Does Canada have even a remote chance of winning the World Cup?
Never say never in sports, but it would be a much bigger upset than the Americans “Miracle on Ice” victory over the Russians for gold at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.
Don Brennan’s daily hit on the world of sports betting. Whether you’re new to sports gambling or an experienced wagerer, this newsletter offers trustworthy insights into the odds game. 19+. Please gamble responsibly.
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For one thing, no team outside Europe and South America has ever been crowned champions in World Cup history.
For another, the competition will be extremely stiff.
Canada is in Group F with Belgium, Croatia and Morocco.
It’s considered the fourth most difficult group with an average world ranking of 20.
The top three most difficult groups are Group A (England, USA, Iran, Wales. AWR: 14.5), Group E (Spain, Germany, Japan, Costa Rica. AWR: 18.25) and Group G (Brazil, Switzerland, Serbia, Cameroon, AWR: 19.25).
But between April 1-Aug. 1, Canada’s betting odds to win the glorious global football tournament have shortened from +25000 to +15000 – which makes it tied for the 17th favourite team.
Belgium is ninth favourite at +1400, Croatia is tied for 11th favourite at +5000 and Morocco is tied for 22nd favourite at +20000.
For a better chance at making some money off the World Cup, Canada backers can bet their teams to reach the final (+6600), win Group F (+1200) or qualify (finish top two) from Group F (+275).
Canada’s first World Cup game in 36 years will be on Wednesday, Nov. 23 vs. Belgium (2 p.m. EDT).
From there, Canada tackles Croatia on Nov. 27 (11 a.m.) and Morocco on Dec. 1 (10 a.m.)
-Don Brennan
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