Aguero pure gold

World Cup sports betting special

THE waiting is almost over.

The World Cup gets under way tomorrow at the spiritual home of the sport, Brazil.

The Brazilian team that won in Mexico in 1970 was the greatest I have ever seen. Even though the current national side isn’t fit to lace the boots of Pele, Rivelino, Jairzinho, Tostao, Gerson, Carlos Alberto et al, it is still rated the most likely to prevail.

But should the 3-1 favourite really be at a shorter price than Argentina?

Home advantage counts for a lot, but compare Brazil’s strike force of Neymar, Fred and Hulk to that of Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and the peerless Lionel Messi and you can see the puzzle.

Argentina also have arguably the tournament’s best attacking midfielder in Angel di Maria; another creative genius in Fernando Gago, and the perfect man to shield an uncompromising defence in Javier Mascherano.

At 9-2, Argentina look the value bet, particularly as I can see them hardly breaking sweat to reach the last eight.

Of the European teams, Italy may be the team to surprise at generous odds of 25-1.

Many of the Spanish stars have had a gruelling season, Germany’s squad is littered with players either coming back from injury or, in Mesut Ozil’s case, suffering a crisis of confidence, and Portugal is too reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo.

Belgium boasts several stars of the Premier League, but the value on them has long gone, and while I am starting to regret writing off England in a recent column, I can’t envisage manager Roy Hodgson gambling on the young talent — such as Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling — that would give the side a chance.

No, I simply can’t see past Argentina and if you fancy them, you have to give one of their big players every chance of winning the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer. Step forward Aguero who, at 16-1, is at twice the odds of Messi.

The Manchester City marksman’s injury record is a slight worry, but that is factored into an extremely tempting price.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Argentina to win World Cup, 9-2 (William Hill); Sergio Aguero to win Golden Boot, 16-1 (Stan James, Ladbrokes).


WITH much of the media’s attention on the World Cup, golf’s second major of the season has been rather overlooked.


Tomorrow’s US Open at Pinehurst, North Carolina, sees Justin Rose defending the title he won 12 months ago, and the English star is 28-1 to enter the winner’s enclosure again.

That’s a big ask given the volume of competition around. For that reason I would much rather have a couple of each-way picks at decent odds.

US Open courses are always tough, with narrow fairways, punishing rough and small, fast greens.

Pinehurst won’t be any different and patience is going to be needed.

The man who hits the most fairways and greens will probably prevail, barring a putting nightmare. For that reason I fancy a couple of home stars, Matt Kuchar and Zach Johnson.

Neither are flashy but both have excellent records and are unlikely to shirk the challenge.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Matt Kuchar, each-way (first six), general 28-1; Zach Johnson, each-way, 66-1 (general).