The home team kicks off the tournament Friday and the biggest betting event of group play goes Saturday as World Cup 2010 starts in South Africa.
And anyone looking to play a World Cup contest or make a World Cup wager should check out the Betting 101 section here at OddsShark.com with tutorials and previews.
Friday Matches - Mexico vs. South Africa
Sportsbook has this match as near even odds with Mexico posted at +155 and South Africa posted at +175 with draw at +215 and a goal total of 2.5.
In this Group A match, Mexico is coming into the World Cup with confidence playing well in their last two tune-up matches. South Africa has had problems scoring and they do not have the level of talent that Mexico does and they will need to use the home crowd to help them out.
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France vs. Uruguay Odds
SportsInteraction.com, which is promoting its hugely popular World Cup live betting platform this week, has France as the favorites in this match posted at +105 with Uruguay at +260 with a draw at +220 and a goal total of 2.5 (check it out at Sportsbook).
France lost to China in their last World Cup tune-up, but is still an elite team. Uruguay has a solid offense, but is an unpredictable squad.
Saturday Matches
South Korea vs. Greece Odds
GEO-LINKS$ has Greece as the slight favorite in this match posted at +155 with South Korea at +180 with a draw at +200 and a goal total of 2.5.
Greece has one of the best defenses in the tournament, but can they score? The loser of this match will have a major uphill battle to make the knockout phase, as they may have to beat Argentina to get out of Group B.
Argentina vs. Nigeria Odds
Sportsbook has Argentina as the big favorite in this match posted at -250 with Nigeria at +650 with a draw at +325 with goal total of 2.5.
Nigeria has a decent defense, which they have not had for some time and they will need to play great since Argentina has one of the best offenses in the World Cup. Nigeria has a good offense as well and they will have to take advantage of an Argentina defense that is mediocre at best.
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USA vs. England Odds
Sportsbook has England as the big favorite in this HUGE match posted at -200 with the USA at +550 with a draw at +280 and a goal total of 2.5.
This is the big Group C match for both teams and can USA repeat their 1950 World Cup upset of England? The English squad is stacked, but the Americans have a decent offense and the Three Lions have issues in goal and lost defensive leader Rio Ferdinand to an injury.
Sunday Matches
Algeria vs. Slovenia
Sportsbook has Slovenia as the favorite posted at +105 with Algeria at +255 with a draw at +220 and a goal total of 2.5.
This Group C match is between a couple of teams that are not supposed to make it out of the group. Slovenia is a dark horse and they have a good squad that is solid on both sides of the pitch.
Serbia vs. Ghana
Sportsbook has Serbia as the favorite in this match posted at +105 with Ghana at +270 with a draw at +210 and a goal total of 2.5.
Ghana will have the home field advantage and they will need it even more now that they will not have their best player in Chelsea’s Michael Essien, who is out of the tournament due to a knee injury. Serbia has a great defense and an attacking midfield and they are a dark horse this World Cup, as a team that may go far.
Germany vs. Australia
Sportsbook has three time World Cup Sportsbook Germany as the big favorite posted at -250 with Australia at +675 with a draw at +375 and a goal total of 2.5.
Germany lost quite a few players to injury the main one being captain Michael Ballack. However, the Germans looked great in their last two tune-up matches beating a couple of quality teams. Australia lacks firepower up front and will have to play solid defense in order to pull off the upset in this match.
