Germany v Slovenia - World Cup 2010 betting

The ever-reliable Germans have a habit of performing well in the face of adversity, hence they’re so well supported by punters of all nationalities in the World Cup betting where they’re a lengthy-looking 14/1 to be crowned world champions on 11 July.

Predictions that the loss of captain Michael Ballack and first choice goalkeeper Rene Adler to injury will prevent them making a decent start are likely to be unfounded. Indeed, their World Cup betting odds to start their campaign with a victory over Australia (8/15) indicate that online bookmakers expect them to make their usual serene progress to the knock-out stages.

Germany have reached at least the quarter finals in twelve of the last thirteen World Cup tournaments and can be relied upon again to perform well. Most punters appreciate that if their World Cup betting slips exclude Germany, they’re cutting down on their chances of returning a profit.

By contrast, Slovenia’s World Cup history pales when compared to Germany.

The Slovenians’ World Cup odds to top Group C are 10/1 and as long as 7/4 to qualify. They start their campaign against Algeria in a clash that is absolutely vital to the qualification hopes of both, although current World Cup betting markets price them as 5/4 favourites.

It’s a match that will generate much interest in the UK and the USA, but also in Germany, because should Slovenia beat Algeria and perhaps take maximum points off the US, online bookmakers will almost certainly be preparing World Cup odds for a Germany vs Slovenia final 16 clash.

The pair have met only once before, in 2005, when a Lukas Podolski goal was the difference between the sides, but having overhauled Russia on away goals in a play-off after a solid qualifying campaign, Slovenia will relish the opportunity to face a team highly rated by online bookmaker and punter alike.

Last September, an industrious Slovenia were unlucky to lose 2-1 to an England side that failed to fire on all cylinders; it was the type of performance which suggested that they could qualify from Group C, after which their World Cup betting odds against causing an upset might not be as long as some predictions would have you believe.

Since beating Russia in the play-offs, internet chat rooms have been full of discussions about how Slovenia will perform. “They’re a great side to enjoy a free bet on,” posted one contributor, “because they’ll always give you a decent run for someone else’s money!”

“Slovenia are an east European predictor of future footballing trends,” wrote another. “They only qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 2002 and are very inexperienced, but the big guys should take note: they’re a coming force.”

Whether that is true will be seen over the next few weeks. It’s undoubtedly accurate to say that Slovenia do possess what has been called a high ‘banana skin rating’ – ie, they’re capable of beating any side, be it England or Germany. Punters who concur may just fancy backing them with one of the many free bets on offer during the World Cup. To get started, World Cup odds of 7/2 are available (in a straight forecast bet) for Slovenia to come second to England in Group C – a finish that would probably set up that compelling last 16 meeting with mighty Germany.