Quote from IV_Trader:
great reply all. I am looking for early money bets , here are the best risk/reword so far:
Top goal scorer :
Toni ( ITA) 8:1
Ibrahimivich (SWE) 41:1
Larson (SWE) 51:1
group betting ( make it to second round) :
Tunisia ( group H) 8:1
Australia ( group F) 13:1
Prediction bet : Kaka will be the best player ( somehow I have a feeling that Ronaldinio will get a red card and skip some games).
I also have a feeling that Lusio will score in his own net.
It's obvious that the team that goes to the finals will edge the top scorer honours. So I doubt that the Swede duo will get the position. They may try to get the goal lead while in the 3 game group league but considering they're playing England, Trinidad&Tobago, and Paraguay. It's very doubtful.
England has one of the best defensive line in the competition. So it makes it 2 games to save up some goals. And if they finish 2nd in the group they will play 1st in the Group A, which will probably be Germany.
On the other hand Brazil will has Japan, Aussie, and Croatia. Brazillians can rack up a lot of points from all of the 3 countries. Then play Group E's 2nd place which is most likely US or Czechs. (Italy going through 1st in Group E). There's a big edge on Brazilians compared to the Swedes.
Italians have the leftovers from Brazil and whatever team comes up, they won't be contenders for Italy. Italians have a better edge.
As for best player... that's hard... after watching the Champions League Cup... Ronaldinho's momentum doesn't seem to faded... Because the contenders are picked from players in the semi-final teams... I'd also consider...
Barrack... (like Schiallici's 1990 award... they lose to Argentina via Penalty Shoot Out... causing a big drama for the host country)
Zidane... (OK... he's a bit old but still a living/playing legend... If France goes through Group G in 1st they'll play Ukraine, Tunisia or Saudi... which they can hopefully win... this really depends on Henry who seems to fade during international matches...)
Totti... (He just recovered from an injury but he's still Totti)
I've still got like 20 players who's can possibly get the Golden Ball...
Hard... very hard decision...