World Cup Underdogs: Three Nations That Could Cause A Shock In Russia

Iceland betting tips

There are always a few teams that cause a real shock at a major tournament, catapulting themselves into everyone’s second team and selling shirts galore.

But which nations will be the underdogs who come good this year? We take a look at three teams who could go down in World Cup folklore.

Iceland

Every England fan knows about Iceland. They shocked the world at Euro 2016, reaching the Quarter Finals and losing 5-2 to eventual finalists France.

In Russia they’re in a group alongside Argentina, Croatia and Nigeria and will once again be looking to cause a huge shock.

The Iceland to qualify for the knockout stage odds are priced at 9/4 and would be a great punt. Grit, determination and team spirit saw them go far in the Euros and it can once again could get them past the likes of Croatia and Nigeria.

To win the group, in what would be an almighty tournament for them, is priced at 12/1 and could well be worth a World Cup free bet.

Egypt

Egypt were the first African team to ever qualify for a World Cup and are regularly regarded as one of the best sides on the continent.

For them to do well at the tournament however, that would be an underdog story. They have the players to do it though.

Placed in a group with the hosts Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, they have a very strong chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.

Mo Salah has been incredible for Liverpool this season and the leadership of Essam El-Hadary, the 44-year-old goalkeeper will be vital, but they can beat every team put in front of them in the group.

The Egyptians are marked as 2/1 to qualify for the knockout stages and we’d not be averse to a punt on 6/1 to win the group. Salah could be one of the players of the tournament in Russia.

Senegal

Senegal shocked reigning champions France back at the 2002 World Cup and went on a phenomenal run to the final eight.

We’re marking them to do well again in a very winnable group for them. First up will be Poland, who will provide them with a stern test. Get through that and they’ll fancy their chances of qualification.

They’re priced 5/1 to win the group with William Hill and a straight forecast of Colombia / Senegal looks a fantastic price at 9/1.

The South Americans will provide them with their last game of the group, in which qualification could be wrapped up if they beat Japan.

Sadio Mane will be a key man for them, as will many of their other Premier League men. They really do have a good squad capable of making their mark on the tournament.

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