We look at the first round of World Cup group fixtures and seek out the best possible value.
The 2018 World Cup kicks off on Thursday 14 June, with Russia clashing with Saudi Arabia and we’re casting our eye over the first round of group games to hunt out the best value.
The Russians are a terrible price to win this curtain-raiser considering they have a low FIFA ranking, although there are some better odds over the coming days should you want to strike some bets.
URUGUAY look a decent shout at 4/7 odds with bet365* (betting odds taken on June 5th, 2018 at 2:19 a.m.) for the other Group A opener if the South American side can tame Mohamed Salah and his Egyptian teammates. La Celeste have * (betting odds taken on June 5th, 2018 at 2:19 a.m.) in attack and will be out to make this a successful tournament in an easy section.
The Uruguayans * (betting odds taken on June 5th, 2018 at 2:19 a.m.)in the CONMEBOL qualifying section and Oscar Tabarez has a wealth of experience within the ranks, while there are* (betting odds taken on June 5th, 2018 at 2:19 a.m.)coming through.
* (betting odds taken on June 5th, 2018 at 2:19 a.m.) on 15 June when they face Portugal in their Group B opener. While the European champions will play defensively, the* (betting odds taken on June 5th, 2018 at 2:19 a.m.) to create chances and get an early three points on the board.
An eye-catching * (betting odds taken on June 5th, 2018 at 2:19 a.m.) suggests that La Roja could be the team to beat this summer and there’s a bunch of midfield playmakers who can keep the ball and make life difficult.
ICELAND are 8/1 odds at bet365* (betting odds taken on June 5th, 2018 at 2:19 a.m.) to beat Argentina in their Group D opener, with the European side looking to nullify Lionel Messi and the other dangerous forwards, with a potential shock on the cards for the European team.
The Icelanders play with no fear and will consider the opener as the best time to be facing La Albiceleste who have well-documented defensive problems.
CROATIA are a 17/20 poke with bet365* (betting odds taken on June 5th, 2018 at 2:19 a.m.) to beat Nigeria and there could be a gulf in class between the two teams, with the former likely to dominate the ball in midfield and it could see them come through comfortably.
Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic are particularly adept at controlling the game and their experiences for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively provide a big advantage.
SERBIA also look a big shout to overcome Costa Rica in the Group E curtain-raiser, with the Serbs likely to have a big following in Russia and they have an experienced spine of players which can help them enjoy a winning start.
World Cup 2018 Outright Winner Odds*
- Brazil 4/1
- Germany 9/2
- Spain 6/1
- France 13/2
- Argentina 9/1
- Belgium 11/1
- England 16/1
- Portugal 25/1
- Uruguay 28/1
- Croatia 33/1
- Colombia 40/1
- Russia 40/1
- Poland 66/1
- Switzerland 100/1
- Denmark 100/1
- Mexico 100/1
- Sweden 150/1
- Bar 200/1
* (Betting Odds taken at 4:07 p.m. on June 4th, 2018)
