The most popular sporting event on the planet is finally upon us. Not only will billions of soccer fans be tuning into the tournament, they'll be having a gamble on it as well. Bookies are expecting this year's World Cup to be the most heavily bet event of the year. Of course, we're planning on getting a piece of the action. Here's a rundown of some of our best bets from each World Cup group:

Group A (Germany, Poland, Ecuador, Costa Rica)

Ecuador to Finish 2nd (+330)
Assuming Germany win the group easily, the second qualifying spot will be up for grabs. Most assume Poland will take second place, but it's not as straightforward as the odds suggest. Poland lack depth and were unimpressive in qualifying. As the third best team in South America, don't underestimate Ecuador's potential here. Second place is a coin flip between Poland and Ecuador, so jump on the value price in the Ecuadoreans at +330

Group B (England, Sweden, Paraguay, Trinidad & Tobago)

Sweden to Qualify (-250)
Sweden were the highest scoring European team in World Cup qualifiers, averaging 3 gpg. Their defence is less impressive, but not disastrous, and they have above-average goalkeeping. To make the next round, Sweden only need to get past Paraguay. A loss to England and an easy win over minnows Trinidad will be enough for them. But the Swedes are equally capable of beating England, and could even surprise with a first place finish.

Group C (Argentina, Holland, Ivory Coast, Serbia & Montenegro)

Serbia & Montenegro to Qualify (+225)
The Serbs had by far the best defence of any team in qualifying. They are a strong, well organized side and are dangerous on the counterattack. Expect them to frustrate the favourites Holland and Argentina and pull off some surprising results.

Group D (Portugal, Mexico, Iran, Angola)

Top Goalscorer Jared Borgetti (+650)
Iran and Angola may be the whipping boys of this group, and whenever that happens there's a good chance of some blowout games. Mexico's talismanic striker Jared Borgetti has a natural sense for goal scoring, and with the Mexicans playing a free flowing game he could have several opportunities. He's definitely worth a punt at this price.

Group E (Italy, Czech Republic, USA, Ghana)

Italy to Finish Bottom (16/1)
Italy could be the shock of the tournament, just like France was at the 2002 World Cup. The Italians field a side full of old-timers past their prime. With the recent Serie A betting scandal hanging over them, the team will be distracted from this tournament. We know how often the Italians draw games in international tournaments. To finish bottom, they can draw against USA and Ghana and lose to the Czechs. That's hardly a far-fetched outcome, and is definitely worth a shot at 16/1.

Group F (Brazil, Croatia, Japan, Australia)

Japan to Finish Bottom (+110)
Brazil and Croatia should finish in the top two spots, so third place will be a battle between Japan and Australia. With the Aussies coached by one of the best coaches in the world, Guus Hiddink, they have a natural advantage. Japan have trouble finishing and should find this group frustrating.

Group G (France, Switzerland, South Korea, Togo)

Switzerland to Qualify (-150)
This has to be the strongest pick of the group stages. Togo are a hopeless side and are happy just to be here. South Korea are a shadow of the team they were four years ago. With no home advantage, they will look like a mediocre side. Even France have an aging squad that are by no means guaranteed of tying up first place. The Swiss are a quality side that can make it to the later stages of this tournament.

Group H (Spain, Ukraine, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia)

Total Group Goals Under 17.5 (-143)
The bookies are assuming Saudi Arabia will be their usual selves and concede four or five goals per match. That shouldn't be the case this time out. The Saudis have hired a Brazilian coach and focused obsessively on defence. That?s come at the expense of other aspects of their game, but regardless, they will allow far fewer goals in this tournament. Tunisia are not usually involved in high scoring games, and both Ukraine and Spain are not exactly scoring powerhouses. This line assumes there'll be 2.91 goals per game, which is too much to ask.