The 2014 World Cup is just around the corner, with the hosts Brazil (+300) and Argentina (+500) installed as two of the big favorites to lift the trophy.
But which other countries may not have the ability to surprise in the tournament? We’ve already looked at how Team U.S.A. is in tough to escape their Group of Death, but the team is nonetheless a dark horse contender in their own right.
With that in mind, here are five such teams that people may be sleeping on to win it all. Create a betting account now and place your bets on one of these five teams to see a great return on your investment.
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Five Sleeper Picks to Win the 2014 World Cup
Belgium
Back after missing the last two tournaments, Belgium will have its best opportunity to win the World Cup for the first time ever in this edition. Priced at +1,800 to win it all, the Belgians will field arguably its most talented ever national team in Brazil.
Young, world-class stars such as goalie Thibaut Courtois, defender Vincent Kompany and forward Eden Hazard led the Belgians to an undefeated qualifying campaign in a tough region. Despite their relative inexperience, these Belgians definitely have the quality to reach the knockout rounds and beyond.
France
[sc:Soccer240banner ]The past four World Cups have seen France either go all the way to the final – which they are +2,500 to win in Brazil – or crash out in the first round. Their 2010 tournament was marred by a messy player revolt that left their campaign in shambles. If the trend continues this year though, the French could be set to be contenders once again.
They certainly have the squad to make a strong challenge. Head coach Didier Deschamps has infused a new generation of up-and-coming young stars with some veteran campaigners, making the French a dangerous team to face in Brazil.
England
Always the perennial underachievers in major tournaments, perhaps the lessened expectations can bring more positive results for the English, who are +3,300 to win their first World Cup since 1966.
Manager Roy Hodgson has been criticized for his conservative approach, but his team still scored 31 goals in qualifying while conceding just four. That slow and steady approach, executed by England’s team of experienced stars, could be the recipe for success they’ve been missing for so long.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Bosnia-Herzegovina may not be a household name, but their fearsome attack during qualifying could indicate they’re on their way to being one. Only three teams scored more goals in European qualifying than the Bosnians’ 30 goals and no player scored more than their talismanic striker, Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko (nine goals.)
The Bosnians have a very good shot to advance from their group – which features Argentina, Nigeria and Iran – and with a formidable offense, could be one of the most unlikely champions ever at a whopping +10,000. Just to put things in perspective, a successful $10 wager on the Bosnians would pay $1,000. Not bad.
Ivory Coast
Eliminated in the first round of their previous two trips to the World Cup, African powerhouse Ivory Coast has a golden opportunity to advance from a wide open Group C to the knockout round and beyond with a squad filled with talent and experience. The “Elephants” are +375 to win their group and +10,000 to become the first African country to lift the trophy.
Legendary striker Didier Drogba (63 goals in 99 caps) will lead a frontline that features a handful of interesting striking options, while the indomitable Yaya Toure will drive the team from midfield.
