The BBC has conducted a worldwide poll of footballing experts to give us the all important top four — in the correct order betting fans! — and they’ve rolled out the results over the course of this week. And now we know who’s going to win.
Speaking to over 50 experts (they define experts as pundits, players, managers and journalists) from more than 20 nations, Spain is favored to win, beating Brazil in the final. Losing semi-finalists will be Argentina and England. Interestingly, not one expert plumped for reigning champs Italy nor previous winners Germany (who, repeat after me, we should never underestimate) and France to lift the trophy. That said, legendary BBC Sport football commentator John Motson — covering his 10th World Cup for the Beeb in South Africa — believes that the 14/1 that can generally be had on Italy to repeat the feat of 2006 is his standout bet.
Back to the global poll and it doesn’t really offer up any major shocks (unless you think Maradona can somehow keep it together long enough to make the final four). But, of course, it makes for lively reading and should always lead to more debate. So throwing it over to you, give us your top four…