Get the lowdown on all 32 World Cup 2018 entrants with our team-by-team betting guide and preview, right here at the Betfred Blog!
World Cup 2018: Betfred Team-By-Team Preview – France
Outright Odds – 11/2
To Win Group C – 1/3
Key Man – Antoine Griezmann (pictured), 16/1 Player Of The Tournament, 12/1 Top Goalscorer
Group Opponents – Denmark, Peru, Australia
Stage Of Elimination – 2nd Round 3/1, Quarter Final 16/5, Semi Final 7/2 (11/2 BAR)
Betfred Verdict – Firmly in the mix at the top of the betting, Didier Deschamps’ France squad boasts an embarrassment of riches in virtually every area. It’s not hard at all to see why so many punters are rushing to side with Les Blues in 2018; especially after falling agonisingly short in the Euro 2016 final.
With Hugo Lloris between the sticks, Raphael Varane in the backline, Paul Pogba in the middle and Antoine Griezmann up front, it’s a spine that can scarcely be matched.
Deschamps now ranks as one of the more experienced tournament bosses heading to Russia, given he is entering his third as national boss.
There’s plenty to like, but the reality of the situation is that they have exited the last three tournaments to the eventual champions. At the prices, it may be better siding with a nation with that killer touch in the biggest games of all. They should take their group comfortably enough, though.
Best Bet – France Total Group Points = 9 @ 6/4
World Cup 2018: Betfred Team-By-Team Preview – Australia
Outright Odds – 500/1
To Win Group C – 20/1
Key Man – Aaron Mooy (pictured)
Group Opponents – Denmark, Peru, France
Stage Of Elimination – Group Stage 1/5, 2nd Round 4/1, Quarter Final 16/1 (66/1 BAR)
Betfred Verdict – There’s no party without the Australians these days. While their cricket team fell into international disrepute earlier this year, the Socceroos will be hoping to deliver a slightly more positive sporting feel back home. They do have a task on their hands, however.
Qualifying for a fourth consecutive World Cup was an achievement in itself, after edging out a dramatic playoff encounter with a game Syrian side.
The bad news is that performance at major finals has been on the constant decline – and it looks a big ask to arrest that trend on this occasion.
Making it out of the group in 2006, missing out on goal difference in 2010, they then left for home, pointless, in 2014.
Talisman Tim Cahill appears to have (finally) been caught up by Old Father Time, and that leaves a lack of an obvious goalscorer. It’s likely that Peru will provide the Aussies with their best chance of points, but they may well just cancel each other out.
Best Bet – Australia Total Group Points = 1 @ 2/1
World Cup 2018: Betfred Team-By-Team Preview – Peru
Outright Odds – 200/1
To Win Group C – 10/1
Key Man – Jefferson Farfan (pictured)
Group Opponents – France, Peru, Australia
Stage Of Elimination – Group Stage 2/5, 2nd Round 5/2, Quarter Final 12/1 (33/1 BAR)
Betfred Verdict – No World Cup finals appearances for Peru since 1982, but all is forgiven and forgotten now. Los Incas have veteran goalscorer Farfan in their ranks, but at time of writing fellow striker Paulo Guerrero remains suspended by FIFA after apparently testing positive for a prohibited substance; but many have pleaded, including opposing players in this World Cup group, for leniency – as there was no intention to enhance performance.
*STOP PRESS – Guerrero has now been cleared to play!*
Peru kick-off their latest odyssey against Denmark on June 16th, and in all likelihood these two will be fighting it out to accompany France into Round 2.
FIFA-ranked at 11, and used to tough contests in the Copa America against South America’s finest, Peru will be no pushovers – but can they score the necessary goals in Russia? This space is being firmly watched in our quarters.
The group is typical of so many in this World Cup – with a strong favourite expected to progress, and the others having a battle royal to join them. It should make for intriguing viewing.
Best Bet – Total team goals – under 3.5 – 4/7
World Cup 2018: Betfred Team-By-Team Preview – Denmark
Outright Odds – 100/1
To Win Group C – 7/2
Key Man – Christian Eriksen, pictured – 80/1 Player Of The Tournament
Group Opponents – France, Peru, Australia
Stage Of Elimination – Group Stage 11/10, 2nd Round 8/5, Quarter Final 11/2 (14/1 BAR)
Betfred Verdict – The Danes have a somewhat chequered record in recent years of qualifying for the World Cup final stages. ’86 – yes. 90 and 94? No. Quarter final and Round of 16 exits followed in ’98 and ’02, and after missing out in ’06 perished in the opening group stage in South Africa in 2010.
Missing out in Brazil last time, they come here very healthily ranked by FIFA at No.12, and have some talented and experienced players in their ranks.
Goalkeeper Kaspar Schmeichel is the son of record-appearance holder Peter; Christian Eriksen is a magnificent playmaker at Tottenham Hotspur; Andreas Christensen has had a break-out season at Chelsea; and Werder Bremen midfielder Thomas Delaney provides a definite goal threat.
We believe the Danes can be organised, disciplined and hungry enough to proceed – with plenty resting on the talented shoulders of the outrageously talented Mr Eriksen.
Best Bet – To finish 2nd in the group – 13/8
**Prices correct as of 31/05/2018 – and are subject to change**
