The first round of the World Cup is always filled with excitement, action and loads of betting value. These are our World Cup 2018 Match Predictions for the first round.
Here’s our take on a few of the World Cup 2018 Group Stage Matches of the First Round. Hopefully we can find you some winners!
Group A
Russia (1/3) vs Saudi Arabia (25/4)
The hosts have an easy assignment on paper when they face Saudi Arabia who qualified for the World Cup for the 5th time. But Russia are the lowest-ranked side in the tournament and the odds for a home win in Moscow look way too short. We like Saudi Arabia with a two-goal head start @ 7/10. Back Saudi +2 on the handicap.
Group B
Portugal (27/10) vs Spain (7/8)
This intriguing European matchup looks a tight encounter and goals might well be at a premium. Portugal have kept 6 clean sheets in their last 10 games and Spain are also rock solid at the back. The bet here is Under 2.5 goals @ 7/10.
Group C
Peru (5/2) vs Denmark (39/40)
Neither of these teams have much firepower up front and this match will likely be decided by a single goal. An especially slow start looks imminent here and we like the chances of a 0-0 draw at half time @ 14/10.
Group D
Argentina (1/3) vs Iceland (27/4)
Gylfi Sigurdsson & Co will be ecstatic to represent Iceland in the World Cup for the very first time, who have scored 21 goals in their last 10 games. Argentina – with Messi and Aguero – should notch at least one goal as well. Both teams to score @ 16/10 is definitely where our money is going.
Group E
Brazil (1/3) vs Switzerland (7/1)
Brazil face Switzerland in their first Group E encounter which should go according to plan for the five-time world champions. The Swiss are not the force they once were and their opponents are arguably back to their best. We expect Brazil to win by at least two goals @ 1/1. Back Brazil -1.
Group F
Germany (12/25) vs Mexico (19/4)
The 2014 World Cup champions take on Mexico in their opening Group F match and it’s hard to look past the Germans here. Mexico are another side in decline and will struggle to contain the likes of Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos. We expect Germany to take the lead before the half in this match and hold on @ 12/10.
Group G
Tunisia (27/4) vs England (3/10)
Tunisia famously became the first African team to win a World Cup game and they are bound to put up a fight against England. The Three Lions are notoriously slow starters in internationals and we like Tunisia to keep them at bay for at least 45 minutes @ 37/40. Back England under 0.5 HT goals.
Group H
Poland (9/8) vs Senegal (11/5)
We tipped Poland to win Group H and expect them to get the 3-point start they need against Senegal. Sadio Mane’s side were the most impressive African qualifiers but might have to wait longer for their first win in Russia. Bayern Munich superstar Robert Lewandowski is the man for the big occasion and we like him to get on the scoresheet @ 2/1.
Best Bets
Russia vs Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia +2 goals @ 7/10
Portugal vs Spain: Under 2.5 goals @ 7/10
Peru vs Denmark: HT Correct Score 0-0 @ 14/10
Argentina vs Iceland: BTTS @ 16/10
Brazil vs Switzerland: Brazil –1 @ EVS
Germany vs Mexico: Germany HT/FT @ 12/10
Tunisia vs England: Tunisia HT Double Chance @ 37/40
Poland vs Senegal: Lewandowski to score anytime @ 2/1