Most of the experts are expecting Uruguay to finish atop Group A. That makes sense. They are the only team in this group with any real World Cup experience, and they have made it to the knockout rounds in each of the last two World Cups.
Don’t tell that to Egypt though. The Pharaohs believe that this is the strongest team in their country’s history. With a strong defense and a world-class playmaker in Mo Salah, Egypt is looking to make it out of the Group Stage for the first time in their country’s history.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Ekaterinburg Arena in Yekaterinburg at 8 a.m. ET on Friday, June 15, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Egypt +556
Uruguay -163
Draw +264
Over/Under 2
Recent Form
Egypt has yet to win a game this year. After allowing just four goals in six games during the last round of qualification, the Pharaohs have not been able to pick up a win in four friendlies this year. Egypt was impressive against Portugal in their first friendly, and they should have picked up a win there. However, Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals in stoppage time to lift Portugal to a victory. From there, Egypt lost to Greece and drew versus Kuwait and Colombia. They have a match against Belgium on Wednesday, which will be their last prior to the start of the World Cup.
Uruguay will be taking the unusual step of not playing any other World Cup team prior to the start of the tournament. Additionally, this team will have played just three matches before facing Egypt. They took part in the China Cup, beating the Czech Republic and Wales to win the event back in March. Uruguay has yet to take part in a game since then, with their last match coming against Uzbekistan on Thursday.
Coaching Angle
Hector Cuper has been able to lead Egypt to just its third World Cup appearance on the back of a solid defense. The Pharaohs defense is filled with talent along the back four, and they are good at standing their ground. It may not be the most exciting brand of soccer to watch, but it is effective.
Their counterattacking style also means that Mo Salah will have plenty of space to operate provided he is healthy. Salah is one of the most gifted playmakers in the world, and if he is close to 100 percent, watch out.
Player to Watch
A lot of the focus will be on Salah heading into this match. However, the more likely option to find the back of the net is Luis Suarez.
Suarez is already Uruguay’s all-time leading goal scorer. He is coming off a great season at Barcelona, and he is considered to be one of the best forwards in the world. Yet Suarez will be looking to erase a legacy that has haunted him over the last four years.
At the 2014 World Cup, Suarez bit Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini in Uruguay’s last game of the Group Stage. It was his third biting incident and led to a four-month ban from international soccer. Despite his prodigious talent, Suarez is now largely associated with chomping down on opponents during a match. He will be looking to move on from this in Russia.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
One thing to keep in mind here is Ramadan. Although the Grand Mufti of Egypt has stated that players will be allowed to break the fast on matchday, many may adhere to tradition and refuse food or drink during the day. That could hurt the team because of a late afternoon start.
The other thing to watch is the status of Salah. No one knows how healthy he will be, or even whether or not he will be able to play, following a shoulder injury suffered during the Champions League Final. Not having him available would be detrimental to Egypt’s chances.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Uruguay 1, Egypt 0
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