Bookies breath a sigh of relief as Brazil and England exit

Italy are third favourites at 4.50 (7/2) while Portugal are the 7.00 (6/1) outsiders.

Bookmakers across the world had huge liabilities on Brazil while English bookies - who account for a huge proportion of the worldwide soccer market - reported that England were extremely well backed, despite their less than impressive perfomance.

Of the remaining teams only Germany had been well backed before the start of the World Cup and most bookies reported this was on account of the excellent record of host countries in the World Cup. Italy, who could normally have expected to attract plenty of betting support in international competitions, were largely left alone by serious bettors who feared the scandals engulfing Serie A would have a negative impact on the national team.

France and Portugal were also not well supported, partly because they were expected to have such a tough draw.

Germany's Klose, who has five goals, looks almost certain to claim the Golden Boot with each team now having two matches left in the competition.


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