Key Opening World Cup Matches

Obviously every group match for the World Cup is an important one, but the opening match is key in getting off to a good start. Here are some of the premier encounters, with their betting odds, in the first group matches.

Brazil -350 / Croatia +1100 / Draw +400

In the opening match of the World Cup Brazil is the HUGE betting favorite taking on Croatia. Brazil will have a lot of pressure on them in the tournament-
opening match and they face a solid Croatian midfield lead by Real Madrid’s Luka Modric. However, Croatia will be without main striker Mario Mandzukic, who is suspended for the match.

Spain -118 / Holland +333 / Draw +240

This is a rematch of the 2010 World Cup final and the loser may have to scramble to finish in 2nd Spanish have a great midfield and solid defense, which they showed by shutting out Holland 1-0 in the final in the last World Cup.

England +200 / Italy +150 / Draw +200

The match is one between a couple of squads that have a great midfield and each looks to get off to a good World Cup start after not having good showings in 2010. Italy has the best odds to win the group that is a tough one that includes

2010 quarterfinalist Uruguay.

Argentina -250 / Bosnia and Herzegovina +700 / Draw +350

Argentina has the 2nd Bosnia and Herzegovina squad in the first round. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a solid offense and surprisingly won their European qualification group. This match should be an exciting one since both feature dynamic offenses and each has issues on defense.

Germany +100 / Portugal +280 / Draw +230

This match is between these 2 squads that have the best odds to win the Group of Death. Germany is a great all-around team with one of the best midfields in the  world while Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal is playing in the Group of Death for the 2nd place in the group.

Ghana +160 / USA +175 / Draw +220

The Dutch have the offense and the best odds to win the World Cup and face a dangerous straight World Cup.

This match is HUGE for both squads and each needs to take 3 points to have a shot to get out of the Group of Death since each will still have to face Portugal and Germany. Ghana has eliminated the USA in the last 2 World Cup tournaments.

Colombia -125 / Greece +375 / Draw +240

This is a match up between a Colombia squad that has the best odds to win the group and Greece, who have the worst odds. However, the Greeks have a great defense and Colombia recently got some bad news, as their key offensive player in striker Radamel Falcao pulled out of the World Cup with an injury.

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