As the quarter-finals approach, BestOfBets runs through the final eight teams in the 2022 World Cup, the odds for each to win the tournament outright and assess where the best bet might be…
Brazil 2/1
Brazil started the tournament as favourites and, despite that hiccup in their final group stage game against Cameroon, when they lost 1-0 – albeit in a dead rubber, having sewn up the group by then – their odds have only shortened since. Tite’s side appeared to be on a collision course towards the trophy, produced their most spectacular performance to destroy South Korea 4-1 and, with Neymar fit again, it looks hard to stop them claiming a first World Cup in 20 years. They’re not a value bet at 2/1, but they are justifying the favourites tag.
France 5/1
The only thing preventing bookies from shortening the odds for France is that they have a tough route to lifting the trophy. First, it’s the English Channel derby with Gareth Southgate’s boys on Saturday, then it’s likely Portugal in the semis and either Brazil or Argentina in the final. But with Kylian Mbappe in such sparkling form, it’s hard to bet against Les Bleus retaining the trophy they won four years ago. At 5/1, the price might be right for punters.
Argentina 6/1
The bookies don’t quite see Argentina’s quarter-final versus the Netherlands as a 50-50 game, but it isn’t far off that. Then it may well be Brazil in the semis in an all South American contest for the ages – with Neymar and Lionel Messi potentially going head-to-head – if Argentina are to reach the final. They’ve not fully convinced in the tournament so far, struggling to put away a substandard Australian side in the last 16 and 6/1 doesn’t look a very appealing bet, in our humble opinion.
Portugal 13/2
Portugal were decent value going into the tournament and, although their odds have shortened since dispatching Switzerland in the last 16, they might still be worth a flutter at 13/2. Cristiano Ronaldo has been sidelined to the bench with stunning consequences and a new hero in Goncalo Ramos is emerging. Portugal have never won the World Cup and they may never have a better chance than this. They should see off Morocco in the last eight; after that who knows?
England 7/1
If England are to banish 56 years of hurt, they’ll have to do it the hard way. France, Portugal and then Brazil is the potential run to glory for the Three Lions, but Gareth Southgate has got his team playing smart and slick tournament football to cruise to the quarter-final stage with the best goal difference of any side (12 scored, only two conceded). If you’re brave enough, stick a few quid on England to go all the way. This side are now seasoned veterans in the latter stages of tournaments.
Netherlands 17/1
Having failed to qualify four years ago amid a period of real turbulence for the national team, the Dutch have got their house in order once again, thanks in no small part to Louis van Gaal. Like Southgate, he’s a real pragmatist and the Netherlands are singing to his tune, negotiating their way smoothly through the tournament to this stage. The feeling, however, is that the tougher tests that await may be too much for an under-strength squad. A bet at 17/1 is a good price, but you’ll need some Dutch courage to place it.
Morocco and Croatia 50/1
Simply put, you’d have to be a gambler to put your money on either Morocco or Croatia at this stage. Despite Croatia’s record as 2018 finalists, they are true outsiders to go the distance this time around, with Brazil next to come in the quarter-finals. Morocco may have upset Spain in the last 16, but lightning rarely strikes twice and they’re unlikely to surprise an in-form Portugal side in the next round. These two are the true outsiders of the last eight – and for good reason.
