In March 2003 I put $1,000 U.S. on Spain to win the 2006 Men's World Cup, at 23-to-1 odds. Just curious if anyone here thinks I'll be cashing my ticket in for $23,000 next year.
23-to-1 sounds about right. If they play to their potential then its a great bargain as they should reach the final 4. But when have they played to their potential? I warn you though: don't get excited if they play well early on. We have occasionally played attacking football and looked good only to change to conservative tactics in the knock out rounds and get defeated 1-0. I.E., don't expect victory at all, even when they play well. Expect them to lose. It's a Spanish tradition.
The odds are currently 15 to 1, so in that regard, I got a decent deal. But the oddsmakers know that Spain seems to always underachieve in the WC, which is why the odds for Spain were so high. I certainly have no expectations for them to win, but I'm anxiously awaiting the matches! Thanks to all for the replies!!