Punters Abandon Chaotic Spain

Spain have been abandoned by punters in the outright market for the World Cup following the sensational sacking of their manager on the eve of the kick-off in Russia.

There was widespread astonishment on Wednesday when Julen Lopetegui was sent packing from the Spanish camp just 24 hours before hosts Russia get proceedings under way with their Group A encounter against Saudi Arabia.

The move came after the 51 year-old was confirmed as Zinedine Zidane’s replacement in the hotseat at Real Madrid.

We pushed Spain out to 13/2 from 6/1

… as a consequence to claim their second World Cup trophy in three tournaments, while the Group B favourites are out to 8/15 from 1/2 to top their group ahead of Portugal, Morocco and Iran.

The 2010 World Cup winners are into 6/1 from 9/1 not to qualify from Group B, while Morocco closed into 3/1 from 10/3 to finish in the top two and progress to the knockout stages.

*Prices correct at time of publication