Latin America For The World Cup?
After much debate and controversy, the Qatar World Cup is now just three weeks away and the Envio team are getting ready to support the participating Latin American teams. This includes Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico and Uruguay.
After winning 9 of the first 17 competitions, it has now been 20 years since a Latin American team has won the World Cup, which was naturally Brazil. Of the nine Latino wins, the boys from Brazil have won the prestigious tournament a record five times, with Argentina and Uruguay triumphing two times each.
To mark the occasion, we are holding a Latin American sweep-stake in the office and below we review everybody’s chances of reaching the semi-finals and beyond.
Argentina – Josh Sweeney
Fifa World Ranking: 3
Latest Odds: 6/1
Argentina are well fancied as potential tournament winners and will be hoping that talisman Lionel Messi performs well. Argentina are the current Copa America winners and Josh has a very good chance of his team reaching the latter stages.
Brazil – Scott Easton
Fifa World Ranking: 1
Latest Odds: 4/1
Scott has bagged himself the tournament favourites, the team everybody looks out for at the World Cup. Brazil lost to Argentina in last year’s Copa America Final but qualified at the top of the South American group. It’s hard to see them not making the final stages.
Costa Rica – Peter Claus
FIFA World Ranking: 31
Latest Odds: 750/1
The smart money is not on Costa Rica, as they are joint tournament outsiders with Saudi Arabia. Despite this, they did top a group that included England, Italy and Uruguay in 2014, and went on to reach the quarter finals. However, it’s difficult to see Peter’s team in the final four.
Ecuador – Sean Stokes
FIFA World Ranking: 44
Latest Odds: 175/1
While outsiders, Ecuador do have a fairly open group alongside hosts Qatar, The Netherlands and Senegal. Their place in the tournament was in jeopardy until recently when Chile & Peru launched an appeal regarding an ineligible player. Sean isn’t holding his breath for a last four place.
Mexico – Millie Easton
FIFA World Ranking: 13
Latest Odds: 100/1
Remarkably, Mexico have been knocked out at the round of 16 in every one of the past seven World Cups. Last time out, they beat Germany in the group before being beaten by Brazil. It’s difficult to see Millie’s team upsetting the odds and being around for the last four.
Uruguay – Bradley Allen
FIFA World Ranking: 14
Latest Odds: 50/1
Winners of the first two World Cup’s they entered in 1930 and 1950, Uruguay haven’t made the semi final stages for 52 years. Despite this, they are often thought of as ‘dark horses’ for the competition and Bradley will be hoping his tough tackling team can return to former glories.
Bonus Team: Spain – Chris Gaduzo
FIFA World Ranking: 7
Latest Odds: 8/1
Since Chris is originally from Gibraltar, we have awarded him with Spain, as an ironic bonus entry, to continue the Hispanic theme. Winners in 2010, Spain are fifth favourites for the competition, which should give Chris a reasonable chance of making it to the final four.
