The FIFA World Cup is finally here and there are some fascinating match ups in the group stage.
BetDeluxe looks at each group to find where the winners will come from.
GROUP A
The Netherlands shouldn’t be too troubled here, with Memphis Depay leading the charge. Virgil van Dijk is a world-class defender and will cut off any avenues that aren’t pinpointed, while Jurrien Timber will be a vital player throughout the group stage.
Senegal has World Cup experience after winning the African Cup of Nations and will be one to watch early, but Sadio Mane’s absence will hurt them. For them to be a force, they need Kalidou Koulibaly to rise to the occasion, while the host nation shouldn’t be ruled out for the odd flash of something special in front of a home crowd. Hassan Al-Haydos carries the hopes of Qatar in front of a home crowd.
Ecuador may struggle in this group, but with rising Premier League star Moises Caicedo in the squad, they have top-level talent. They have a big test first up against Qatar but probably don’t have the class to match them.
Suggested Bet: Qatar to beat Equador at $3.30
Group B
Wales is the romantic story in its first tournament appearance in 64 years. They have strong leadership in seasoned veteran Gareth Bale but still stand in the shadows of big brother England who are the favourites to take out the Group stage. England has been struck by injuries and may not be at full strength, but that should not hold them back too much in the group stages. Harry Kane is their go-to man, but they may rely heavily on him. Keep an eye out for exciting 19-year-old Jude Bellingham.
The USA will challenge but will be up against it to progress. Much of their hopes lie with skipper Christian Pulisic who has a wealth of experience at the top level in Europe. Iran has the mercurial Mehdi Taremi leading their attack but not a lot of depth otherwise and may get found out in their first game against a confident England.
Suggested Bet: Harry Kane’s first goal scorer vs. Iran at $3
Group C
Argentina is the second favourite to take out the tournament and will win the group stage easily here. Lionel Messi is perhaps the most recognisable face at this World Cup, and his presence will be daunting for some of football’s minnows, especially the lowly Saudi Arabia, who they should see off easily first up. Saudi Arabia has some injury concerns already with their ageing squad and could be found wanting here.
Mexico has never advanced through the group stage in the past seen consecutive World Cups and will be eager to advance. Watch out for them to do something special, especially if it involves Hirving Lozano.
Poland is another team filled with ageing players, particularly in defence and if they will struggle against their fast, attacking counterparts in this group.
Suggested Bet: Same Game Multi
Leg 1: Argentina to beat Saudi Arabia
Leg 2: Lionel Messi to score at least twice vs. Saudi Arabia
Total: $4.20
Group D
This looms as one of the deepest groups of the lot, with France and Denmark the most likely to win out.
France is one of the favourites for the tournament, even with key players not getting back to full fitness in time. They have two of the best players in the world in their squad in, Kylian Mbpappe and Karim Benzema, who should put on a clinic against some of the lower-ranked teams.
The Danes boast one of the best stories in the tournament, with Christian Eriksen back to full strength after staring death in the face at Euro 2020. They face Tunisia first and should be able to open their account with a strong start.
Australia has shown before that it can punch above its weight at the World Cup stage and has enough experience behind it now to instil belief. The experienced Aaron Mooy still has some good football left in him and adds polish to a largely unheralded Australian team. Tunisia, on its day, can also have an impact, particularly in the midfield, but it will find the going tough here.
Suggested Bet: Denmark to lead Tunisia in the first half at $2
Group E
Undoubtedly the tightest of the groups, with two European heavyweights leading the charge. It’s not easy to identify the winner, even though Spain seems marginally ahead here with one of the best midfielders in Qatar, shown by Gavi and Rodri.
Germany has a strong record at recent World Cups and will again be a force after a poor showing last time. Japan can’t be ruled out from causing an upset, especially after a promising 2018 Cup and the damaging Takumi Minamino. But with German stars such as Joshua Kimmich and ruthless keeper Manuel Neuer on the opposing side, Japan could be above their heads in their opening game.
Let’s be honest: Costa Rica is making up the numbers and could be set for a tough time of it.
Suggested Bet: Germany to score in both halves vs. Japan at $1.80
Group F
Belgium and Croatia were two of the surprises in 2018, and both come into this one looking to advance from their second and third positions, respectively. The Croatians boast a deep midfield led by national hero Luka Modric, while Belgium has an aging squad having one last dip at ultimate success. Their man to watch is Kevin DeBruyne, who is not far off if he isn’t the best player in the world.
These nations are most likely to win through Group F. Morocco lacks stability after sacking manager Vahid Halilhodžić shortly before the tournament. There are too many question marks over them to think they will challenge the heavy hitters, which we should discover in their opening game against Croatia.
Canada is unlikely to make much difference after a 36-year absence from the tournament, but it is worth keeping an eye on star Alphonso Davies who could be about to take the world by storm.
Suggested Bet: Croatia to beat Morocco at $1.90
Group G
Brazil is the obvious group winner, with some of the biggest names in world football lining their team. Neymar is the most recognised of the lot, but this could be where we see Vinicius Junior take over his mantle as the star of Brazilian football after some excellent performances for Real Madrid.
Brazil is surrounded by nations that have all shown they can surprise. Cameroon and Serbia are both attacking outfits that can catch teams off-guard. Andre Onana is as safe as houses in the Cameroon goals, and Switzerland will still be riding high after toppling France at the Euros and will come out firing early in their tournament opener.
Watch for Xherdan Shaqiri and Haris Seferovic to feature strongly in attack for them.
Suggested Bet: Haris Seferovic to score for Switzerland vs. Cameroon at $2.60.
Group H
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent dramas have primarily been linked to his time with club Manchester United, but there could be some carry-over into this group.
Ronaldo may be the most recognisable name for Portugal, but Bernardo Silva looks set to be their leading man.
Portugal will face a severe challenge from an experienced Uruguay boasting Luis Suarez but should have their measure. Ghana doesn’t have effective form coming into this, but they do have the class of Thomas Partey, while South Korea may be in over their heads, especially against a Uruguay team eager to progress in the first match of this group.
Suggested Bet: Luis Suarez to score for Uruguay against South Korea at $2.55
