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The group stage at the FIFA World Cup in Russia is behind us and now we have the best 16 teams who will fight for the title in the knockout phase, so let’s take the look at the updated odds on the possible winners.
BRAZIL (+350)
As it was the case prior to the FIFA World Cup, the Selecao is the biggest favorite to lift the trophy in Russia, and after finishing at the top of the group ahead of Switzerland, Brazil will face Mexico in the Round of 16. Tite’s side is at -200 to defeat the Tricolor, according to Delaware Park, and although it would be easier to play against Sweden, the Brazilians know what it takes to beat Mexico, despite failing to do so the last time they met four years ago at the WC in Brazil when it was 0-0 in the group phase.
SPAIN (+400)
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The Red Fury managed to end at the top of the group ahead of Portugal, and although they didn’t impress and showed defensive vulnerability along the way, Spain is a strong favorite at -175 to knock-out the hosts Russia in the Round of 16. It seems that their biggest test at the tournament will come in the quarter-finals when they are projected to meet red-hot Croatia, if everything goes as planned, of course.
BELGIUM (+700)
The Red Devils secured the first place in the group after defeating England, but they will have the harder way to the finals despite a relatively easy opponent in the Round of 16. Belgium is a huge favorite at -250 in the clash with Japan, but in case they advance to the quarter-finals, they will have to face the biggest favorite Brazil.
ENGLAND (+700)
The Three Lions wanted to avoid a tougher part of the bracket and were satisfied with the second place in the group behind Belgium so they could face Colombia in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup. It’s not going to be an easy game for England, but the Coffee growers will likely be without a star James Rodriguez who suffered a calf injury against Senegal. His absence could be a big boost for the Englishman who are +110 favorites to go through the quarter-finals where they would play against Switzerland or Sweden, a relatively easier path to the semis than Belgium’s.
FRANCE (+800)
The Blues didn’t have a real trouble to reach the knockout phase, and it seems that they didn’t even show their maximum, so Argentina will have a mountain to climb to defeat France when they switch to a higher gear. France is a slight favorite at +145 to beat the Albiceleste and face Uruguay or Portugal in the quarter-finals, and although the odds jumped from +100, the Blues have what it takes to eliminate Argentina out of the World Cup.
CROATIA (+1200)
The Blazers are just one of three teams that managed to end the group stage with maximum points and after their impressive 3-0 victory over Argentina, Croatia emerged as one of the favorites from the shadow to win the FIFA World Cup. Denmark has their own qualities, but they shouldn’t represent a big obstacle to the Blazers who are -118 favorites to go to the quarter-finals.
ARGENTINA (+1400)
The Albiceleste showed nothing that convinced us they are one of the favorites to win the World Cup after barely made it to the Round of 16, thanks to a late winner over Nigeria. Despite having some of the world-class individuals in the squad, such as Leo Messi among others, Argentina proved to be a weak team, and the clash with France could be their final one at the tournament.
COLOMBIA (+2200)
Despite losing the first game at the tournament, the Coffee Growers won the next two and finished at the top of the group ahead of Japan, but the clash with England in the 1/8 finals could be their last here. If James Rodriguez recovers in time to face the Three Lions, Colombia’s chances will grow, but at the moment, it doesn’t look too good for them.
URUGUAY (+2200)
The Sky Blues secured maximum points in a relatively easy group and ended ahead of the hosts Russia, so their biggest test will represent Portugal in the Round of 16. Uruguay is a slight favorite at +187, and if they eliminate the Navigators, the quarter-final tilt with France or Argentina could be their final game at the FIFA World Cup.
PORTUGAL (+2500)
The holding European champions had plenty of luck in the group stage as they could easily lose to Spain and Iran, but as it was the case at the EURO 2016, they managed to squeeze through to the Round of 16. However, I don’t think they will experience the same fate this time around, and although they are facing Uruguay in the 1/8 finals and that match could go either way, the Round of 16 is probably the Navigators’ maximum at this moment.
Delaware Park Sportsbook has also released the odds for the remaining teams that will play in the Round of 16, Switzerland (+4000), Russia (+6600), Sweden (+6600), Mexico (+6600), Denmark (+8000), and Japan (+20000) are not considered as favorites to lift the trophy in Russia, and reaching this stage of the tournament is perhaps their maximum. However, they are still in the contention, and as long as they are alive, there is a slight chance.