2018 World Cup Odds and Prediction: Group G Betting Preview
On the surface, it may look like a two-horse race in Group G, with Belgium and England considerably ahead of the rest of the pack. However, Tunisia may have something to say about that and a young England side has plenty to prove after failing to advance past the group stage in the last World Cup. Belgium should be an absolute treat to watch and even though Panama looks to be outmatched, the excitement of playing in their first World Cup finals might give them a boost.
2018 World Cup Group G Betting Odds
Odds to advance: Belgium (-1000), England (-833), Tunisia (+368), Panama (+750)
If you’re looking for a value bet, Tunisia going through would net you a nice payday. They have been playing well with three wins and a draw recently and their tough defence could get into a squad’s head (take note, England). Belgium is the class of this group with supreme talent from their keeper on out and they’re desperate to make a run past the quarterfinals. Betting Belgium to cover and their games to play over the posted total will be popular wagers. When it comes to Panama, it’s hard to know what to expect – if much at all. They’d be delighted to come away with a point in this tournament.
2018 World Cup Group G Team Previews
Belgium (Odds to win the World Cup +1000)
Oddsmakers have Belgium pegged behind five powerhouses (Germany, Brazil, France, Span, and Argentina) in outright World Cup odds, which makes sense considering Belgium has a habit of sputtering in the first knockout round. This team could be different though. With Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Kevin De Bruyne (Man City) and Romelu Lukaku (Man United) leading the charge, they can collect goals from all over the pitch. They should fill the goal and put on a show during the group stage. Click here for our full Belgium team preview.
England (Odds to win the World Cup +1700)
Results be damned, Three Lions supporters always do back their boys at the sportsbook and this year is no different. England has a different look for this World Cup and promises they will go forward aggressively in search of goals. That would be a welcome sight to fans, but there is a lot of turnover and new faces are taking on new roles for England. They certainly have the quality to go through, now we just have to wonder if they have the backbone. Sports Interaction’s in-depth team betting preview for England is here.
Tunisia (Odds to win the World Cup (+73100)
The odds are stacked against the Tunisians and it will take a heroic effort for them to take points from either Belgium or England. That said, if they could ever hold England to a draw in their first game, they could have a serious shot of going through with a win over Panama on June 28. Tunisia won’t earn many style points, choosing to defend at all costs and look for offence from set pieces. Check out our Tunisia betting preview here.
Panama (Odds to win the World Cup (+83200)
Panama are listed second from the bottom in the outright World Cup odds board. This is the team’s first World Cup final after edging past the USA and Honduras in qualifying. They don’t have many threats going forward with just nine goals scored in qualifying, so bettors may be wise to take a look at the under in their matches. Our full Panama betting preview is right here.
Group G Players to Watch
Romelu Lukaku, Belgium: It’s almost unfair to shine the spotlight on a single player from the Belgian side as they boast top quality at all 11 positions. Belgium scored 43 goals in 10 qualifying games and Lukaku had 11 tallies himself. He is Belgium’s all-time leading scorer with 33 in 66 matches.
Harry Kane, England: Now that Wayne Rooney has retired from international competition, Harry Kane will be expected to carry the load as the Three Lions’ top triggerman. He’s as consistent as they come with goal totals of 30, 29, 25 and 21 in his last four Premier League seasons.
Aymen Abdennour, Tunisia: The Tunisia side don’t have a hope in this group if they can’t defend very well from the back line out. Abdennour will be the starting centre fullback and tasked with shutting down the likes of Lukaku and Kane. If he does his job, maybe Tunisia can earn and upset or two.
Group G Best Bets and Predictions
Betting Belgium to cruise through this group looked to be the safest wager in the group not long ago, but they haven’t been sharp recently. Still, an ego-boosting showing to start the tournament against Panama may be all they need to get rolling again. England is the wildcard of this group. Will they show new life and confidence with Gareth Southgate at the helm, or will they struggle on soccer’s biggest stage yet again? If they make a decent run, Harry Kane at +1500 to win the Golden Boot is an intriguing wager. Tunisia will probably show the will to go through, but will be held back by a lack of top-flight talent and depth. Panama is here for the experience.
Group G predicted finish: Belgium, England, Tunisia, Panama