LONDON, June 17: The World Cup quarterfinal between England and Brazil in Shizuoka on Friday is set to be the most heavily backed football match in history, according to British bookmakers William Hill.

Brazil booked their place in the last eight after a 2-0 win over Belgium Monday, while England went through Saturday after beating Denmark 3-0.

The bookmakers say up to 20 million pounds ($29.55 million) could be riding on the outcome of the match, which is likely to attract more bets than the World Cup final itself.

William Hill are planning to open 100 of their betting shops 30 minutes before kick-off at 0600 GMT — 0700 local time — to allow punters to place last-minute bets.

“The combination of patriotic fervour and the traditional glamour and charisma of Brazil will make this the match one everyone wants to have a flutter (bet) on,” said spokesman Graham Sharpe.

The bookmakers make Brazil 11-10 to win in 90 minutes with England 2-1 and a draw 11-5. England are 15-8 to keep a clean sheet in the game and England’s Rio Ferdinand is 7-1 to score in 90 minutes.

Brazil are the 2-1 tournament favourites. Spain are 7-2, England 4-1, Italy 9-2, Germany 6-1, Senegal 20-1, Japan 28-1, USA 33-1, Turkey at 50-1 and South Korea 66-1.

($1=.6769 Pound)—Reuters