Uruguay to reach the final

With a star-studded line-up contesting this year's Confederations Cup, Christian Crowther finds some useful trends to aid punters...

Brazil love this competition

This World Cup dress rehearsal is a great chance for Brazil as a country to show that they can host next summer's extravaganza, but are the Samba Boys justified as 2.46 favourites to win the Confederations Cup?

History at least is very much in the Brazilians' favour considering they've won on three of the six occasions that they have competed. Their first win arrived back in 1997 and, since then, they've triumphed in the last two editions. Furthermore, since Saudi Arabia relinquished hosting duties 16 years ago, two of the five hosts have gone on to claim the cup.

Only European Champions need apply

Things, on paper at least, look slightly less rosy for hopes of a UEFA victor in South America. Besides France's dominant world and European champions, only Denmark - who triumphed in the second renewal way back in 1995, have claimed the prize, while none of the 13 other prior finalists hailed from Europe. And that's despite having multiple entrants in the past three instalments.

However, while that's a potentially bad omen for Italy 8.4, all is not lost for current European champions Spain 2.8, as all three European winners of this cup prevailed while holding the continental crown.

Back an outsider to reach the final

Bearing in mind that Europe have only ever been represented three times in a final, it's certainly worth considering Uruguay at 3.65 to reach the showpiece as well as Mexico at 10.0.

Uruguay's chances of making it are enhanced by the strong tradition of South American representation. Seven of the overall 16 finalists came from that continent, which is by far the best representation.

Their recent 1-0 win over France should give them the required confidence boost when it comes to facing Spain in Group B, which also features minuscule Tahiti. Meanwhile, past winners and three-time group clearers Mexico are also be adapted to the climate.

It is difficult to discount the chances of anyone besides perhaps Tahiti of making the final as four of the last six trophy deciders had unfancied participants. Japan - 12.0 this time - made it in 2001, while Australia, Cameroon and, last time out, USA have all featured.

Surprise winners are rarer though. Since the eight-team format arrived in 1997, only Mexico in 1999 caused a major stir in the final by beating Brazil 4-3.

Best Bet: Back Uruguay to reach the final @ 3.65

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