2018 World Cup: Group A Odds and Prediction
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Jeremy Perry
Group A Betting Odds
Uruguay: Yes To Qualify -455, No To Qualify +285
Russia: Yes To Qualify -333, No To Qualify +250
Egypt: Yes To Qualify -200, No To Qualify +145
Saudi Arabia: Yes To Qualify -2000, No To Qualify, +750
Uruguay should probably be a bigger favorite in Group A. The real fun was supposed to come from second place. Egypt was supposed to push Russia, but an injury to their best player, Mo Salah, gives Russia the inside track. Still, their matchup on June 19th will be the most important game of the group.
Group A Team Previews
Uruguay
Odds: +3400 To Win World Cup
Uruguay has the most talent in the group, especially up front and at the back. It is in the middle of the pitch where they could struggle. Even still, their midfield is probably the best in Group A. With Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani leading the way, Uruguay are deserved favorites here. Check out Sports Interaction’s Uruguay team betting preview here.
Russia
Odds: +4100 To Win World Cup
Russia are a bit fortunate as they have an easier path to the Round of 16 now. However, their defense suffered a couple of major injuries with Viktor Vasin and Georgy Dzhikiya both suffering major knee injuries. That is going to be a problem, especially against Uruguay and possibly Egypt. Check out Sports Interaction’s Russia team betting preview here.
Egypt
Odds: +16300 To Win World Cup
Egypt are a one-man show and now that one man might not be in Russia. Mohamed Salah’s shoulder injury casts a massive shadow over this team. With him, they had a chance. Without him, they don’t. It is that simple. Check out Sports Interaction’s Egypt team betting preview here.
Saudi Arabia
Odds: +90800 To Win World Cup
Saudi Arabia might be the worst team at the World Cup. They have a new manager and average players – at best. It’ll be an accomplishment for them if they score a goal. Check out Sports Interaction’s Saudi Arabia team betting preview here.
Group A Players to Watch
Luis Suarez, Uruguay (+3700 To Win Golden Ball): Suarez is coming off a solid season with Barcelona. When he is on form, he is one of the best players in the world. However, he has to keep his head on straight. He was caught biting again in Brazil in 2014.
Mohamed Salah, Egypt (+4900 To Win Golden Ball): Egypt: Salah had arguably the best season of any player in Europe. He is battling to make it to Russia, and it would be great if he could play.
Fedor Smolov, Russia (+6300 To Win Golden Ball): Smolov is Russia’s best chance to score goals. However, he still needs some support from his teammates.
Yahya Al Shehri, Saudi Arabia (N/A To Win Golden Ball): Al Shehri will have freedom to do what he wants with Saudi Arabia. The problem is, his teammates aren’t very good.
Group A Best Bets
Uruguay should win this group going away. Egypt’s fortunes rest solely on the shoulders (no pun intended) of Salah. If he is healthy, he can steal a game for Egypt. If not, Russia will go through. Saudi Arabia are just trying to avoid getting blown out in each game.