Uruguay look set to go well in 2018 World Cup Group A and should be a cut above Russia, Egypt and Saudi Arabia
The current odds at bet365 are 4/5* (betting odds taken from June 7th, 2018 at 5:08 a.m.) on Uruguay winning Group A, with La Celeste looking like the only team that boasts quality from front to back in this section.
Oscar Tabarez is understandably preaching caution ahead of showdowns against Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Russia, although the reality is that the Uruguayans are a team that finished second in South American qualifying and have a strong nucleus within the squad that can help them win the group.
Tabarez is one of the longest-serving international managers and he can call upon the twin strike threat of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, with the pair coming into the tournament off the back of successful domestic seasons.
Uruguay Strong Defensively
Defensively, Uruguay should be able to stop the other Group A teams from scoring and you might do worse than back the South Americans to win to nil in every match, with Diego Godin and Jose Maria Gimenez having operated brilliantly for Atletico Madrid and they should mop up everything in Russia.
Tabarez has plenty of options in the midfield section thanks to the emergence of some exciting talent and it could be a tussle between the other three teams to see who lands the runner-up spot and gets the unenviable clash of meeting Spain in the last sixteen.
Tournament Hosts a risky option?
Russia are the favourites to qualify, although it’s a risky bet considering that the tournament hosts haven’t played a competitive match since being knocked out of Euro 2016 at the group stage.
The Russians weren’t up to much at the 2017 Confederations Cup where they suffered two defeats although a 3-3 friendly draw against Spain suggests there could be goals in the team.
World Cup Group A Winner Odds*
Uruguay 4/5
Russia 9/5
Egypt 11/2
Saudi Arabia 40/1
* (betting odds taken from June 7th, 2018 at 5:08 a.m.)
A Group A opener against Saudi Arabia is a big positive for Stanislav Cherchesov’s team who will be confident of picking off their Asian opponents, despite the big concerns over the defensive positions. The midfield unit looks a lot stronger, with Aleksandr Golovin, Aleksei Miranchuk and Alan Dzagoev bringing plenty to the table.
However, Egypt will also be feeling bullish about their chances in this section, especially if they can avoid defeat in their opener against Uruguay.
The Pharaohs boast Mohamed Salah who has been brilliant for Liverpool this season and he usually delivers for his national team too, although he might not get the service he enjoys at club level.
Hector Cuper is not an attacking manager and will hope that his Egyptian team can defend stoutly and then counter-attack to good effect, with Ramy Rabia and Ahmed Hegazi operating in front of veteran goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary. Not having a Plan B could be a concern.
Group A Betting Tips
Uruguay to win Group A
Uruguay – Russia Straight Forecast
World Cup 2018 outright winner odds at bet365*
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
Columbia 40/1
Russia 40/1
Poland 66/1
Denmark 100/1
Mexico 100/1
Switzerland 100/1
Sweden 150/1
Bar 200/1
* (betting odds taken on June 6, 2018 at 4:03 a.m.)
