2010 World Cup: South Africa vs. Uruguay

So far, we've correctly predicted the outcome to the biggest game in the 2010 World Cup when the United States and England played to a draw. Not a bad start to betting the Cup. And yes, we are tooting our own vuvuzela horn.

Our next task? Ride the home country. We still don't think South Africa gets out of the group, but we'll hedge our bet against the home nation (who, by the way, has always advanced to the round of 16 in the history of the World Cup) by picking them to beat Uruguay tomorrow.

Uruguay is already predicting a victory for, well, themselves. But no so fast. By the power vested in the vuvuzela, we declare the South Africans winners of tomorrow's showdown. And once again, our win will net us more than we lay.

South Africa PICK (+125) over Uruguay

We could take the moneyline for +200, but the extra +75 is worth sacrificing to save ourselves from the ties that have so far plagued the cup. We like South Africa in this spot for a variety of reasons, not the least of which are home field advantage and Uruguay's incompetence since 1990 (last time they've won a game in the Cup). This is the host nation's best chance to get a win, and we just have a hard time seeing them winless in their group.

Good luck and stay tuned for more betting analysis and picks on the 2010 World Cup!

2010 World Cup: Group A Betting

The World Cup is right around the corner, and you'd be wise to fill your cup of soccer knowledge right here at Stock Lemon. Leading up to arguably the biggest single sport event in the world, we will deliver a group-by-group betting breakdown for 2010 World Cup Soccer Betting in South Africa. And we begin, naturally, with Group A.

Here are the odds:

France... EVEN
Uruguay... +400
Mexico... +350

South Africa... +600

Now, it's tempting to take South Africa with the home field advantage. We get that. Those 6/1 odds like mighty good if you think the African applause will be that overpowering, but let's use our heads here. Tempting as the home country might be, the smart money to win this group is on the 2006 runner-up, France. Though the odds are for even money, much less enticing than the others, it's actually a fairly decent bet for a perennial powerhouse such as France to headbutt their way through the group.

If you're in a situation where you can bet for the second place finisher, go with Mexico. They aren't what they used to be, sure, but the 2010 World Cup will feature the future of Mexican soccer. The performance of the young squad will serve as a building block for years to come in Mexican soccer.

For the record, we do predict that the home field advantage will be enough for South Africa to finish third, with a disappointing last place for the Uruguay squad. Our main reason for Uruguay's struggles? Consider the following evidence, in whichever language you speak.

This puts our final Group A standings at:

1. France

2. Mexico

3. South Africa

4. Uruguay

So, there you have it. We like the favorite France, at even money, to come out on top of Group A. Not big on the French? Fear not, there are seven more groups for as to cover, as well as the overall World Cup winner. Stay tuned and remember to get your kicks at Stock Lemon all summer long.