Thetownend.com

Pre-Tournament Betting
7-2 England
5-1 Italy
8-1 Australia, Czech Rep, Ireland, USA
11-1 Argentina, Sweden
16-1 Hungary, Mexico, Norway, Spain, Wales
33-1 Brazil, Canada, France

With the shock of the clear pre-tournament favourites England (7-2 fav) being dumped out in the first round, 2nd favourite Italy (5-1) must now be the clear favourite to succeed in the first Stunners World Cup after winning their group...

USA and Ireland failed to live up to their good names, as soon to be jobless managers failed to produce the performances required. At the other end, outsiders Brazil and Canada have surprised their respective groups putting in great performances and winning fans on their way to the final stages...

Betting opens for the final stages...
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Likely Quarter Finals Draw

Wales v  Czech Rep

Norway v Canada

Italy vs Mexico

Brazil vs Australia

I can't see past Italy, but they have been known to suffer heartache in the finals stages of tournaments in the past. If they can see off Mexico it's all to play for, as one of either Czech or Australia will also go out at the quarter fnal stage. Brazil are certainly worth a punt at 33-1

I  can't believe the french are out, disgraceful!!!!  They had a superb team.

I hope the welsh continue with their rather impressive displays.

Norway have also impressed, Brazil are improving with every match.  Thought the Aussies and Canadians have looked ordinary.  Italy and Mexico with out playing to their potential have looked good.  As for the Czechs they've been workmanlike to say the least.  I've not enjoyed their performances but respect is due to the Ceske massive.

Brazil at 33-1 surely a faux pas by the bookies, considering it's a country reknowned for their ladies, England made favourites by home nation bookies as ever, and yet fail to dleiver.

I'm on the march with Smeetons army :clap:

Erm, they aren't out yet! :?

Not quite yet - this was based on the hal-time score between France and Brazil, and Czech Rep vs Ireland

Ok, don't write 'em off just yet :wink:

Well the way it's going they're going out.

By the way the betting prices you see - are as decided by the forum in the first round of voting back before it started - no-one thought Brazil would win and they proved you all wrong  :)

They were the pre-tournament prices - new prices will be published shortly based on this poll

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Im backing Italy for this one, ive just been out and put a crisp £20 down on them to win it, the only problem being the bookies didnt know what i was on about?.  :?

I'm glad to see so many have faith in me and my Italian side! I'll try not to disappoint :wink:

There's still no-one backing Brazil, or even Norway who won their group via a play-off...

Italy the clear favourite though....

I can't keep it in anymore, for all you French fans:
http://theuriau.nephand1.org/uploads/1128089446/med_gallery_1_2_97532.jpg

http://theuriau.nephand1.org/uploads/1128085913/med_gallery_1_2_119794.jpg

She's got her own website and fans forum  :shock:
Spankbank of the week me thinks  :shock:   :mrgreen:
http://www.melissa-theuriau.fr/en

I think you should show some patriotism by changing your avatar to an Italian though instead of Ms Kournikova....

It's Jessica Alba actually, but ok, give me a moment

Finito 8)

Nice work.

Italy clear favourites at the moment.

Thanks for who voted for Wales. The size of my country will hit me later on I feel but I have a good team lined up for the quarters.

Latest odds then:
2-1F - Italy
7-1 - Australia, Canada, Czech Rep, Norway, Mexico, Wales
20-1 - Brazil

i'm disappointed with the lack of support for the brazilians.

you obviously haven't seen this before http://www.office-humour.co.uk/download.cfm?id=2524

I've just backed them Le God, at 16-1 worth a punt.