A lucky rebound goal by France’s William Accambray in the closing seconds let France slip by Spain in an Olympics Quarterfinal. The oddsmakers think these two teams will meet in the Final this time around.
The 2013 Men’s World Championships are underway in Spain and for the first time in several years, France is not the favorite to win an International Handball tournament. Albeit, by the narrowest of margins as host, Spain is listed at 2.4 to 1 and France is right behind at 2.6 to 1. Croatia (5-1) and Denmark (5.5-1) are also considered strong contenders, but from then on there’s a bit of a drop off. Hungary (25-1), Iceland (25-1) and Poland (26-1) can be considered the dark horse candidates for semifinal bids while Serbia (40-1), Germany (50-1), Russia (66-1) and Slovenia (66-1) are further out. Macedonia (150-1) and South Korea (250-1) are seen as remotely conceivable longshots, but from then on every other listed team is an also ran.
Here are the odds courtesy of the Best Betting website which aggregates odd from multiple online bookmakers
Odds to Win Championship
Spain 2.4-1
France 2.6-1
Croatia 5-1
Denmark 5.5-1
Hungary 25-1
Iceland 25-1
Poland 26-1
Serbia 40-1
Germany 50-1
Russia 66-1
Slovenia 66-1
Macedonia 150-1
South Korea 250-1
Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, Egypt, Montenegro, Tunisia 1,000-1
Algeria, Chile, Qatar, Saudi Arabia 5,000-1
Australia 10,000-1