World Cup 2010: Brazil v Ivory Coast Betting Preview

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - Tonight`s World Cup glamour tie is a feisty match-up between tournament favourites Brazil and dark horses Ivory Coast. Time and time again the big clashes do not live up to their billing, but there will be plenty of interest in the Soccer City match-up between the top ranked team in the world and one of the top African sides.

It is not certain whether Didier Drogba will start the match despite his fractured arm, but even if the Chelsea star lines up for The Elephants, the Brazilians will still be the hot favourites with the bookmakers to win the match. A Brazil win is the most likely outcome at 4/6 (bet £60 to win £40 profit) with Canbet and Betfred, but a surprise win for the Ivory Coast cannot be discounted at 5/1 with Ladbrokes and Sky Bet. Football bettors all too often neglect the draw, which is generally a 13/5 chance with the bookies.

Luis Fabiano was well-supported in the Golden Boot betting before the tournament began just over a week ago, but his supporters were let down when he drew a blank against North Korea. The Brazil striker is at 4/1 with Bet 365 to open the scoring tonight, but Nilmar could be a tasty bet at 11/2 with Boylesports if he is given the nod. Robinho is a sure starter, and William Hill`s 11/2 is certainly tempting.

As for the Ivory Coast, Drogba is at 9s with Hills and Grafite is 13/2 to net first. In the anytime goalscorer market, Kaka and Kalou are both possibilities at 12/5 and 5/1 respectively.

In the half time/full time betting, it is 17/10 with William Hill that Brazil are leading at both half time and full time. Bettors who believe that the Ivory Coast will take longer to break down could try backing Draw/Brazil at 100/30 with Canbet and Ladbrokes. Alternatively, if you really fancy The Elephants tonight, then you will have to have a piece of Ivory Coast/Ivory Coast at 12/1 with Victor Chandler. Finally, the old Draw/Draw should never be overlooked, which is 11/2 with Totesport.

0-0 scorelines have been cropping up all too frequently at the World Cup, but Sky Bet are prepared to stick their necks out at 10/1 in the correct score market. The favourite scorelines are 1-0 and 2-0 wins to Brazil, which have been priced up at 11/2 and 13/2.

The Asian Handicap betting offers punters the choice to take Ivory Coast to win with a head start, or perhaps Brazil to win comfortably. As such, Ivory Coast +2 is 2/11 with Bet 365 and Brazil -1 is 13/10 with Paddy Power.

Brazil v Ivory Coast Match Betting Odds

Brazil v Ivory Coast First Goalscorer Betting Odds

Brazil v Ivory Coast Half time/Full time Betting Odds

Brazil v Ivory Coast Asian Handicap