THE Confederations Cup is often passed over as an irrelevance but the line-up this year is stronger than usual and of course hosts Brazil – winners in 2005 and 2009 – are building up to the main event on their soil next summer.
That brings added pressure and responsibility but the Samba stars should at least make the Final where they are likely to face world and European champions Spain.
And that’s not to mention Italy and Uruguay with Japan, Mexico, Nigeria and Tahiti making up the numbers.
Spain are in the easier Group B with Uruguay, Nigeria and Tahiti and that could be to their advantage in the latter stages.
They are 7-4 outright favourites with Ladbrokes and Paddy Power and should go all the way if they’re not in holiday mode.
Brazil are 6-4 (various) with Italy, the only other nation with a trophy claim, 7-1 (various).
Best bet of all could be a Spain v Brazil final at 11-4 (BetVictor).
The Brazilians kick off against Japan today in Group A and should take care of opponents they hammered 4-0 last time they met. They are no bigger than 3-10 with bet365 and Paddy Power while tournament top scorer favourite Neymar is worth a look at 4-1 with Coral to bag the opener.
The Barcelona new boy is 8-1 at William Hill to finish leading marksman – the same price as David Villa and Luis Suarez.
Brazil have kept four clean sheets in their last six meetings against Japan and are best priced at 10-11 with Paddy Power for another and 21-20 (boylesports) to win to nil.
Recommended Bet
Spain v Brazil final
(11-4, BetVictor)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
I like the cut of yer jib here Mr F and i am on Brazil/Spain final is there any other outcome ?
1plus2, can’t rule out Italy totally but it should be Brazil v Spain.
1plus2 I think the Brazil/Spain is almost a certainty. If any other team are going to threaten it will be Italy. I will cover Brazil/Italy just incase.
£120 Brazil/Spain @11/4
£20 Brazil/Italy @ 6/1
Mr fix am on Nigeria brazil final
Flyboivince, good luck with Nigeria. I know they played well to win the African Nations but it’s a tough ask to get to this final. They’ll start on Monday with a thumping win over Tahiti and it will probably all come down to the Uruguay game to see who qualifies with Spain. After that a possible semi-final against Italy awaits so it won’t be easy.
Spain – Uruguay final.
Bets for today’s game.
More goals in 2nd half – 2.1
Both teams ti score – 2.04
Brazil – Japan : 45’/90′ -> X-1
I believe Japs will manage to hold their fort for a half time as Brazilians are stil not fine-tuned and will have a hard time against disciplined defense.
Malusha – I was thinking the same.
disciplined defence in Japans last 8 games they have conceded 10 goals granted 4 of them came from Brazil back in November and the rest came from teams such as Jordan Oman Canada Australia I may be wrong mate but I don’t see the likes of Neymar Hulk Jadson Oscar and co having to many problems breaking Japan Down its Brazil all day long for me they are faster more skilful bigger and stronger
HT/FT 5/6 @ Betvictor
Brazil -1 8/11 @ Stan James
Brazil 2 Win Both Halves 2/1 @ Coral
Good prices for Brazil Dan what u putting on the day mate
Nada mate was going to do a few trebles but just having my dinner then heading to the casino go a bit earlier for a change good few jars and a wee blast at my favourite machines
I good luck with the machines Dan must be great having money to waste. Fling some my way if u want. Will pay chunk ae that back Sunday night. A wrote u an email Dan
followed advice, went sligo win, brazil win, spain u21..and india win vs pakistan (cricket not all that popular but this is a relative certainty) $3.16 @sportsbet.
i hate when your week has been mediocre and you find urself making safe as multi’s paying $3. living in the fast lane :P
I’m going to wait to see if Honda plays for Japan before placing any bets. He, along with Kagawa, is their best player so, will make a big difference if he’s recovered from injury.
MrT, I’m backing Brazil regardless, think they’ll be too good. Also just read that Ballotelli has a knock so worth monitoring for anyone considering him for top tournament scorer.
I think Brasil will win today as well. However, if Honda plays, I’m inclined to back ht draw and btts.
Mr T, again Racing Post’s tip on the game is both to score but as you say may depend on Honda. I’ve been looking for both to score fancies and the only one I really like is Holland v Italy in the Under-21s. Heading for a night in the Sunday Snail and will watch the Brazil game with interest.
I have had a wee bet on Mexico e/way,might surprise a few people, don’t score many, but don’t lose many either.
Suarez top scorer and draws in Spain v Uruguay and Mexico v Italy
Ian, just been reading the Racing Post and their outright tips are Japan and Uruguay which somewhat surprised. I suppose one theory is that only Brazil will be giving i their best shot so there could be some surprises.
Anyone know the teams? Is Honda starting?
Mt T, he starts.
Brazil: Julio Cesar, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Luiz, Marcelo Oscar, Gustavo, Paulinho, Fred, Neymar, Hulk. Subs: Jefferson Fernando, Lucas Moura, Hernanes, Dante, Filipe Luis, Jean Rever, Bernard, Jo, Jadson, Cavalieri.
Japan: Kawashima, Konno, Nagatomo, Uchida, Yoshida, Endo Honda, Kiyotake, Kagawa, Hasebe, Okazaki. Subs: Nishikawa Inoha, Gotuko Sakai, Havenaar, Hosogai, Nakamura, Kurihara Maeda, Inui, Takahashi, Hiroki Sakai, Gonda.
Bets for tonights brazil game.
More goals in 2nd half – 2.1
Both teams to score – 2.04
Small punt on Honda or Kagawa to score. Both generous at 7. Larger stake on Fred to Score.
MrT, I’m going for Fred and hoping Neymar doesn’t beat him to it.
MrT gonna take both bets since i find it possible for Japan to score since Brazil has a clown named Luiz next to a world class defender Thiago Silva. Might be a good bet. More goals in second half is also possible, Scolari when he was Portugal´s coach he was always more conservative in the first half. Could be good bets
I see BBC Three have moved the match to the red button because of the tennis – just in case anyones looking for it. SKY Ch.115
Scolari insisting with the same setup that he used with the portuguese nt. Old donkeys don´t learn. He´s playing at home, what´s Luiz Gustavo doing in that lineup? Hernanes is better than Luiz Gustavo and is a bigger goal threat. Doesn´t he have a better forward than Fred?