Bookies pick Mexico to win opener

The World Cup starts today with hosts South Africa taking on Mexico in the opener, and from now until the end of the competition Track Price Plus, along with Supreme Ventures Limited, will be offering a range of bets at fixed odds on the teams, finalists, outcome of select matches and leading goalscorer in the competition.

For today's opener, Track Price Plus has quoted Mexico to win at 7-5, South Africa to win at 9-5, while a draw offers odds of 11-5 (just over 2-1).

Lucrative bets

Most bookmakers have Spain as the 4-1 favourites to win the competition, with Brazil at 5-1. England are third favourites at 11-2, Argentina 7-1, defending champions Italy and Germany 14-1, Holland and France 16-1, bar the others. These odds are subject to change as the competition progresses.

One of the most interesting and lucrative bets being offered at this stage is to forecast the two teams which will emerge finalists.

You can get 10-1 for a Spain-Brazil final, 12-1 for Spain-England, 16-1 for Brazil-Argentina and 20-1 for a BrazilEngland or Spain-Holland matchup, while Spain vs defending champions Italy are quoted at 25-1.