Brazil top World Cup betting markets

Brazil have edged ahead in the World Cup betting markets after their 1-0 weekend victory over third favourites England.

Betfair now rates the five-times winners at 5.90 for next year's tournament in South Africa, with Spain now second favourites at 6.00.

Spain and Brazil had previously been level at the top of the market, but the Selecao's win in the Qatar friendly convinced the bookies they are pushing ahead.

Spain, on the other hand, clinched a narrow 2-1 win over Argentina, also in a friendly.

Argentina's World Cup odds have improved markedly after they scraped through automatic qualification and avoided the play-offs.

Betfair's stats show at one stage Diego Maradona's side were out at around 17.00, but have since shrunk down to 10.50.

France and Portugal were two of the more high-profile sides who were forced into the qualification play-offs.

France beat Ireland 1-0 in their first leg in Dublin on Saturday, while Portugal overcame Bosnia by the same scoreline in Lisbon.

Both are now in the driving seat for the second legs on Wednesday, with France on 21.00 for next year's tournament while Portugal stand on 27.00.