World Cup 2014 Betting Predictions for Group H

Belgium are the strong favourites to qualify from Group H at the World Cup but Russia will be waiting for them to slip up, can both European nations make it to the latter stages?

Group H at the 2014 World Cup has a strong European feel to it as Russia and Belgium make up half of the group. Algeria and South Korea make up the other half, but it is expected that the European teams will occupy the top two places come the end of the group stages.

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Our World Cup betting tips for Group H focus on the two European teams but with Belgium as short as 1/6 to win the group the value could be to bet on both Russia and Belgium to qualify at odds of 5/6 with Paddy Power.

Russia

Managed by former England Head Coach Fabio Capello, Russia made it comfortably through the qualifying stages piping Portugal to finish top of the group. As expected under Italian rule the Russian have a mean defensive record but the problem will mainly be at the top end of the pitch. The Russians lack a real goal scoring touch which will inevitably be their downfall. The heat will only come into effect in their game against South Korea where temperatures can reach up to 35 degrees.

Belgium

Belgium are the up and coming team in Europe right now and you cna bet on them to win the World Cup with the 888Sport sign-up offer which gives you £30 in free bets. They will see this as an opportunity to announce themselves on the world’s stage. A team full of young world class footballers Belgium could well be one of the underdogs come this summer. With players like Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Jan Vertonghen, Moussa Dembele and Marouane Fellaini the squad is littered with talent. For many this will be their first experience at a World Cup. The pressure and expectations may weigh heavily on the inexperienced players. Having been drawn in a group of relative ease we expect to see Belgium come out of the group stages relatively unscathed.

South Korea

South Korea are a nation not to be underestimated as they surprised the footballing world back in 2002 after the joint hosts finished fourth and In 2010 they were controversially knocked out by Uruguay at the quarter final stage. South Korea have a bronze medal to their name which they picked up in the 2012 Olympic Games two years ago. A few names will be recognisable in the Korean side as Ki Sung-Yueng, Ji Dong-Won of Sunderland, Cardiff’s Kim Bo-Kyung and Park Chu-Young of Arsenal are expected to be named in the 23 man squad. South Korea are not a team to be taken lightly although they are the second lowest ranked side to be involved in this World Cup.

Algeria

After a poor African Cup of Nations it was a surprise to many that Algeria managed to qualify for the World Cup by beating one of the finalists from the African Cup in a playoff. Algeria failed to win a game in their last visit to a World Cup in 2010 but did manage to hold England to a 0-0 draw. Algeria will look to the talents of Inter Milan pair Saphir Taider and Ishak Belfodil to lead the team forward. It’s a tough task for Algeria as it will be the first time in three years they will be playing outside of Africa.  The players will be heading to Brazil to enjoy the occasion with no real expectations on their shoulders. They could well have a say in the overall standings of Group H.

World Cup Betting Tip Group H

Belgium and Russia to qualify – 5/6 with Paddy Power

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By Arif Ahmed