Colombia World Cup odds improve on Radamel Falcao injury news

Christopher Lee

Colombia is considered a contender in World Cup 2014 odds and those odds improved with news that striker Radamel Falcao could be ready to play by June.

Colombia World Cup odds improve on Radamel Falcao injury news - Colombia's national team got some positive news this week as star striker Radamel Falcao was added to the 30-man squad.

The 27-year-old striker has 61 goals in his last 85 league games and 10 goals in his last 16 national appearances.

After requiring surgery on an ACL injury back in January, doctors reported that Falcao would likely need nine months to make a full recovery, ruling him out of World Cup play.

But through hard work and determination in rehabbing the injury, Falcao is far enough along in his recovery to warrant a spot on the 30-man roster despite being out of action since January.

Radamel Falcao's speed and knack for scoring big goals will be a welcome addition to a Colombian squad that prides itself on a strong attack. Colombia was already a -125 favorite odds to win Group C, and Falcao's addition could make those odds go up in the coming weeks.

It remains to be seen how close to 100 percent Falcao is, but the potential of him on the roster make's Colombia's 25/1 odds to win the FIFA World Cup a bit sweeter.

The Australian Socceroos got some bad news on the injury front this week when midfielder Mile Jedinak left Crystal Palace's game against Fulham with a groin strain in the 59th minute. Jedinak is the captain of the Socceroos and would be sorely missed if he is unable to participate in the World Cup.

While Australia is a longshot to do any damage in the World Cup at +3300 to win Group B behind Spain (-135), the Netherlands (+225) and Chile (+400), the team has picked up some surprising results in international play in recent years and could make for a decent underdog pick with the spread or to force a draw in the early stages of the tournament.

Jeninak's absence would make the Soccerroos much less dangerous for their Group B foes however.

The Australians are currently a +600 underdog in their opening game against Chile and are going off at +325 to force a draw in that game. The Aussies were a distant 500/1 long shot on the World Cup 2014 futures listings according to most sportsbooks.

Colombia is a -155 favorite in its opening game against Greece (+450). ( sbnation.com )