FOOTBALL: WORLD CUP BETTING

WORLD CUP favourites Brazil look nailed on to beat Scotland (maybe 3-1) in the opening game of France 98 today.

Despite the late withdrawal of Romario, Brazil go into this tournament with a stronger squad than the one that won in USA 94.

Ronaldo has confirmed both in Serie A and in the Uefa Cup in Europe this season that he had already blossomed into the striker defenders fear most on the planet. He has to be a fair bet to score the first goal.

With the awesome pace and skill of Denilson on the left and the creative influence of Rivaldo, Scotland are in for a rough ride.

In tremendous form on the run up to the competition, Norway should have little difficulty in dismissing Morocco (perhaps 3-0) tonight.

Strikers Tore Andre Flo, Solskjaer and Ostenstad need no introduction, nor does Leonhardsen.

Morocco proved more stubborn opponents than they ought in a recent friendly with England but this Norwegian side have frankly got rather more going for them in the penetration department than the Hodd squad.

Chelsea striker Flo looks a fair bet to score the opening goal.