Brazil's chances to win the 2014 World Cup, in terms of online betting, has reportedly gone down, following the injury of their key player, Neymar, who has been ruled out of the competition with a broken back.
The 22-year-old, one of the Golden-Boot contenders with four goals, was in tears as he was carried off the pitch after Colombian defender Juan Zuniga kneed him on the back in the 87th minute during Brazil 2-1 win in the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup over Colombia.
Since Brazil's remaining attackers including Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk's), Jo (Atletico Mineiro), Hulk (Zenit Saint Petersburg), Willian (Chelsea) and Fred (Fluminense ) haven't managed to impress yet, managing only a goal between them in the competition, Sky Bet has pushed the odds of the hosts' chances to lift the 2014 World Cup from 7/4 to 5/2.
"Much expectation was placed on Neymar, heading into the World Cup and we had him only second to Lionel Messi in our top goalscorer betting, with it difficult to see where else the goals would come from," said Sky Bet Football Trader Chris Spicer.
Spicer added that people will now be putting their money on Germany and Argentina to win the 2014 World Cup.
"We've been thoroughly unimpressed by his fellow frontmen and are therefore now happy to oppose the hosts in our outright, with Germany and Argentina possessing far more potent attacking threats."
Despite Sky Bet decreasing the betting odds on Brazil, Neymar, who is currently recovering at home in Guaruja, insists that his "dream isn't over," and is confident that his teammates will win the 2014 World Cup.
"My dream isn't over. It was interrupted by a play, but it continues. There are two games left and I am sure my team-mates will do everything possible, so that my dream, which is to be a champion, comes true," Neymar told the Brazilian FA's official website.
"It was also my dream to play in a World Cup final. But God willing, they're going to win this, they're going to be champions, and I'm going to be by their side, with them. And all of us Brazilians are going to be celebrating," he added.
