WORLD CUP – Mouth-watering clashes on Day 2
The greatest show on earth kicked off yesterday with a match between host nation Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Today we witness some of the biggest names in world football as Mo Salah and Egypt face Luis Suarez and Uruguay, and JustBet bet closes the big show with the first mouth-watering game of the tournament as CR7 Ronaldo and Portugal braces for the challenge of the golden generation of Spain.
The big question for Egypt going into the World Cup is whether Mo Salah is 100 per cent healthy. Salah, easily the best player on Egypt’s roster, injured his shoulder in the Champions League finals late May, putting Egypt’s hopes of getting into the knockout phase in Russia in doubt. Egypt may be champions of Africa with seven titles, but the Pharaohs have only ever managed to qualify for three World Cup finals.
Uruguay is considered as a dark horse to bring home the title. Whether they can go all the way, however, is doubtful given that the side lacks the depth to compete with the likes of Germany, France, Spain, and Brazil. Nonetheless, Uruguay will likely dominate this group which includes Russia and Saudi Arabia.
In the absence of Salah in the first game, Egypt will rely heavily on another Premier League star, Mohamed Elneny who plays for Arsenal. Uruguay will counter with the talented duo of Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani. While Cavani is mostly measured on his goal scoring prowess, Suarez has a much more important role for Uruguay as he drops deep to act almost like a playmaker, which can sometimes confuse his marker. Uruguay are the smallest country to ever win the World Cup (1930 & 1950). This is only the second time both of these sides will meet, Uruguay won the first encounter 2-0 in 2006. Uruguay enter this match high on confidence knowing they have never lost to African opposition at the World Cup.
My betting tip? Uruguay to win.
The JustBet Odds on the match are as follows:
• Egypt to win, $6.50, which means that a $1,000 bet would pay $6,500.
• Uruguay to win, $1.60, which means that a $1,000 bet would pay $1,600.
• Odds of a draw, $3.60, which means that a $1,000 bet would pay $3,600.
• Odds on Egypt winning the game 2-0, $32.00, which means that a $1,000 bet would pay $32,000.
• Odds on Uruguay winning the game and having over 2.5 goals in the match. at full time, $2.80, which means that a $1,000 bet would pay $2,800.
• Odds on the game drawing and having over 2.5 goals at full-time, $17.00, which means that a $1,000 bet would pay $17,000!!!
Now to the second game on today at 1:00 pm local time, which brings us the first derby of the World Cup when Portugal and Spain clash in a high-profile encounter.
Even before a ball has been kicked in the 2018 World Cup there is controversy, as Spain sensationally fired their coach Julen Lopetegui who was announced as the new Real Madrid coach on Tuesday without the knowledge of the Spanish FA.
Now, the second day of the World Cup brings us the mouth-watering derby as Spain takes on neighbouring Portugal in the battle for first place in Group B. Both these sides should still feel comfortable about getting through the group regardless of the outcome of this game given they are to play Morocco and Iran. Spain will be desperate to make an impression after a rather poor EURO 2016 showing when they were knocked out in the group stages. Portugal come into the World Cup as the reigning European Champions, but can they repeat two years later in Russia?
Both teams would not have had fond memories of the 2014 edition as Portugal played Germany in their opener and were soundly beaten 4-0. Spain, in the meantime, also hadnightmares when it comes to openers as they too experienced their own World Cup Armageddon, losing 1-5 to Holland. Hence both sides will be keen to exorcise their demons when they kick off the tournament on Friday.
Spain have not lost a game since they were knocked out of EURO 2016 by Italy, they also eliminated Portugal 2-1 in the 2010 World Cup, while Portugal have failed to score in their last two opening matches at World Cups.
My betting tip? Spain to win.
The JustBet Odds on the match are as follows:
• Portugal to win, $4.40, which means that a $1,000 bet would pay $4,400.
• Spain to win $1.85, which means that a $1,000 bet would pay $1,850.
• Odds of a draw, $3.40, which means that a $1,000 bet would pay $3,400.
• Odds on the home team (Portugal) winning the game and scoring over 2.5 goals at full time, $8.00, which means that a $1,000 bet would pay $8,000.
• Odds on Spain winning the game and scoring over 2.5 goals at full- time, $16.00, which means that a $1,000 bet would pay $16,000.
Odds on the game drawing 2-2 at full time, $18.00, which means that a $1,000 bet would pay $18,000!!!!!
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