skybet to feature Scolari’s side and the Italians.
Home favourite Neymar meanwhile, perhaps not surprisingly, is well fancied in the top scorer. Barcelona’s recent capture is an 8/1 shot at BetVictor to top the scoring charts, ahead of Liverpool’s want-away front man Luis Suarez, a 9/1 chance courtesy of Ladbrokes.
Also at 9/1, this time with bet365, is Spain’s David Villa and the same firm chalk in-demand Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani up at a slightly heftier 10/1.
Recommended Bets:
Brazil to win the Confederations Cup – 13/8 (William Hill)
Brazil and Spain to reach the final – 11/4 (BetVictor)
Neymar to be top scorer – 8/1 (BetVictor)
Compare all Confederations Cup odds and bet at the best price.
