Russia 2018 starts in earnest on Thursday 14th June when the hosts face Saudi Arabia and the tournament is certain to attract huge betting interest over the summer. Brazil go into the tournament narrow favourites at 4/1 (5.00), followed closely by Germany at 9/2 (5.50) and Spain at 6/1 (7.00). Many bettors may be tempted to back Messi to finally go all the way with Argentina at 9/1 (10.00) as this is surely his last chance to win silverware for his country, whilst others may fancy Euro 2016 winners, Portugal, who are well priced at 25/1 (26.00), though there are doubts they will be able to replicate the tournament-winning form that saw them win just once in regular time in the knockout stages in France two years ago.
I've backed Brazil to win the WC. They've looked pretty good in the friendlies and with Neymar returning that's a big boost. Jesus has been playing well and Ive done him for top goalscorer as I see him getting the nod before Bobby Firmino.
I have doubts over the germans - clubs not performing too well, argies - struggled to qualify, france - always seem to fall out with each other.
England and Belgium should qualify from their group and once it gets down to knockout games then a wee bit luck could take them far.
Spain i feel could be the one european team to really challenge but depends on how sacking there manager upsets the camp.
Panama are dug shite and depending how Tunisia set up / pick strong team could be a decent punt at Even money (ish) but with feck all to play for will prob be left alone.
Bit after eventing i know but i had a score on England -2 @ 13/8 which looking now was printing money. I had a cheeky quid on 7-0 @ 100/1 so i did get a run for my dosh.
From my ante post matches I've still got Egypt to beat Saudi and Peru to beat Australia but apart from that it's been pretty poor.
Peru had a good world cup and were unlucky. Maybe ones to watch in four years time if the current crop are anything to go by. The altitude should also give them an advantage in the qualifying so might be a team to keep an eye in in the qualifying matches also
Agree. I watched them play Scotland in a friendly just before the world cup and they look useful. The same can be said for Iran. I thought they were lucky v Morocco but against Spain they kept it tight although they done a lot of spoiling tactics to keep it that way but once Spain scored and they had to come out, they showed they can play football. Same v Portugal.
It shows how far Scotland are off the pace. Before the WC i was thinking Scotland would pump the likes of Saudi Arabia and Iran but now I'm saying 'no way'.
Surely finishing 2nd in the England / Belgium group is the 'easiest' passage through ?
I know eventually England/Belgium will have to meet the 'better' teams but this game today could result in both teams playing a weakened starting XI and actually wanting to lose.