2018 World Cup: Group A Preview

2018 World Cup: Group A Preview

Group A is made up of host nation Russia, consistent South American side Uruguay, African qualifiers Egypt and Saudi Arabia, from the Asian conference.

Uruguay are understandably odds-on favourites to top Group A at $1.90, while Saudi Arabia are the clear outsiders at $41. We are set for an intriguing battle for the second qualifying position between Russia ($2.80) and Egypt, who represent plenty of value at $5.

Suggested Bet: Exacta of Uruguay to finish 1st and Egypt to finish 2nd @ $7.50

Uruguay

Uruguay are multiple winners of the World Cup and are fitting occupants of the top line of betting ($1.90) to win Group A at Russia 2018.

As is the case with most South American nations, the Uruguay roster is rich with talent across the pitch, from the defensive line of Captain Diego Godin, to a midfield boasting the likes of Gaston Ramirez and a potent attack featuring both Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.

After missing a ticket to Germany thanks to the Socceroos in 2006, Uruguay responded with an impressive run into the final four in South Africa and while they made it out of the Pool stages in Brazil most-recently, their campaign was marred by the Suarez biting scandal.

Uruguay is clearly the standout in Group A and it would be a serious shock to see them miss out on top spot, or a berth in the knock out phase of the tournament.

First Match: vs Egypt (Friday, June 15th 10pm AEST)

Russia

The host nation is always expected to progress to the knock out stage of the World Cup and Russia remain on the second line of betting to make it out of Group A ($1.33), behind Uruguay.

The weight of a nation is on their shoulders, but Russia is not a country that has typically coped well with added pressure in the world of football. Russia’s best result at the World Cup was a fourth-place finish when part of the USSR in 1966, but they have failed to progress from the Group stage as their own nation.

The lion’s share of players that have made Russia’s preliminary World Cup squad are at Russian Premier League clubs and the key to the success could lie with a number of tried and true combinations.

It’s tough seeing Russia top Group A, but they look likely to battle with Egypt for second and the result of their match on June 20th is likely to prove vital.

First Match: vs Saudi Arabia (Friday, June 15th 1am AEST)

Egypt

Egypt have been Africa’s most successful nation at International level, but they have tended to choke during the World Cup qualification process throughout the last two decades and are making their first appearance since 1990.

Clearly the benchmark of this nation is superstar Mo Salah, but the Liverpool marksman is under something of an injury cloud after hurting his shoulder in the Champions League final. Forty-five-year-old Essam El Hadary will lead the Pharaohs from between the posts, while the remainder of the team is made up of an even mix of players who ply their trade in Europe, the Middle East and in the home country.

Egypt are currently on the third line of betting to top Group A ($5), while they are worth consideration to qualify from the pool at $2.20, particularly if Salah is at full health.

First Match: vs Uruguay (Friday, June 15th 10pm AEST)

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia were decent during the Asia World Cup qualifiers, but they face a big step up in class here and they are $1.04 favourites to not progress from Group A.

The Green Falcons are another team that is largely made up of players from the local league, mainly Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal; two clubs that feature prominently in the Asian Champions League each season. Thirty-four-year-old defender Osama Hawsawi will lead Saudi Arabia at the 2018 World Cup and has been capped 134 times at international level previously, while the squad as a whole has plenty of experience playing together and that could prove key to their chances of competing effectively.

Things do look a bit bleak for Saudi Arabia’s chances of winning a match and progressing from Group A, but there will be plenty of value to be found around the likes of Fahad Al-Muwallad and Mohammad Al-Sahlawi in goal scorer markets each match.

First Match: vs Russia (Friday, June 15th 1am AEST)