FIFA WORLD CUP GROUP A BETTING ODDS NEWS - GERMANY V COSTA RICA PREVIEW

German hot shot Miroslav Klose is 11/8 to out score Paulo Wanchope in the opening game of the world cup, according to UK HIghstreet bookmaker Ladbrokes.

The Werder Bremen striker, a 20/1 shot to finish as the competition's leading goalscorer, will expect to fill his boots against a side regarded as one of the tournament's minnows.

BET on 2006 FIFA World Cup at Ladbrokes Sportsbook

Bookies are also wondering what will happen to Arsenal stopper Jens Lehman. The Gunners keeper, who was sent off in the champions league final, is 9/1 to be booked or sent off before either keeping a clean sheet, conceding a goal, saving a penalty or being subbed off.

The hosts go into the opener 1/4 favourites to kick off their campaign with three points.

BET on 2006 FIFA World Cup at Ladbrokes Sportsbook

Ladbrokes spokesman, Nick Weinberg, said: "The first game in any major tournament is always a tense affair. But the hosts should have too much for the Costa Ricans. This is the kind of game Miroslav Klose will need to score in if he is to have a chance of finishing as leading marksman."

One punter is so confident that the Germans are going to make it to the final in Berlin that on Thursday staked £2000 at 50-1 on Germany to meet 1998 champions France in the final.

The World Cup final and the Wimbledon men's final both fall on July 9th. And Ladbrokes are 500/1 about Germany and Tommy Haas emerging victorious. An England and Tim Henman double is also a 500/1 shot, whilst David Nalbandian and Argentina are 175/1.

for FREE World Cup tips and picks, just log on to Soccer World Cup Tips or Soccer World Cup Betting. Tons of FREE World Cup Preview and Predictions at Sports Betting Index.

Germany vs Costa Rica Preview: Germany to thump Costa Rica, 2-0.