THE World Cup offers a good chance to pick up winnings by betting at the group stage, writes Chris Sudlow

There are odds-on favourites in all eight groups, but while they should all qualify, they might not necessarily prefer to finish top if opening games do not go their way.

The seeding system opens up all sorts of permutations which might persuade top teams to try to avoid each other after an early setback.

So this gives the outsiders, who in all seriousness will never compete in the Final, a great chance to reach at least the second round by qualifying in first place.

My outsider tips to do well at this stage are Denmark in Group A at 7-1, Turkey in Group C at 7-2, South Korea in Group D at 6-1, and dare I say it, Sweden at 13-2 in Group F .

Favourites in these four groups are France (A), Brazil (C), Portugal (D) and Argentina (F). . . so don't have more than a friendly bet!