2014 Spain Odds to win the World Cup

Spain are +700 to win the World Cup. They are modest favorites at -120 to win Group B and priced at -450 to advance to the knockout round.

Spain 2013 World Cup Group Play Schedule

Spain vs. Netherlands - Friday, June 13 (3 p.m. EST in Salvador)

Spain vs. Chile - Wednesday, June 18 (3 p.m. EST in Rio de Janeiro)

Spain vs. Australia - Monday, June 23 (12 p.m. EST in Curitiba)

Spain World Cup 2014 Team Analysis

Six years ago, prior to the start of Euro 2008, you couldn't look at Spain without some cynical remark about their inability to win a major tournament. After all, it had been nearly 50 years since their last title. Fast forward a few months before the 2014 World Cup, and you see Spain as a completely different entity.

The current core of players is seen as the Golden Era of Spanish football. Three straight major tournament victories and you'd be silly to doubt they can do it again. After all, this winning pedigree is about as solid a blueprint as you could ask for on the big stage.

Playing devil's advocate, however, you wonder how their current roster will cope in Brazil. Spain lacks a clear starting XI, notably up front with its strikers. Fernando Torres and David Villa were the duo that led the way during past successes atop Spain's 4-4-2 formation. However, both have fallen off production-wise, and that is cause for concern without a proven striker on the international level that has proven he can replicate their efforts.

Manchester City's Alvaro Negredo has been in top form this domestic league season and would be an easy a choice to take the reins. He could partner with Brazil-born Diego Costa, who made waves by declaring his allegiance to Spain rather than his home country.

When it's all said and done, Spain go as their midfield does, so don't overlook the possibility of five mesmerizingly skilled footballers roaming pitch with their creative genius at work. They've opted for that style of attack at times when a star striker hadn't proven he deserves a spot up front. Along with several wings stretching the width of the pitch, Spain can offer opponents many different looks in attack.

Xavi and Andres Iniesta may not be at their peak, but they are still supremely gifted. Combine their efforts with the likes of David Silva, Cesc Fabregas, Jesus Navas, Javi Martinez and Thiago Alcantara, and you can see how easy it is to fall in love with this team as a solid wager to defend their World Cup title.

Spain 2014 World Cup Tournament Picks and Predictions

It says a lot that Spain is behind four teams as favorites to win the World Cup, especially considering this current group hasn't lost a major tournament since their defeat at the 2006 World Cup. But that's how quickly world football can have a turnaround.

Spain also have to feel a bit unlucky they drew a talented team such as Netherlands in their group, not to mention should they finish Group B in second place to Holland, they'll likely face Brazil in the Round of 16.

Those two barriers alone give cause for why Spain won't repeat as champions. Also consider the fact that no European nation has ever won a World Cup in the Americas, and you'd be wise to poke your head around elsewhere for a potential winner.

Strike Point Sports has established themselves as one of the top soccer handicappers with their success on the big tournament stage. From the 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, SPS earned $100 clients over $8,200 in profit from these four major events. This summer's World Cup is going to be another moneymaking opportunity, and they are looking forward to their soccer selections and another winning tournament.

Visit Doc's Sports for coverage of the 2014 World Cup and more articles leading up to this summer's major soccer tournament.