Portgual vs DR Congo
Portugal to Win and Under 3.5 Goals (100)
Portugal are not amongst the obvious favourites for success this summer, although they have one of the deepest squads at the tournament. Roberto Martinez has also displayed tactical versatility during the qualifying period, which could come in handy during the knock-out stages. They have a hugely talented midfield, with the likes of Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves all likely to start, and Ruben Dias should keep things relatively calm at the back. There is still a question mark about 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo and his influence on this team, although he could be an incredibly useful addition from the bench if things don't appear to be heading in the right direction for Martinez's men. They've been drawn in a winnable group, although this opener isn't expected to be straightforward.
DR Congo conceded very few goals during qualifying, with Sebastian Desbare having carefully crafted a hard-working and effective XI. They don't have a huge amount of firepower, with both Bakambu and Wissa coming off the back of largely disappointing seasons, but they should be able to keep the Nations League winners at arm's length for the majority of this contest.
🗸 Long Shot: Portugal 2-0 DR Congo (+475)
🗸 Extra Tip: Portugal's Highest Scoring Half - Second Half (+120)
England vs Croatia
Both Teams to Score (+105)
England get their World Cup campaign started with their toughest assignment in Group L. It may be a good thing for Thomas Tuchel's men to face Croatia at this opening stage, with the German boss potentially able to rest and rotate for the third group game ahead of a punishing schedule that includes trips to Mexico City and Miami. The Three Lions have been troubled by Croatia in many previous tournaments, and this could be an absorbing 90 minutes in Arlington.
Zlatko Dalic's men haven't always impressed, but they do tend to turn it on for the bigger occasions. Despite his waning influence, the vastly experienced Luka Modric is still capable, and Ante Budimir is often a threat. Nevertheless, their lack of pace can be troublesome, and this ageing outfit may be vulnerable to an England side with plenty of width who can attack in numbers. Neither side will want to lose this opener, and it could be cagey in the first half. I'd expect it to open up after the break.
🗸 Long Shot: Declan Rice Anytime Goalscorer (+700)
🗸 Extra Tip: Croatia +0.75 Handicap (-111)
Ghana vs Panama
Under 2.25 Goals (-116)
Ghana's build-up to this tournament was typically chaotic. The controversial sacking of Otto Addo was not particularly well-received by the players, and there have been various injuries which have deprived the squad of Mohammed Kudus and Tariq Lamptey. Carlos Quieroz is an experienced operator who has plenty of World Cup experience, and he tends to favour a pragmatic approach to games. Antoine Semenyo is the star attraction for the Black Stars, and he is capable of producing a match-winning moment of magic, but the remainder of the squad isn't particularly impressive. Furthermore, midfielder Thomas Partey is banned from entering Canada and is likely to miss this opener as a consequence.
Panama are back, and they are likely to be fairly stodgy under former Leeds United boss Thomas Christiansen. He doesn't have the biggest talent pool at his disposal, so ensuring that every squad member knows their role is vital. They won't make this easy for their African opponents.
🗸 Long Shot: Ghana 1-0 Panama (+533)
🗸 Extra Tip: Antoine Semenyo Anytime Goalscorer (+190)
Uzbekistan vs Colombia
Under 2.5 Goals (-116)
Uzbekistan have been working towards this tournament for several years, and their hard work behind the scenes has finally paid off. There have been some questionable decisions behind the scenes recently with the Italian coach Fabio Cannavaro having been drafted in for this tournament. He has been fairly blunt and clear with his strategy. He will ensure that Uzbekistan will be tough to beat and awkward to play against. They will be disciplined and won't be easy pickings for Colombia.
The South American outfit are quietly fancied to progress to the latter stages of the tournament, and having remained unbeaten against both Argentina and Brazil during qualifying, there is plenty of scope for optimism. Nestor Lorenzo favours a front-footed style, but his troops may have to be patient here. Luis Diaz is their main goalscoring hope at this tournament, although James Rodriguez is back and will aim to unlock the opposition defence with his dead ball deliveries.
🗸 Long Shot: Uzbekistan 0-1 Colombia (+466)
🗸 Extra Tip: Uzbekistan +1.5 Handicap (-135)
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