World Cup 2010 - Uruguay vs France betting preview

France begin their World Cup campaign today on the opening day of the world`s greatest sporting event as they face Uruguay in Group A. Beaten finalists four years ago, the French side have been disrupted by a prostitution scandal and accusations that their side is the weakest for some time.

However, they are favourites to win today at 5/4 (bet £40 to win £50 profit) with Coral and Victor Chandler. Uruguay, who have won the competition twice but not progressed past the last sixteen for 40 years, are 14/5 with Boylesports, with the draw at 23/10.

The favourites` recent results have been disappointing, to say the least. In their last five matches they have been held to draws by Ireland and Tunisia, lost to Spain and China, and beaten minnows Costa Rica by only a single goal.

Uruguay have only played twice this year but have impressed both times, beating Switzerland 3-1 and Israel 4-1, and the South Americans have now won five of their last seven matches.

The game looks set to be close and the bookmakers have made a 1-0 win for France the favourite score at 6/1, followed by 1-1 at 13/2 with Canbet and 0-0, generally at 15/2. A 1-0 Uruguay win is 9/1, also with Canbet, with a nerve-settling 2-0 win for France available at the same price.

Chelsea striker Nicholas Anelka is disputing favouritism with France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry to open the scoring tonight. Anelka is generally priced at 11/2, while Henry`s price ranges from 9/2 to the 6/1 available with Paddy Power. Diego Forlan, reportedly a £21 million target for Tottenham, is 13/2, while the controversial figure of Frank Ribery is 17/2 with Bet365.

France are 11/4 to lead tonight at both half-time and full-time and 9/2 to win after drawing at half-time. The bookmakers offer 4/1 the both halves are drawn, while Uruguay/Uruguay are is available at 13/2.

Spain are favourites for the World Cup this year with the best price available now 4/1. France are not seen as the force they once were but can still mount a challenge, priced at 20/1 across the board, while Uruguay are massive outsiders at 125/1.

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