Betting Tips: Well-balanced Spain look ready to claim another World Cup crown

The 2018 World Cup winner odds suggest we're in for an open tournament this summer.

Brazil are marginal favourites as the competition draws closer but there are five teams currently offered at single figure prices by dabblebet.

It's tough to look too far beyond the current crop of ante-post frontrunners for a serious outright selection and my pick to go all the way are Spain who are currently 11/2 (6.50).

Julen Lopetegui has selected a squad which blends some of the experienced elder statesman of the 2010 triumph with an exciting infusion of new blood. The 23-man group looks very well balanced and is packed with potential match winners.

David De Gea is the best goalkeeper in the world in my opinion and the Manchester United player comes into this tournament off the back of another stellar campaign at Old Trafford.

Gerard Pique and captain Sergio Ramos provide a solid foundation in front of De Gea and are the cornerstones of a defence that conceded just three goals en route to Russia. Meanwhile, Spain's midfield options are, quite frankly, frightening.

David Silva has been majestic for Manchester City and with Isco, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Koke for competition, Spain have the strength in depth to make a serious challenge in Russia.

Diego Costa is a fantastic focal point for a team designed to dominate possession, providing the crashing crescendo to an otherwise majestic footballing orchestra. The inclusion of Marco Asensio, Rodrigo and Lucas Vasquez also add another dimension in the final third.

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La Roja cruised through qualification dropping just two points and conceding only three goals in the process.

That's impressive enough but when you consider their group also included Italy - a team that knocked Spain out of the European Championships two years ago - it offers plenty of encouragement to backers of the 2010 World Champions.

While other nations such as Brazil, France and Argentina boast power-packed forward lines, Spain look to have the best defence in the competition and that’s a factor that can’t be overlooked.

Major international tournaments often descend into a series of low-scoring, tight contests and this team look perfectly equipped to dominate such encounters while still possessing enough firepower of their own to come through such tests.

At 11/2 (6.50) it's clear the bookmakers expect Spain to be serious contenders in Russia and I'm backing them to go all the way for a second time in eight years and emerge victorious on July 15.

Spain to win the World Cup at 11/2 (6.50) for a 2pt stake with dabblebet