Brazil still favourites but Germany popular

As the second round of the World Cup gets under way in Germany, it is well worth taking a look at how the markets are shaping up for the serious business of winning the tournament.

Brazil, who finally showed some of their obvious ability in their final group game when they came from behind to beat Japan 4-1 are the 100/30 (4.33) favourites, but that is much better value than the 5/2 (3.50) quoted at the start of the event.

As always, there was a flood of patriotic money for England before the World Cup began, forcing them down to 7/1 (8.00), and they are now 13/2 (7.50) fourth favourites, even though they have not produced anything of note to date.

Argentina split them at 7/2 (4.50), while Germany, the first side through to the last eight, are now just 11/2 (6.50) to win on home soil and claim the trophy for the fourth time.

Golden boot
Miroslav Klose, who top-scored in Japan and Korea four years ago, has already scored four this time and is the 11/4 (3.75) favourite to repeat the feat.

Spain's Fernando Torres is now just 5/1 (6.00) while Ronaldo, who found his scoring boots with a double the other night, is 6/1 (7.00) and Hernan Crespo is 7/1 (8.00) and Thierry Henry is 14/1 (15.00).

The first Englishman in the market is Steven Gerrard, who has two goals and is now a 33/1 (34.00) chance.