2010 World Cup Betting Review – One Game Changes Everything

ESPN’s 2010 World Cup betting slogan, “One Game Changes Everything” proved to be an accurate description of the drama that unfolded in this year’s World Cup betting tournament.

Below are some of the most noteworthy headliners that have occurred since the 2010 World Cup began one month ago:

French Drama

After a second place performance in the 2006 World Cup, France had the worst and most publicized fall from the top by not winning a game in the 2010 World Cup.

To make matters worse, French players went on strike during a training session, which led to the dismissal of forward Nicolas Anelka from the team.

Upon their return to France, French head coach Raymond Domenech has been fired and French Football Federation President Jean-Pierre Escalettes resigned from his position.

Brazil’s Dunga Fired

After a disappointing and unexpected loss to the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup betting tournament, Brazil’s head coach Dunga was fired.

Dunga had been criticized for employing a system that lacked Brazil’s traditional Samba-style of play.

He also elected to leave exceptionally talented players like Ronaldinho off the national team, in favor of players with a hard-working mentality.

The fans and Brazil’s Football Federation obviously were not impressed with many of Dunga’s choices leading up to and during the 2010 World Cup.

Argentina Demolished

Argentina and their head coach Maradona had been surrounded by controversy since the World Cup betting tournament began.

Admittedly, Argentina possessed an arrogance that seemed well deserved as they destroyed opponents at the start of this 2010 World Cup.

The Argentineans scored ten goals while conceding only twice in their four games before facing Germany in the quarterfinals.

A jubilant young German team turned the Argentine swagger into devastation. With the best player in the world, Lionel Messi, not many World Cup bettors expected Argentina to exit before the final in 2010.

Argentina’s Football Federation has left the decision up to Maradona if he wishes to resume his coaching responsibilities with the national team.

Italy Exits In Group Stage

The defending World Cup champions were not considered a favorite to win this 2010 World Cup. However, an exit in the group stage was definitely unexpected.

With their worst World Cup showing in Italian national soccer team history, the Azzurri only managed draws against Paraguay and New Zealand before falling to Slovakia 3-2 in their final group stage game.

Poor Performances From Soccer Stars

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney are widely regarded as two of the most talented soccer players in the world.

Ronaldo has reached Beckham status and was FIFA World Player of the Year in 2008. Rooney is coming off his best season scoring 26 goals in 32 games playing for his club Manchester United in the English Premier League.

Neither player lived up to expectations as they combined for just one goal in the 2010 World Cup betting tournament.