2018 World Cup betting & free tips – who will advance from Group A?
Not surprisingly, Group A is the weakest group in the 2018 FIFA World Cup because it features Russia, which did not have to qualify as the host nation.
Only once in the history of the World Cup has the host nation failed to advance out of the group stage — South Africa in 2010. Could we see a repeat of that here?
Uruguay is a two-time winner of the tournament and they have the best odds at Bovada to win Group A.
Let’s take a look at the groups and best betting odds available.
Best bookies for World Cup betting
|
> Review | Bet Now |
Uruguay Group A betting odds
Uruguay finished second in the tough South American World Cup qualifying stage, but do not bring strong form into the tournament. Uruguay is one of the most dangerous attacking teams competing for the cup, with the likes of Luis Suarez or Edinson Cavani up front. The defense and midfield of the team is pretty good, but not great and it is key that they get Suarez the ball up front. He has been a controversial player in his career, but if he is hot he is tough to stop and will be the barometer for his country’s hopes of advancing.
Russia Group A betting anaylsis
While Russia did not have to qualify for the World Cup as a host, it has not shied away from playing the top teams in friendlies. Russia played in a 3-3 draw against Spain and also lost to Argentina, Brazil, and Austria, failing to score one goal in those matches. Yuri Zhirkov and captain Igor Akinfeev are the veterans of the squad, which have gone through a youth movement in the last few years. The Russians have a pretty good midfield, but the defense is a concern. It could take a miracle for the Russians to advance.
Group A betting odds for Egypt
Egypt got a big scare in the Champions League final when star player Mo Salah was injured and things did not look good. However, his recovery has been faster than expected and he will be needed, big time, for Egypt to have any chance to advance to the knockout phase. This is Egypt’s third World Cup and they made the finals of the 2017 African Cup of Nations. Kouka, Ramadan Sobhi, and Mohamed Elneny are a few players that are in Europe and the squad is a fast one on the pitch. However, Salah is a great attacker, who had a great season for Liverpool in the EPL and if he cannot go or is thwarted, his nation will have real issues finding the back of the net.
Saudi Arabia Group A betting odds
Saudi Arabia not only has the worst odds to win Group A, but they have the worst odds to win the entire World Cup. Mohammad Al-Sahlawi scored 16 goals in Asian World Cup qualifying and he has been playing well leading up to the main tournament. They lost badly in their last two friendlies facing teams also competing in the World Cup and they do not have many world class players on the team. They will have to rely on their defense and counter-attack in the tournament and they face Russia in the opening match of the World Cup. The Saudis have not played in the World Cup in 12 years and they do not match-up well facing Russia and Uruguay and it would be a shock if they advanced, even in a weak group.
Latest World Cup betting news
[rm_recent_news tags=”World Cup” title=”” ajax=”true”]
You may also like
Join the Betting Planet team!
Are you passionate about sports betting? Sports news writers required TODAY!
Experienced preferred but not essential. (All apps considered).
View Careers at Race Media
