We’re now less than two weeks away from the inaugural fixture of the 2018 World Cup and punters will be looking at the latest odds in a bid to find value.
888sport have compiled four ‘Best In’ markets for bettors ahead of this summer’s competition and we’ve managed to find a few tasty tips. Check out our thoughts on this World Cup special below…
AFRICA
None of the five African nations have an easy passage to the last-16 but Egypt may be best placed to advance to the knockout stages.
Mo Salah’s injury has put a slight spanner in the works but the Liverpool man is set to return a week or so into the tournament. 5/2 is a solid price considering their talent – Egypt will make themselves very difficult to beat.
On paper, Senegal also look strong and punters can back Aliou Cisse’s men at the same price to finish as the best ranked African nation.
With the likes of Idrissa Gueye, Cheikhou Kouyate and Sadio Mane in the squad, Senegal have several experienced Premier League players on the plane to Russia and that top flight knowledge could come in handy if Senegal sneak through to the last-16.
TIP: Egypt to finish as the best African side @ 5/2
ASIA
Five nations will represent Asia this summer and Japan are currently the 19/10 favourites to go furthest in Russia.
Akira Nishino has won a few fans over after including Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa in his 23-man squad; former manager Vahid Halilhodzic had previously opted to look past Japan’s two most experienced players.
However, South Korea are the value bet at 33/10. This current crop of stars, led of course by Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min, have the talent to reach the knockout stages – although emulating their run to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals will take some doing.
Group F is there for the taking; South Korea are capable of pipping Sweden and Mexico to second spot behind defending champions Germany.
TIP: South Korea to finish as the best Asian side @ 33/10
EUROPE
Take your pick here. France and Germany have received plenty of betting attention in the build-up to this summer’s competition but doubts remain over both nations.
Les Bleus head coach Didier Deschamps has had to deal with his fair share of criticism in recent years and the pressure on his shoulders is immense – France could crumble.
Meanwhile, Germany are on their worst run of results in 31 years and it is hard to place too much faith in Joachim Low’s men knowing that statistic. Five games without a win is NOT like Germany at all.
But I quite like the 4/1 on offer for Spain to finish as the best European outfit. 2014 was a disappointing anomaly for Vicente Del Bosque’s side and Julen Lopetegui has changed the mindset of this squad.
Finishing above Portugal in Group B is important but a testing game during the group stages may set Spain up perfectly to compete for a second Jules Rimet Trophy.
TIP: Spain to finish as the best European side @ 4/1
SOUTH AMERICA
On paper, this looks like a straight tossup between Argentina and Brazil. Argentina finished runners up to Germany four years ago and Jorge Sampaoli’s men will be determined to go one better this summer.
Incredibly, Lionel Messi and co were in danger of missing out on qualification for the competition before the four-time Ballon d’Or winner stepped up at the pivotal moment.
There are still major question marks over Argentina’s ability to defend though – especially against those top tier nations.
Brazil have lost just once in 20 matches since Tite was appointed as manager and that run of form is not a coincidence. Le Selecao are well fancied to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy for a record sixth time and 4/5 to finish as the best South American side is worth snapping up.
On current form, it is hard to back against Brazil and the likes of Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus will be central to their aspirations in the coming weeks.
TIP: Brazil to finish as the best South American side @ 4/5
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
