2018 World Cup Preview
The 2018 Soccer World Cup is here and Bluebet will preview the tournament while trying to find some value bets. We'll start with each Group winner and finish with predictions for the overall winner.
Group A Winner
In this group, the host nation Russia is the second favourite with Uruguay expected to progress. Mainly because Russia is ranked 65th in the World and they don’t have the best record in World Cup's. They went winless in 2014 and failed to qualify for the 2010 and 2006 World Cup. Uruguay is the top ranked team in this group (17th) and have the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani up forward. They have a number of experienced players in defence, led by Diego Godin. Egypt is definitely a team to watch if Mo Salah is fit and brings his outstanding EPL form to Russia (won the Golden Boot this season). Saudi Arabia is an interesting side with a few key players, but I’m not confident they can cause an upset. So I would back Uruguay as the best bet with Egypt capable of finishing second.
Group B Winner
Group B will be a two team race between Spain and Portugal. They play each other in the first match and the winner will likely finish first. They met at the 2010 World Cup and Spain won 1-0. The last meeting came in 2012 at the Euro Cup and Spain were victorious in a penalty shootout. So I’m sure this will be another close encounter. Although, I will side with Spain as they hold a 4-0 record against them in World Cup history. Morocco and Iran are the two unlucky teams to draw this group and they’ll battle for 3rd and 4th.
Group C Winner
The Socceroos face a tough challenge in Group C against France, Denmark and Peru. The French side is one of the favourites for the Cup and will be expecting to comfortably progress through this group. Players to watch will include Athletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann and Chelsea’s Olivier Giround. But in the end, this won’t be easy for the French. Peru is the 10th ranked side in the World and their captain Paolo Guerrero has been cleared to play after his drug ban was overturned. Denmark has a good record in World Cup history and have experience around the park. Australia is the outsider and it’s fair to say, they probably won’t qualify. The defence lacks experience and will find it hard to stop the number of attacking players in Group C. In the end, I think this will be close with France just finishing first.
Group D Winner
Argentina is good value in Group D as they should win this. Firstly, they have a great record in recent World Cup’s. They finished second to Germany in 2014 and they have qualified for the next round in 7 of the last 8 World Cup’s. Lionel Messi is surrounded by talent as well. So it’s hard to see Croatia, Nigeria or Iceland getting near them.
Group E Winner
Unfortunately for Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Rica, Brazil will rule this Group. They surely won’t be happy with a 7-1 defeat in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals at home and that will give them extra motivation to win the 2018 version. Neymar and Gabriel Jesus will be hard to stop up forward and their defence and midfield is full of experience.
Group F Winner
Germany is one of the top favourites to take out the 2018 World Cup and it’s hard to see any different. They’re the defending champions and have finished inside the top 3 in the last 4 World Cup’s. Thomas Müller is one of the top goalscoers in World Cup history and they have a number of talented players in their squad.
Group G Winner
In Group G, Belgium’s squad is stacked with talent and they’ll be disappointed to not finish first. Up forward, Romelu Lukaku from Man United will be a player to watch. In the midfield, Kevin De Bruyne is considered one of the best players in Europe. Their defence is experienced and Thibaut Courtois is one of the best Goalies in this World Cup. England were terrible in 2014 as they went winless and finished last in their group. As a result, they’ve opted for a young side with captain Harry Kane the key to their success. Panama is a fairly experienced side and Tunisia isn’t without a chance with their young squad. But in the end, I love the Belgium squad as they should go far in this tournament.
Group H Winner
The 6th ranked team in the World is paying $2.65 to win Group H and I love the value. Robert Lewandowski is their key striker and he’ll be the key to Poland’s success. They should also enjoy the colder conditions in Russia. Colombia has a very strong squad, mainly led by James Rodríguez. So I do think these two teams will battle for top spot and Poland just offers more value at this stage.
2018 World Cup To Reach The Final
The top four between Brazil, Germany, France and Spain are expected to reach the final in 2018. Brazil and Germany are the two best sides in terms of their World Cup history and squads. I do think Spain could struggle if they lose to Portugal in their group and France has a tough challenge in Group C. Another team to look at is Argentina. They finished runner up in 2014 and have a strong squad in 2018. Belgium is another team to watch with their talented squad and they won 4 of 5 matches in 2014. So for the best bet, Germany’s record at the World Cup is hard to back against.
2018 World Cup Winner
Germany and Brazil are both priced at $5 to take home the World Cup trophy. I will split them and say that Germany is the team to beat. As I’ve mentioned through this article, their history at the World Cup is full of dominance. So hopefully we get the dream matchup of Germany against Brazil in Moscow. The Brazilians did beat Germany recently in a Friendly 1-0. However, the last World Cup meeting was a 7-1 thrashing as the Germans ran riot. So if they do meet in the final, Germany has that performance in the back of their minds.
