The obvious answer to that is ‘yes’ when you consider Spain (4/1 – World Cup outright) are the defending world champions and the likes of Holland, Germany and Italy all look strong.

But winning in South America is not as straightforward as in Europe and Brazil, on home soil, are rightly the early favourites at 7/2 overall for more glory in 2014.

But what of the European challenge?

Spain

Let’s start with the obvious. Spain are a fabulous team when at their best as they – eventually – showed at Euro 2012.

It took La Roja a while to get going this summer but, when they clicked, Spain were once again irresistable and virtually unplayable. Any side containing the talents of Xabi Alonso, David Silva, Jordi Alba, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta – to name just six – is going to take some beating.

When you consider Premier League stars Juan Mata and Santi Cazorla can barely get a look-in then you know you have something special.

Up front they also have what appears to be a rejuvenated Fernando Torres and, barring fresh injury setbacks, should be able to welcome David Villa back into the fold for the World Cup in 2014.

It is early to be predicting Spain can go all the way in Brazil, though, and there may be fresh doubts in two years’ time over what is an ageing squad.

However, the feeling is that this ultra-talented generation can enjoy one last hurrah and bow out in style in Rio.

Holland

Holland (12/1) were fancied to do well in Euro 2012 this summer but ended it with the unwanted tag of ‘heavyweight under-performers’ in a major tournament – there’s usually one -  after crashing out at the group stage.

This after they reached the World Cup final in 2010 and only lost out to Spain in extra time. There is no doubt they have the talent to make an impact come 2014 but much will depend on top striker Robin van Persie’s form and fitness.

The likes of Arjen Robben, Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Rafael van der Vaart and Nigel de Jong add plenty of experience and guile but, come 2014, Holland’s hopes may rest with up-and-coming stars like Manchester United new-boy Alexander Buttner, Kevin Strootman of PSV and 20-year-old forward Ola John.

They are likely to advance to the knockout stage but don’t expect too much beyond that.

Italy

The Azzurri surprised many with their run to the final of the Euros and always seem to perform when it matters most in the big tournaments. Well, aside from the last World Cup anyway.

They remain a country to be feared on the world stage when they get it right and will no doubt unearth some new talent come 2014.

Andrea Pirlo was class personified in Poland and Ukraine but, at 33 now, is very unlikely to be around in Brazil so a replacement for him will need to be found.

Mario Balotelli may well develop into the free-scoring, world-class centre-forward some believe he can be come the World Cup, but, overall, unpredictable Italy (16/1) look a tad short of genuine quality players and game-changers to muscle in on the final stages.

Expect either another dramatic early exit with an abject group failure or an unexpected run to the semi-finals.

Germany

The Germans (8/1) looked like the side destined to battle it out with Spain for the Euro crown but ultimately disappointed when losing to Italy in the semi-finals earlier this summer.

When they are in top form, though, they are one of the best sides in the world and will be rightly feared in Brazil.

Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira will have benefited from a couple more years of big-game experience come 2014, while up-and-coming talent like Mario Gotze, Andre Schurrle and Marco Reus will be top international players in a few more years.

The three-times World Cup winners are always likely to be involved come the last eight and, from there, expect a big challenge from the Germans once again, with some astute pundits even tipping them as strong outsiders to lift the famous trophy once again.

The rest….

England (22/1) will no doubt have talked themselves up to believe a place in the last four is achievable in 2014 and there is no doubt emerging players like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Danny Welbeck and even Liverpool teenager Raheem Sterling could be hyped up and tipped to carry the Three Lions through.

But with a cautious Roy Hodgson likely to be in charge and a squad very much in transition, another glorious failure – probably on penalties – at either the second-round or quarter-final stage, again, beckons.

Of the others, France (25/1) will always fancy their chances of making an impact while neighbours Belgium have what appears to be a ‘golden generation’ coming through with Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany, Maroune Fellaini, Thomas Vermaelen, Romelu Lukaku and Christian Benteke amongst others tipped to take them far in the competition.

Odds of 33/1 here do seem a little generous considering their ability and they might end up being lively outsiders.

Portugal, Turkey, Russia, Poland, Serbia and Croatia are all traditionally strong but, at this early stage, they look like qualifiers out of their groups at best and there isn’t much beyond that among Europe’s challengers to worry the rest of the world.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

England

Having made it to the last four World Cups, it would be a major surprise if the Three Lions failed to negotiate the group stage for Brazil 2014 over the next 18 months or so (2/5f to win Group H). England’s recent pre-tournament qualifying record is actually very, very good – it’s just when the real action itself gets underway that they let everyone down. Expectations were rightly lowered for Euro 2012 and Roy Hodgson’s side eventually went out on penalties – again – to Italy in the summer as they found their usual level and exited at the quarter-final stage.  A group containing Moldova, Ukraine (9/2 to win Group H), Montenegro, Poland and San Marino looks tricky at worst but fairly straightforward at best and expect Hodgson to guide his side through to Brazil without too many problems. It’s just following that the hard work will start.

Verdict - Qualify as Group H winners.

Wales

Wales (28/1 to win Group A) have only ever made it to one World Cup – in 1958 – and are outsiders once again to make it through another tough qualifying group. Chris Coleman’s side face Belgium (who appear to have a ‘golden generation’ of top stars coming through), a talented Croatia, while they also must take on traditionally-tough opponents Macedonia and Serbia home and away and UK rivals Scotland in two games. Under former boss Gary Speed, Wales were on the up but, after his tragic passing earlier this year, the country’s football team have suffered, perhaps predictably so, as a whole new coaching team and methods have had to be implemented. There is talent available to Coleman but Aaron Ramsey, Gareth Bale and an ageing Craig Bellamy will, sadly, probably not be able to carry them through to Brazil on their own.

Verdict - Fourth in Group A.

Scotland

Scotland’s latest bid to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since 1998 begins with a winnable home match against Serbia on Saturday and they will hope to get off to a good start to give them a chance of making Brazil 2014 (18/1 to win Group A). The Scots have made good starts before, however, and then have faded badly when the crucial games came around but they will look at Group A and believe qualification can be theirs. Belgium (7/4f to win Group A) will more than likely top the standings but Craig Levein’s side can push Croatia hard for second spot and may just even sneak in as runners-up if they maintain their good home form and mix it up by being difficult to beat away from Hampden. It won’t be easy, of course, and Wales and Macedonia will be difficult opponents too but there is a feeling Scotland can finally progress, especially if Jordan Rhodes can transfer his prolific club form onto the international stage.

Verdict - Qualify as runners-up in Group B.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland have not made the World Cup finals since their famous 1986 showing in Mexico and they do not appear to have enough strength in depth to make it out of Group F (40/1 to win Group). Michael O’Neill’s side will have been delighted with the draw as, aside from traditional heavyweights Russia and Portugal, Azerbaijan, Israel and Luxembourg could all be viewed as beatable opponents, especially in front of a packed, passionate Windsor Park crowd. They have probably the toughest of starts in Russia on Friday, though, and, while Northern Ireland might just pick up a win or two along the way, qualification again looks a bridge too far for the European minnows.

Verdict - Fourth in Group F.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Brazil are understandably the favourites for Gold (2/5) in what has often been a surprising Olympic Football tournament so far but they may not have it all their own way against a talented South Korea (9/1 to win Gold) side at Old Trafford.

In the other semi-final, Japan meet Mexico at Wembley with seemingly little to choose between the sides.

Brazil v South Korea

Brazil were tipped to win gold before the tournament got underway and remain firmly in the driving seat to achieve that feat ahead of the semi-final against South Korea.

They have impressed so far in the competition, although some games have been closer than many would have anticipated.

Brazil kicked off with a closely-fought 3-2 victory over Egypt before a more comfortable 3-1 success over Belarus and followed that up with a final 3-0 group win against New Zealand.

The talent in the Samba squad is undeniable with Chelsea new boy Oscar, Manchester United target Lucas Moura and established stars Neymar, Hulk and Alexandre Pato all contributing so far.

Goals have clearly not been a problem but they survived a big scare when just about overcoming nine-man Honduras 3-2 in the quarter-final and may be vulnerable at the back.

Not too many people are giving the Koreans a chance in this clash (Brazil 4/11, S Korea 13/2, draw 3/1 – 90 mins match prices) but they have shown plenty so far to suggest they can at least worry Brazil at Old Trafford.

Their victory over Team GB on penalties ended Stuart Pearce’s side’s involvement but, on the balance of play, they were the better team over the 120 minutes in Cardiff and possess plenty of talent in their squad.

Chu-Young Park and Bo-Kyung Kim are among several players to have caught the eye so far and they look a fit, organised and close-knit side who can handle the big occasion. A group win over Switzerland, sandwiched between draws against Mexico and Gabon, sealed their place in the knockout phase and they can approach the Brazil clash with nothing to lose as they are expected to be knocked out.

With that in mind, a draw at 3/1 after 90 minutes to take this game to extra time might not be a bad bet but expect Brazil to progress overall.

Japan v Mexico

Wembley hosts the other semi and totesport cannot separate Japan and Mexico in the 90 minute match market with both sides on offer at 6/4 to win while the draw after normal time is 11/5.

Mexico may be the more established football nation but at this largely Under-23 level, Japan have shown they are a country to be feared in the future with plenty of rising stars in their ranks.

Their shock 1-0 win over much-fancied Spain set the tone for the competition and they followed that up with a similar success over Morocco before holding an impressive Honduras to a goalless draw.

Despite being relatively unknown to much of the footballing world, Japan clearly have some top players with Maya Yoshida and Yuki Otsu among those to catch the eye. Their stunning 3-0, last-eight, win over Egypt means Mexico should be wary of what awaits them on Tuesday.

However, the Mexicans have been among the best performers in the competition so far and disposed of Senegal 4-2 in the quarter-final to lay down a marker for this last-four clash.

Spurs forward Giovani dos Santos has been one of their star men, scoring both goals in the 2-0 group win over Gabon and then the third against Senegal and he will again have to play well if they are to see off Japan.

They have other key men Japan will need to watch with the likes of Jorge Enriquez and Javier Aquino threats but, as the match odds suggest, this is tough one to call.

It could also go to extra time, and even penalties, with Japan tipped to just have the edge.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

The Brazilians have been poor thus far and we feel there is a case to have a serious look at the Paraguayans ending any hopes the Samba Boys had of a third successive South American title.

Brazil v Paraguay (8pm)

Those who have seen much of the Copa America might have confused Brazil with Torquay United – the boys in yellow have been that bad, up until their 4-2 victory over Ecuador in the group stages. Coach Mano Menezes has so far failed to get anything like the best out of Brazil thus far in this tournament and they now face a team who came within minutes of beating the Selecao in the group stages. A late Fred equaliser saved the 7/4 favourites from an embarrassing defeat against a Paraguay team underrated by many.

Coach Gerado Martino has been in charge of Paraguay since 2006 and steered the South American nation to a quarter-final berth in the World Cup 12 months ago, eventually going out to Spain. While not the most attractive side left in the tournament, they are a tough nut to crack and have a physical side to them that many nations in the Copa America can’t call upon. They don’t score many and might have sneaked through the group stages but they are capable of an upset, as shown in 2004 when they beat Brazil in their last Copa meeting with the Samba Boys.

Brazil might have a list of star players as long as the Amazon River, but they look more like a collection of individuals than a team, unlike Paraguay. If La Albirroja can keep the likes of Neymar, Pato and Robinho quiet (easier said than done) there is no reason why they can’t upset the odds. Paraguay are 9/2 to win in 90 minutes but that is probably best left alone, with draw HT and draw FT at 21/5 the most likely outcome if Paraguay are to go through via extra time and maybe penalties.

Chile v Venezuela (11:15pm)

Much like Paraguay, Chile are another nation badly under rated and one who can’t be overlooked to go on and win the whole thing, based on how they have played so far. Arguably they looked the best team in the competition when navigating the group stages, beating Peru and Mexico, while drawing with Uruguay.

As demonstrated at the World Cup they have an attacking line to be feared, lead by Alexis Sanchez, and should have too much for Venezuela, who have a dreadful record against the Chileans. Venezuela have only ever beaten Chile once in 21 matches and have never reached the semi-finals of the Copa America. While we could have three upsets in the quarter-finalsm this is the one that should play out like everyone is expecting.

Chile are 8/13 to win inside 90 minutes, while you’d do well to consider Humberto Suazo at 6/5, Sanchez at 11/8 and Matias Fernandez at 7/4 to score at anytime for La Roja.

Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Brazil

The teenager has made only a couple of senior appearances for the Serie A side this term, but new Brazil coach Mano Menezes included the attacking midfielder in a youthful-looking squad for the matches against Iran and Ukraine.

He could play off AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato with fellow Rossoneri Robinho supplying the bullets from on the left of a four-man midfield.

Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva and Chelsea’s Ramires are expected to make up the central axis of the formation with Menezes likely to keep faith with the same back four which helped him get off to a winning start against USA in August.

Brazil won that match 2-0 as Menezes attempts to mould a younger squad and rebuild after the disastrous World Cup quarter-final defeat to Holland.

Iran have named a largely domestic-based squad but have star quality in the form of Osasuna midfielder Javad Nekounam, who was part of their World Cup squad in 2006.

The hot and humid conditions in the Middle East state are likely to be oppressive with the temperature at kickoff expected to be over 32°C.

Several Brazilian players commented on the heat after their training session on Wednesday evening.

“It’s very hot here,” midfielder Giuliano told Globoesporte’s website. “It feels like I’m in a sauna.”

Brazil are 5/1 to repeat the 2-0 scoreline of their last win with a 3-0 win available at 13/2 and 4-0 available at 9/1.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Brazil

The former Manchester City midfielder was forced off against Ivory Coast after a strong tackle by Elephants defender Cheik Tiote and broke down in training on Tuesday as he looked to prove his fitness to coach Dunga.

Elano will now sit out the quarter-final showdown with Holland in Port Elizabeth on Friday as A Seleção look to make the last four for the 11th time ever (Holland 16/5, draw 11/5, Brazil 20/21 – 90 Minutes).

Brazil’s team doctor told the media: “I’m not saying that he won’t be able to play again at this World Cup but he won’t be ready for Friday.

“He has bad bruising and it was after he trained on Sunday that he said that he was having problems.

“The bone is swollen and we have to release the pressure on it so he will do nothing strenuous for the rest of the week.”

“We still hope he can play next week but I can’t say that he will be able to categorically.”

Elano has scored two goals during the tournament so far despite missing the games against Portugal, in Group G, and Chile in the second round.

The pressure is on the Samba Kings after quarter-final eliminations at the last two World Cups in Germany and Japan & South Korea as they bid for their sixth world crown.

Former Arsenal star Gilberto Sliva, 33, is probably playing at his last World Cup and he admits he is looking to make it third time lucky after appearing at the 2002 and 2006 editions of the tournament (Gilberto 13/2 – Anytime Goalscorer).

Ahead of the clash with the Dutch, who topped Group E with three wins out of three, Gilberto admitted he has full belief in the Brazilians’ chances of going all the way to Soccer City, Johannesburg on July 11 and lifting the trophy.

He told FIFA.com: “The mood in the squad is very good at the moment, everyone is enjoying a lot what we’re doing for our country.

“Everyone is hungry to achieve one more trophy for Brazil. This is what we talk about all the time.”

Gilberto added: “We expect a very hard game because Holland have got a quality team with very good players.

“We know that (if) we give them space it will be very difficult for us and we could have a problem. This is what we want to avoid.

“We have played against Holland in these big World Cup matches before and it will be an emotional game. But I’m sure we will do our job as we did against Chile.”

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Heurelho Gomes

Gomes had a patchy start to his Spurs career and made a few high profile blunders. This led to ridicule in the press and boss Harry Redknapp scouring the world for a replacement. However, under the expert tutelage of goalkeeping coach Tony Parks, he has been in consistent form this season and is now hopeful of securing his first international call-up in four years. This will add to Gomes’s nine international caps thus far.

Gomes inspired Spurs to a 2-1 success over local rivals Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday night. Tottenham’s first league win against their north London rivals in 11 years severely dented the Gunners’ title hopes and kept Spurs hot on the heels of fourth placed Manchester City in the battle for the final Champions League spot.

Spurs are currently 2/1 second favourites behind City (at 4/9) to finish fourth but with many twists and turns still to come, Redknapp will be hoping that Gomes’s form continues for the remainder of the season.

There was a time when Gomes’s lack of confidence was causing a problem, particularly shortly after his move from Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven. However, Redknapp had been assured by former PSV boss Guus Hiddink that Gomes was one of the best goalkeepers in the world and that he should persevere with him. Redknapp did and he now agrees with Hiddink’s sentiments.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s tough clash against Chelsea, Redknapp stated that Gomes is “up there with the very best… but it took him time to adjust. He’s had a couple of dicky moments but ever since then he has got better and better and some of the saves on Wednesday, particularly a couple from Robin van Persie and from Sol Campbell, were vital saves.”

He quantified this statement by stating; “I always knew he had the ability. I spoke to Guus Hiddink and he said he nearly took them [PSV Eindhoven] to a Champions League final in 2005, he’s that good.”

Spurs face Chelsea on Saturday with both sides needing the points for different reasons. Chelsea will be hoping to distance themselves from Manchester United in the race for the title whilst Spurs will be hoping to increase the pressure on Manchester City in the battle for fourth place.

Spurs are one point behind City, who currently occupy fourth, whilst Chelsea are four points ahead of United at the top of the League. City face United at Eastlands on Saturday so the two battling for fourth face the two battling for the title.

Spurs are 11/4 to beat Chelsea, whilst the Blues are 10/11. The draw is 12/5.

City are 17/10 to beat United, with the Red Devils 11/8 to take the three points. The draw is 12/5.

View full post on totesport news – betting news and sports betting advice » Football Betting