Germany 8-11 to rule world

SPORTS BETTING

I KNEW the current Brazilian side were a pale shadow of some of their predecessors, but did anyone really see THAT coming?

Me neither. Germany were excellent, but the Brazilian defence was truly woeful and it might be premature to lump on last night’s winners for outright glory, believing a similar display will leave their final opponents on the ropes.

The identity of that team will be decided tonight when Argentina, our 9-2 selections at the start of the tournament, take on Holland.

This is a game which could go either way, particularly if the Dutch can keep the lid on Lionel Messi’s outrageous talent.

Argentina are 7-5 to win in 90 minutes, with Holland 12-5 and the draw 9-4.

As for the competition winners, Germany are favourites, quite understandably, at 8-11, with Argentina 13-5 and Holland 4-1.

ALASTAIR Cook’s role as England captain hangs by a thread after an horrendous winter and subsequent home defeat in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

He went into the first of five home Tests against India at Trent Bridge today knowing that any more defeats could spell the end of his reign and the bookies reckon Ian Bell is the man most likely to take charge if that happens.

Bell is 5-2 favourite to be the next captain, with Stuart Broad 7-2, Joe Root 5-1 and Matt Prior 6-1.

As for today’s Test, England were 13-8 with India 16-5. Showers are forecast, so the draw has been well supported and is now a best-priced 6-4.

NOVAK Djokovic is 7-4 favourite to win the men’s singles at the US Open following his hard-fought Wimbledon success.

Rafael Nadal is 3-1 second favourite, with Andy Murray 11-2 despite his capitulation at the hands of Grigor Dimitrov, who is an appealing 14-1 to win at Flushing Meadows.

VINCENZO Nibali, our 11-1 selection to win the Tour de France, was wearing the leader’s yellow jersey in today’s latest stage which finished on the cobbles of Arenberg Porte du Hinault.

Down to a best-priced 15-2 to win Le Tour, Nibali was expected to attack race favourite Chris Froome, who was not looking forward to this particular stage after a fall yesterday.