ARGENTINA are favourites to win the Men's Olympic tournament despite the absence of Barcelona's Lionel Messi, according to bookies Ladbrokes.

The South Americans replaced neighbours Brazil at the head of the betting on Tuesday, with Holland and Italy next in at 8/1.

But there has been early money for surprise packages Japan and Cameroon, who have been attracting wagers at 40/1 and 25/1 respectively.

Ladbrokes will be betting on all matches within the tournament, group winners and team qualification as well as which continent will produce the winner. South America at 4/9 is the overwhelming favourite.

Spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "Punters are keeping their powder dry until they know for sure who will be playing as there has been a lot of confusion, but we're expecting it to hot up soon."

LATEST BETTING

Men's Olympic Football 2008

Tournament Winner

Argentina 7/4
Brazil 2/1
Holland 8/1
Italy 8/1
Ivory Coast 16/1
Nigeria 16/1
Serbia 20/1
Cameroon 25/1
China 33/1
Korea Republic 33/1
USA 33/1
Belgium 40/1
Japan 40/1
Australia 50/1
Honduras 125/1
New Zealand 150/1

Winning Continent

South America 4/9
Europe 7/2
Africa 6/1
Asia 12/1
North America 25/1
Australasia 40/1

Group Winner

Group A

Argentina 3/10
Ivory Coast 5/1
Serbia 7/1
Australia 14/1

Group B

Holland 10/11
Nigeria 11/5
USA 5/1
Japan 7/1

Group C

Brazil 1/5
China 6/1
Belgium 8/1
New Zealand 25/1

Group D

Italy 4/9
Cameroon 4/1
Korea Republic 9/2
Honduras 18/1

Which group will produce the winner?

Group A 11/8
Group B 9/2
Group C 9/5
Group D 5/1
 

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