More Goals Expected from the Suarez/Cavani Crew
It’s already time for the first Africa-South America match up in this year’s World Cup. Egypt booked their ticket to Russia when superstar forward Mohamed Salah fired in a penalty in the 94th minute of their final qualifying match. Uruguay were propelled into the tournament when goal hungry pairing Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez slipped them into a comfortable second place finish in their South American qualifying group. These are two teams that have a strong chance of taking themselves into the knockout stage, and foremost Uruguay who have their sights on top spot. That’s what I believe, and I think they’ll set themselves on the way to it by winning their opening match.
Egypt
Egypt are going to their first World in 28 years. Much of it is thanks to Liverpool starman Mohamed Salah who hit five goals in qualifying, adding to his record-breaking goal scoring season for his club team in the Premier League and Champions League this season.
Salah could’ve been their best shot at taking down a Uruguay team who are the toughest in the group
Although it looks like Egypt will be missing their most important player for their first match due to a shoulder injury that caused him to exit the Champions League Final after a clash with Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos. It’s a huge loss for Egypt, and Salah could’ve been their best shot at taking down a Uruguay team who are the toughest in the group.
The Egyptians have played six friendlies before the tournament and not managed to win a single one. Their 0-0 with Colombia was their best result, with the South Americans managing 70% of possession and 17-6 chances on goal. This is one of the fundamental reasons why I believe Egypt don’t have enough in the bank against a Uruguay team that is one of the best in South America right now.
Uruguay
Uruguay step off the plane in Russia with three solid wins under their belt from international friendlies played. The Suarez/Cavani Crew are in top form and have racked up four of Uruguay’s six goals in said friendly matches.
Edison Cavani was top scorer in qualifying with ten goals
Defensively Uruguay’s centre back Diego Godin is security in himself, ensuring three clean sheets in the last three matches. In qualifying they scored 32 goals over 18 matches, next best to the immensely convincing Brazilians. In fact, Edison Cavani was overall top scorer in qualifying with 10 goals.
I think Uruguay will do reasonably well this year. All their players put in a solid shift every match. But to do well in a tournament you usually need a strong start and a win against Egypt would tee them up nicely.
A straight up bet of Uruguay winning this match is around 3/5, so I’m going for Uruguay to win it with over 1.5 goals which is for better odds. The attacking duo of Suarez and Cavani says it all. An Egypt without Mohamed Salah are going to have a hard time of it.
Bet Uruguay to win the match with more than 1.5 goals on Bethard
