World Cup Countdown: Iberians get tempting odds to make semis

A fortnight is all that stands between now and the biggest festival of football on the planet when the World Cup kicks off in Brazil.

And to keep the excitement bubbling over like a forgotten-about pot of potatoes left boiling on the hob, Ladbrokes are back with another countdown special.

The firm offer 14/1 that both the Iberian football nations of Spain and Portugal reach the semi-finals stages of the tournament in Brazil this summer.

Reigning world and European champions Spain need about as much introduction as the President of the United States of America doing an after dinner speech when it comes to major international tournaments.

Situated in Group B alongside Holland, Chile and Australia, the Spanish have set the benchmark ever since their breakthrough 2008 Euros victory.

Without looking back, Los Rojas have gone on to add the 2010 World Cup title as the filling to their Euros sandwich, topped off with a slice of 2012 Euros glory in what can only be described as world football domination.

While some believe their reign my finally be coming to an end, the recently contested Champions League final between two Spanish sides would seem to suggest otherwise.

As for Portugal, they are far more than a one-man team, but because that man (Cristiano Ronaldo in case you were wondering) happens to be recognised as the best player on earth, it’s not a bad place for them to start.

Like their Iberian neighbours they have a tough group alongside Germany, Ghana and the USA, but if they can emerge then confidence will be sky-high that they can go deep.

No strangers to the latter stages of big competitions, A Selecao’s chances are backed up by the fact they reached the semis of the 2006 edition, while also reaching the semis at Euro 2012.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.