We can certainly start talking World Cup soccer betting now as the big tournament is only about a month away.
Most of the chatter in recent months was that the star-studded Spain was the favorite to win it all. Recent Bodog odds list Spain that way today, a 15/4 favorite, ahead of Brazil at 5/1. But will mounting injury concerns derail the Spaniards' dreams in 2010?
Fernando Torres' World Cup hopes are in serious jeopardy. A striker for Liverpool in the English Premier League, he's been banged up all season. He even publicly said he "can't imagine what state I'll be in within five or six years if I continue to play here." That's how much punishment he's taken in the EPL.
As a result of the wear and tear, Torres will have surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee and could miss the start of the World Cup.
The troubles don't end there. Midfielder Xavi is also reportedly playing through an injury serious enough to keep him out of South Africa. But his club team manager, Barcelona's Pep Guardiola, has insisted that he won't risk Xavi's chances at national honor in order to help Barca win the Spanish league title. Midfielder Andres Iniesta is also battling injury woes.
The sports betting news isn't all bad for Spain. At least Cesc Fabregas looks like he'll be recovered from his fractured fibula in time for the World Cup. Though I find that a bit hard to believe since the injury only occurred on March 31.
So what should bettors do with their future picks? There are several different strategies to try. The first is to hold back on your bet and wait it out for Spain. Maybe it will get more god news on the injury front in the coming weeks. Another approach could be to look for a safer sportsbook pick. Brazil is always money in the bank for international play and I'd be tempted to lean that way at the moment.