Football: World Cup betting

THEY FAILED to impress against Morocco, but Norway, so impressive in friendlies on the run up to the finals, should beat Scotland (perhaps 2-0 - around a 7-1 chance) in Bordeaux this afternoon.

Norway twice succumbed to a surprisingly penetrative Morocco side in their opening fixture but the Scots, who played to the best of their limited ability against Brazil, are singularly lacking in the goal scoring department and are unlikely to be able to hold Tore Andre Flo and co at bay for 90 minutes. Tore Andre Flo looks the best bet at around 5-1 to be first goalscorer.

Brazil should outclass Morocco (perhaps 4-1 - around an 11-1 chance) in what could easily be a goal fest in Nantes.

The favourites did not look world beaters when only beating Scotland 2-1 in the opening game but are sure to have come on for that.

Ronaldo - always a good bet at around 5-2 to score the opening goal - Rivaldo and Denilson showed enough in that contest to suggest they are going to make a big impact in the tournament.

Morocco were most impressive going forward against Norway and, although it is hard to see them matching the Brazilians goals for goal, it is even harder to see them going through the 90 minutes without getting the ball in the net at least once.

Following the opening Group games Spain are out to 20-1 after losing to Nigeria, now a top-priced 4-6 with the Tote to win Group D.

Ronaldo is 11-2 favourite with Coral and the Tote for the Golden Boot. Batistuta is 13-2 (Stanley) while Salas is 10-1 (Stanley), having been available at 50-1 with Ladbrokes when the tournament opened.