The Welsh end the year ranked 12th, one place above England, but is this reflected in their World Cup 2018 odds?
The Welsh have enjoyed a footballing year most of their fans wouldn’t have even dreamt of, reaching the semi-finals of the European Championships, and the icing has been put on the cake as they end the year sat one place above their British neighbours in the FIFA rankings.
England, on the other hand, were dumped out in the first round of the Euros to minnows Iceland. A familiar story as the Three Lions haven’t reached the semi-final stages of a major tournament for 20 years.
But how do their odds for the 2018 World Cup compare?
13th ranked England are, undeservedly but unsurprisingly, eighth favourites at best price 33/1, and are as short as just 14/1 in places. The Three Lions’ chances are always overrated and it seems this time is no different.
In contrast, 12th ranked Wales are a hefty 200/1 to become World Champions. This price stems from the fact they currently sit third in their group and are by no means guaranteed to qualify. If you fancy them to qualify from Group D, you can get them at 11/4.
History suggests that when Wales do qualify for a tournament, they do well. When they qualified for the 1958 World Cup, they reached the quarter-finals and as we know this year they reached the last 4 of the Euros. It’s been a similar story in both tournaments as each time they have been quelled by the eventual winners; Brazil and Portugal respectively.
So if Bale & company do manage to qualify, watch out, because that 200/1 won’t last long...
