LAS VEGAS (AP) — Fox Sports ad promoting world cup Mike Eruzione’s reporting and features have spread the story that a sports miracle involving an underdog American team can become a reality again.
And just like the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” when Eruzione and his college students defeated a powerful Soviet hockey team in the Olympics. US It is unlikely that they will leave with the World Cup trophy.
Look at the odds.
The U.S. is anywhere from 40-1 to 60-1 at BetMGM Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings to win soccer’s most prestigious tournament, which begins Thursday.
Long-time handicapper Bruce Marshall has no fondness for American manager Mauricio Pochettino, who has previously managed some of Europe’s biggest clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Marshall didn’t read too much into it either. Won against Senegal 3-2 In a friendly match leading up to the tournament.
“I’m not that high up on the American team,” Marshall said. “I don’t care what they did[against Senegal]. I thought Pochettino was a vanity hire. Look, his track record is not as great as people say. He’s been in some great teams.”
The United States is not that kind of team, at least compared to the teams that are favored to win the World Cup.
But money is flowing to Americans, and bettors are willing to bet on their greens while viewing the tournament through red, white and blue glasses.
If something were to happen and a soccer version of Eruzione’s miracle hockey team was created, sportsbooks would take a significant financial hit.
“We’ve definitely seen a lot of patriotism displayed with America being our biggest responsibility,” said Mark Bickerdyke, Caesars’ head of soccer trading. “If the U.S. gets off to a good start and progresses, our responsibility will only increase. But overall we’re happy with the price, so let’s set a price that we think is appropriate and take it little by little from there. If the U.S. can make it to the semi-finals and the final, we might just stick to our seats a little bit.”
There are no surprises about the winning team.
France and Spain are the consensus favorites to win the World Cup, with both at +450 at BetMGM and Caesars. DraftKings also has Spain listed at that price, with France close behind at +475.
Spain will beat England in 2024 to win the European ChampionshipAnd now La Roja are aiming to add to their 2010 World Cup title. However, 18-year-old star Lamine Yamal and fellow forward Nico Williams are dealing with hamstring injuries.
“If Yamal and Nico Williams are OK, I think Spain will win,” Marshall said. “They won the Euros because those two guys turned the whole thing around. They spread the field so much. They had so much speed on the wings. If they weren’t at 100 percent, or both, Spain wouldn’t be exactly the same team they were at the Euros.”
If Spain weakens, France could take advantage of it. France, led by Kylian Mbappé, will aim to reach the final for the fifth time in the past eight World Cups and win the tournament for the third time.
Some teams have a legitimate chance
There are other countries that can seriously aim for the title. England, Brazil, Argentina and Portugal are all 9-1 or better at all three sportsbooks.
“There’s no real difference between those two or three teams and the rest,” said Johnny Abello, DraftKings sportsbook director. “I think it’s a pretty normal ladder for future books. There are some lower-priced teams at the top. I think it’s pretty balanced. I don’t think there’s a clear favorite to win here.”
Messi and Ronaldo’s last ride
Stars Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo will almost certainly play in their final World Cup.
Some bettors may be betting on one last great run by one or both.
“That always intrigues customers,” Bickerdyke said. “That’s definitely our biggest driving force. Portugal have been playing pretty well lately, but they’re probably the better team than Spain and others.”
“Obviously it’s always a big debate. Who’s the biggest? Messi or Ronaldo? This will be their last World Cup and it’s kind of a dream scenario to do well.”
Betting doesn’t stop after kick-off
In-game betting is not new, but it has become even more popular in the last few years due to the availability of apps that make it easier for bettors to participate.
That’s especially true in soccer.
“The in-game play is going to be huge,” Abello said. “If you look at all the sports we book, I think soccer has the most in-game play than any other sport, percentage-wise.”
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
