I've had a few people recently look at me like I'm an idiot when I've said that I think that the Czech Republic or Mexico are good bets for the World Cup this year.

Both teams have impressed me in the last year or so and I think they are certainly worth an outside bet. Well, I've just had a look at FIFA's Top 20 and it seems that the stats might back up my claims.... the Czech Republic are currently Rank 2 in the world and Mexico is Rank 7. It's also interesting (but not surprising) to note that Germany does not deature in the Top 20. They currently languish at #22.

1	Brazil	0	835
2	Czech Republic	0	789
3	Netherlands	0	788
4	Argentina	0	765
5	USA	1	764
6	Spain	0	763
7	Mexico	-1	762
8	France	-3	760
9	England	0	756
10	Portugal	0	755
11	Turkey	0	743
12	Nigeria	0	738
12	Italy	0	738
14	Denmark	0	736
15	Cameroon	1	726
16	Sweden	-1	725
17	Egypt	0	714
18	Japan	0	712
19	Iran	3	705
19	Croatia	4	705