The Odds
- To win the World Cup: +2690
- To win Group A: -130
- To advance to Round of 16: -560
Bet to Watch
Urugay to win the Group A -130 (5Dimes)
Uruguay are a consistently strong team. Historically they've combined an extremely conservative approach with a couple of lethal strikers in Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani. Although both strikers are past 30 and starting to slip from their peaks as players, they remain two of the best goal scorers in the world.
Defensively Uruguay remain as impenetrable as ever. It helps to have centerbacks who star for the best defensive club team in the world in Diego Godin and Jose Maria Gimenez. The 2018 version of Uruguay promises to be at least a little bit more adventurous. A more talented midfield with players such as Matias Vecino of Inter Milan means that unlike past years, Uruguay will not only be able to stymie more talented teams but also break down worse ones.
If Uruguay has a flaw it's on the flanks, especially on the left. Cristian Rodriguez looks set to start on the left wing despite the fact that the injury-plagued 32-year-old's club career is clearly winding down. Behind him is Martin Caceres, who at 31 is coming off several years of inconsistent injury-plagued form and is more of a centerback than a fullback.
Their weaknesses will likely keep Uruguay from making a deep run in the tournament (they'll likely play either Spain or Portugal in the Round of 16) but they're clearly the most talented team in Group A. Their odds of winning the group would likely be significantly shorter if not for Russia's home-field advantage.
More World Cup Betting Coverage
- Group A: Russia | Saudi Arabia | Egypt | Uruguay
- Group B: Portugal | Morocco | Iran | Spain
- Group C: France | Australia | Peru | Denmark
- Group D: Argentina | Iceland | Croatia | Nigeria
- Group E: Brazil | Costa Rica | Switzerland | Serbia
- Group F: Germany | Mexico | Sweden | South Korea
- Group G: Belgium | Panama | Tunisia | England
- Group H: Poland | Senegal | Colombia | Japan
