2014 World Cup Free Picks & Expert Predictions: Top Sleepers: The 2014 World Cup is just a few days away, and while host Brazil, defending champion Spain and offensive juggernaut Germany are among the favorites, there are plenty of other talented squads that could make some noise in an always-unpredictable tournament. Of course, some of the dark horse teams have a better chance of making a legitimate run at a World Cup title, and more importantly, some have much more attractive odds. With that in mind, here is a closer look at five sleeper teams worth betting on in the 2014 World Cup.
Belgium (18/1): It is hard to believe that a country that missed the World Cup entirely in 2006 and 2010 could manage to win this year’s tournament. However, Belgium has completely retooled its roster and now boasts plenty of talent at nearly every position. Thibault Courtois is solid in net while forward Eden Hazard and defender Vincent Kompany are both elite talents at their respective positions. Not to mention that Belgium’s midfield is one of the most physically imposing in the tournament. This same group helped Belgium go undefeated in World Cup qualifying, and this team should have an easy path out of group play and a chance to make plenty of noise from there.
Uruguay (25/1): After struggling to qualify for the World Cup, it would be easy to dismiss Uruguay’s chances in Brazil. However, the core of this team boasts an impressive resume overall. Uruguay finished fourth in the 2010 World Cup, won the Copa America title and reached the semifinals in the Pan-Am Games and the Confederations Cup. In other words, Uruguay has had no problem contending in big tournaments in recent years. A lingering knee issue for forward Luis Suarez, who scored a region-high 11 goals in qualifying, is a bigger concern than the team’s issues getting into the World Cup, but if he plays, Uruguay’s offense will be one of the best in the tournament.
France (25/1): The 2010 World Cup was an abject disaster for France as off-field turmoil turned into an embarrassing performance on the field. Four years later, France heads to Brazil with a roster loaded with talent and a great chance to make amends. The team boasts a rock solid defense in front of goalie Hugo Lloris, and the offense is led by Karim Benzema, who just led Real Madrid to a Champions League crown. Meanwhile, midfielder Paul Pogba has the athleticism and play-making ability to be one of the biggest X-factors in the tournament. A relatively easy group should have France breezing to the Round of 16 with a chance to make a run.
Ivory Coast (125/1): In each of their past two trips to the World Cup, the Ivory Coast has been bounced in pool play. However, the team got a much more favorable draw in 2014 and should be able to escape group play. From there, the Ivory Coast actually has the individual talent to do compete. Didier Drogba is a proven, top-level goal-scorer, and midfielder Yaya Toure is a general on the field. A couple of rough draws in recent World Cups have kept the Ivory Coast from getting to show its stuff on the world stage, but that could change and change in a big way this year.
Bosnia-Herzegovina (150/1): This team is easily the biggest potential steal of the tournament. Bosnia-Herzegovina is getting 150/1 odds to win the 2014 World Cup despite an impressive display during qualifying for the event. The team’s 30 goals were the fourth most in European qualifying, and Edin Dzeko established himself as a legitimate star. His nine goals were the most of any player, and with Dzeko heading a powerful offensive attack, this team is dangerous. Throw in the fact that Bosnia-Herzegovina is easily one of the two-best teams in its group, and Dzeko and company seem like a lock to make it out of pool play. From there, this group has the offensive talent to contend with any team.
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