FIFA World Cup Betting

All across the globe, teams are preparing for the final round of qualification matches which will decide who will progress to football's world cup in 2014. The tournament in Brazil promises to be one of the most exciting in this competition's 84 year history but who are the main contenders for the trophy?

It's always wise to consider the host country as part of your world cup betting strategy. Home advantage always offers benefits in any football match but over the course of a tournament, the familiarity with pitch and weather conditions can play a huge part in the final outcome.

Many outsider bets have won the world cup on home soil in the past England in 1966 and France in 1998 are two examples - but this year, a very strong Brazilian side have the advantage of playing in their own domestic stadiums. Brazil are the clear favourites for the trophy with all of the bookmakers and many punters won't be looking beyond a victory for the home nation.

It's always worth taking the conditions into account at any world cup. In Brazil during the summer, it will be hot and draining and many of the European sides may struggle in the intense heat. This is one of the reasons why Argentina are second favourites to win this world cup and they certainly have one of the most exciting sides in the competition.

The Argentinean class of 2014 will contain some of the world's most talented players such as Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero but can they combine as a team to beat the world's best?

Naturally, it's always advisable to look at the sides in form and Spain look likely to mount another challenge for this trophy. The Spanish squad has won the last three major tournaments that it took part in   Euro 2008, Euro 2012 and the World Cup in South Africa in 2010. There are many survivors from those squads and that's why Spain have the shortest outright win odds of any European side.

There's a theory when it comes to betting on soccer that you should never write off the Germans. The side has a string of major tournament wins behind it and the national squad is looking particularly strong ahead of this match.

Bayern Munich are arguably the best domestic side in Europe right now and the club will provide the bulk of the team that will head to Rio in 2014. Germany are fourth favourites in the outright win market and that's a gamble that many will be considering.

The winner of the 2014 world cup may well be one of those four teams but who are the outsiders worthy of consideration? It's always worth considering a team that has impressed in qualifying and arguably the best side of the group stages so far has been Russia.

Fabio Capello's men can be a threat and at excellent odds of 66/1 with some bookmakers, they may be worth considering for an each way gamble.

However, perhaps the most talented side in 2014 will be the Belgians whose players have been impressing with top club sides all across Europe. There is some world class talent in the squad including the likes of Eden Hazard, Jan Vertonghen, Moussa Dembele and Christian Benteke and at odds of 33/1 with some outlets, Belgium could be the strongest outside bet.

The world cup is the pinnacle for players and spectators alike and the 2014 tournament in Brazil could be the best yet. Adding in a small bet could certainly enhance your enjoyment of the feast of http://www.livefootball.net that is in prospect.