Colombia vs. Japan
| Bet | Odds |
| To Win | COL -140, JPN +450, DRAW +245 |
| Goal Line | COL -0.5 (-140), JPN +0.5 (+115) |
| Total | Over 2 (-115), Under 2 (-105) |
| Championship | COL +3500, JPN +35000 |
Poland vs. Senegal
| Bet | Odds |
| To Win | POL +130, SEN +250, DRAW +205 |
| Goal Line | POL -0.5 (+130), SEN +0.5 (-155) |
| Total | Over 2 (-110), Under 2 (-115) |
| Championship | POL +7500, SEN +24550 |
Russia vs. Egypt
| Bet | Odds |
| To Win | RUS +105, EGY +310, DRAW +210 |
| Goal Line | RUS -0.5 (+105), EGY +0.5 (-130) |
| Total | Over 2 (-105), Under 2 (-115) |
| Championship | RUS +5000, EGY +11500 |
2018 FIFA World Cup Bracket
2018 FIFA World Cup Results
| Matchup | Group | Score |
| Thursday, June 14 | ||
| Russia vs. Saudi Arabia | Group A | RUS 5 – KSA 0 |
| Friday, June 15 | ||
| Egypt vs. Uruguay | Group A | URU 1 – EGY 0 |
| Morocco vs. Iran | Group B | IRN 1 – MAR 0 |
| Portugal vs. Spain | Group B | POR 3 – ESP 3 |
| Saturday, June 16 | ||
| France vs. Australia | Group C | FRA 2 – AUS 1 |
| Argentina vs. Iceland* | Group D | ARG 1 – ISL 1 |
| Peru vs. Denmark | Group C | DEN 1 – PER 0 |
| Croatia vs. Nigeria | Group D | CRO 2 – NGA 0 |
| Sunday, June 17 | ||
| Costa Rica vs. Serbia | Group E | SRB 1 – CRC 0 |
| Germany vs. Mexico | Group F | MEX 1 – GER 0 |
| Brazil vs. Switzerland | Group E | BRA 1 – SUI 1 |
| Monday, June 18 | ||
| Sweden vs. South Korea | Group F | SWE 1 – KOR 0 |
| Belgium vs. Panama | Group G | BEL 3 – PAN 0 |
| Tunisia vs. England | Group G | ENG 2 – TUN 1 |
2018 FIFA World Cup Quotes – Tuesday, June 19
Colombia vs. Japan
Japanese defender Yuto Nagatomo claimed that the Samurai Blue strategy is not going to change based on James Rodriguez’s fitness (via Kyodonews.net):
Nothing changes. Whether (Rodriguez) plays or not, no matter who lines up for our opponents, the way we approach the game doesn't change. The team and coach (Akira) Nishino have a strategy in place that doesn't depend on whether a certain player is or isn't in the opposing lineup.
Colombian boss Jose Pekerman isn’t taking his squad’s upcoming opponent lightly (via Kyodonews.net):
We think Japan is going to be a very tough team. We have completely forgotten what happened in the last World Cup. They have players with vast experience. There was a change in the coach, and he hasn't been able to play many matches with his team, but still, he has tried different systems. He has switched players and he really is trying different styles. They have enough potential and we have to be very careful tomorrow, there's no doubt
Poland vs. Senegal
Senegalese coach and former team captain Aliou Cisse reminisced about the late Bruno Metsu, the nation’s former boss (via ChannelNewsAsia.com):
Bruno's talk was Bruno. I'm the coach now, I have my own way of managing my team. But today on the eve of this match against Poland my thoughts are with Bruno. I know that from where he is today he is watching us and his energy will lift us. I represent a new generation which wants to find its place in African football and world football. We also have a right to be among the elite of international coaches.
Polish superstar Robert Lewandowski stated that he’s feeling good ahead of the World Cup and that his side can handle the weight of great expectations (via BBC.com):
Poland is a nation that always believes but expects a lot. I do think my last season was quite different from the one before the 2016 European Championship finals. I played less games (in 2017-18), which means I'm less tired. I hope this freshness will show during the World Cup. Furthermore, this time the preparations have been personalised, catered to what an individual player needs… I am not sure how many good opportunities I will have. But when I am doubled up on and fouled, it frees up space for my team-mates and we'd like to take advantage of this. If another player scores for us, that's great. It doesn't have to be me. The important moment is coming now. I want my hunger for goals to be even bigger and bigger. And of course I hope more goals will come on the biggest stage - the World Cup. There has always been pressure and will be forever, but we know how to deal with that, we put pressure aside
Russia vs. Egypt
Egyptian coach Hector Cuper praised Mohamed Salah and said he should be ready to perform on Tuesday (via Reuters.com):
Salah is fit. We always carry out a last physical test before we announce our line-up and today we will have an important test for him to see how he does. I think he will be able to play. He is an essential piece in our team. He’s a great player, a crucial player, that much is perfectly clear. Salah is one of the best players in the world. For me there’s no shadow of a doubt there. It’s an honor and a privilege to coach him. On top of being talented, he is humble. He is a team player and that at least for me is extremely important now. He’s an important player for us. Nobody can deny that. I say it with all due respect to the other players in the Egyptian squad.. I think he’ll be able to play.
Former Russian striker Dmitri Kirichenko thinks this match is too close to confidently predict a winner for (via FourFourTwo.com):
I think both teams have 50/50 chances of winning, because Egypt are quite a solid team. Playing them is not easy. They are competitive and quite strong physically. [Egypt] didn't create any chances without [Mohamed Salah] in the Uruguay game.. How can we deter him? With concerted actions and good backup. It's clear that he won't be in his best shape, because he was absent for a long time. I think we could deal with him.
2018 FIFA World Cup Tweets – Tuesday, June 19
Colombia vs. Japan
Bill Simmons jumped on the Colombia bandwagon due to the presence of James Rodriguez, the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner:
Needed a World Cup team b/c USA crapped the bed so I bet on Colombia at 35-1. Also got a complimentary ticket on the James Rodriguez bandwagon.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) June 12, 2018
SuperSport Blitz found that Rodriguez is doubtful to participate in the side’s World Cup opener due to muscle fatigue:
Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez is a doubt for their #WorldCup Group H opener against Japan due to a calf injury #SSFootball
— SuperSport Blitz (@SuperSportBlitz) June 18, 2018
NDTV tweeted that a supposedly psychic parrot is predicting a Japanese loss on Tuesday:
Psychic parrot predicts Japan's loss in first #WorldCup match https://t.co/pVv2IorPH7pic.twitter.com/n0zZycbqPe
— NDTV (@ndtv) June 18, 2018
Poland vs. Senegal
SuperSport noted that Senegal is preparing to play in their first World Cup game in 16 years:
Senegal's match against Poland tomorrow will be their first FIFA #WorldCup game since 2002 when they reached the quarter-finals. pic.twitter.com/5qDuxRkV8c
— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) June 18, 2018
FOX Soccer warned Poland’s upcoming opponents about the prowess of talisman Robert Lewandowski:
If Robert Lewandowski is on during the FIFA World Cup, watch out.@RachelBonnetta has everything you need to know about Poland! Diablo 2 patch. pic.twitter.com/2J6hhBb0Jm
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 10, 2018
Dharma Bhagalia believes that Senegal is the only African team capable of advancing to the knockout stages in Russia:
Out of all of the African countries in the World Cup, I think only Senegal will get out of their group. 1) Sadio Mané, obviously, 2) on paper they do actually have an ok-good squad; Koulibaly, Gueye, Sané, Sarr (if he plays) and Keita the main names.
— Dharma Bhagalia (@Kloppholic) June 16, 2018
Russia vs. Egypt
Sky Sports News pointed out that star forward Mo Salah is fit for Egypt’s important clash against the World Cup hosts after sitting out the team's opener versus Uruguay:
WATCH: Mohamed Salah is fit enough to feature for Egypt against Russia on Tuesday according to their team manager
Salah was also treated to a birthday cake by his teammates after turning 26 yesterday pic.twitter.com/LLPKHC8HzL
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 16, 2018
John Bennett thinks that this match will be an intense one:
Russia v Egypt will be intense now.. Egypt surely need to win.
— John Bennett (@JohnBennettBBC) June 15, 2018
Dom Farrell joked about Russian captain Igor Akineev’s comments regarding the Egyptians:
#RUS captain Igor Akinfeev on the task to come against #EGY
'We know there will not be mannequins against us. These will be living beings.'
Huge if true #WorldCup
— Dom Farrell (@DomFarrell1986) June 18, 2018
2018 FIFA World Cup Pro Picks – Tuesday, June 19
Colombia vs. Japan
Pick: Colombia -140 (if Rodriguez plays), Draw +245 (if Rodriguez is out)
Prediction: Colombia 2 – Japan 1 (if Rodriguez plays), Colombia 1 – Japan 1 (if Rodriguez is out)
Poland vs. Senegal
Pick: Poland +130
Prediction: Poland 2 – Senegal 1
Russia vs. Egypt
Pick: Egypt +0.5 (-130)
Prediction: Russia 1 – Egypt 1
BetDSI Sportsbook2018 FIFA World Cup - Odds To Win
| Country | Odds |
| Brazil | +400 |
| Germany | +405 |
| Spain | +600 |
| France | +600 |
| Argentina | +850 |
| Belgium | +900 |
| England | +1615 |
| Portugal | +2350 |
| Uruguay | +2850 |
| Croatia | +3000 |
| Colombia | +3500 |
| Russia | +5000 |
| Poland | +7500 |
| Denmark | +9000 |
| Switzerland | +10500 |
| Mexico | +11000 |
| Egypt | +11500 |
| Peru | +13500 |
| Sweden | +18000 |
| Serbia | +18000 |
| Nigeria | +23000 |
| Senegal | +24550 |
| Iceland | +25000 |
| Costa Rica | +34000 |
| Australia | +34550 |
| Japan | +35000 |
| Morocco | +40250 |
| South Korea | +45000 |
| Saudi Arabia | +45000 |
| Iran | +52500 |
| Panama | +55000 |
| Tunisia | +65000 |
2018 FIFA World Cup Groups
| Group | Teams |
| Group A | Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay |
| Group B | Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran |
| Group C | France, Australia, Peru, Denmark |
| Group D | Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria |
| Group E | Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia |
| Group F | Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea |
| Group G | Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England |
| Group H | Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan |
2018 FIFA World Cup Bracket
2018 FIFA World Cup Group Stage Schedule, Viewing Guide And Game Odds
| Matchup | Group | Time (ET) | TV | Odds |
| Thursday, June 14 | ||||
| Russia vs. Saudi Arabia | Group A | 11 a.m. | FOX | RUS -225, KSA +750 |
| Friday, June 15 | ||||
| Egypt vs. Uruguay | Group A | 8 a.m. | FS1 | URU -165, EGY +550 |
| Morocco vs. Iran | Group B | 11 a.m. | FOX | MAR +125, IRN +275 |
| Portugal vs. Spain | Group B | 2 p.m. | FOX | ESP -110, POR +345 |
| Saturday, June 16 | ||||
| France vs. Australia | Group C | 6 a.m. | FS1 | FRA -400, AUS +1300 |
| Argentina vs. Iceland | Group D | 9 a.m. | FOX | ARG -285, ISL +950 |
| Peru vs. Denmark | Group C | 12 p.m. | FS1 | DEN +135, PER +220 |
| Croatia vs. Nigeria | Group D | 3 p.m. | FS1 | CRO -145, NGA +450 |
| Sunday, June 17 | ||||
| Costa Rica vs. Serbia | Group E | 8 a.m. | FOX | SRB -115, CRC +370 |
| Germany vs. Mexico | Group F | 11 a.m. | FS1 | GER -205, MEX -205 |
| Brazil vs. Switzerland | Group E | 2 p.m. | FS1 | BRA -245, SUI +700 |
| Monday, June 18 | ||||
| Sweden vs. South Korea | Group F | 8 a.m. | FS1 | SWE +105, KOR +300 |
| Belgium vs. Panama | Group G | 11 a.m. | FS1 | BEL -575, PAN +2000 |
| Tunisia vs. England | Group G | 2 p.m. | FS1 | ENG -240, TUN +800 |
| Tuesday, June 19 | ||||
| Colombia vs. Japan | Group H | 8 a.m. | FS1 | COL -150, JPN +475 |
| Poland vs. Senegal | Group H | 11 a.m. | FOX | POL +130, SEN +225 |
| Russia vs. Egypt | Group A | 2 p.m. | FOX | RUS +105, EGY +290 |
| Wednesday, June 20 | ||||
| Portugal vs. Morocco | Group B | 8 a.m. | FS1 | POR -155, MAR +475 |
| Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia | Group A | 11 a.m. | FOX | URU -450, KSA +1400 |
| Iran vs. Spain | Group B | 2 p.m. | FOX | ESP -475, IRN +1600 |
| Thursday, June 21 | ||||
| Denmark vs. Australia | Group C | 8 a.m. | FS1 | DEN -150, AUS +450 |
| France vs. Peru | Group C | 11 a.m. | FOX | FRA -230, PER +650 |
| Argentina vs. Croatia | Group D | 2 p.m. | FOX | ARG -105, CRO +310 |
| Friday, June 22 | ||||
| Brazil vs. Costa Rica | Group E | 8 a.m. | FS1 | BRA -500, CRC +1600 |
| Nigeria vs. Iceland | Group D | 11 a.m. | FOX | NGA +155, ISL +200 |
| Serbia vs. Switzerland | Group E | 2 p.m. | FOX | SUI +155, SRB +205 |
| Saturday, June 23 | ||||
| Belgium vs. Tunisia | Group G | 8 a.m. | FOX | BEL -305, TUN +850 |
| South Korea vs. Mexico | Group F | 11 a.m. | FOX | MEX -125, KOR +380 |
| Germany vs. Sweden | Group F | 2 p.m. | FOX | GER -235, SWE +700 |
| Sunday, June 24 | ||||
| England vs. Panama | Group G | 8 a.m. | FS1 | ENG -450, PAN +1400 |
| Japan vs. Senegal | Group H | 11 a.m. | FOX | SEN +115, JPN +265 |
| Poland vs. Colombia | Group H | 2 p.m. | FOX | COL +125, POL +240 |
| Monday, June 25 | ||||
| Uruguay vs. Russia | Group A | 10 a.m. | FOX | URU +125, RUS +245 |
| Saudi Arabia vs. Egypt | Group A | 10 a.m. | FS1 | EGY -135, KSA +400 |
| Spain vs. Morocco | Group B | 2 p.m. | FS1 | ESP -265, MAR +850 |
| Iran vs. Portugal | Group B | 2 p.m. | FOX | POR -265, IRN +800 |
| Tuesday, June 26 | ||||
| Denmark vs. France | Group C | 10 a.m. | FOX | FRA -155, DEN +450 |
| Australia vs. Peru | Group C | 10 a.m. | FS1 | PER +110, AUS +270 |
| Nigeria vs. Argentina | Group D | 2 p.m. | FOX | ARG -220, NGA +600 |
| Iceland vs. Croatia | Group D | 2 p.m. | FS1 | CRO -125, ISL +385 |
| Wednesday, June 27 | ||||
| South Korea vs. Germany | Group F | 10 a.m. | FS1 | GER -350, KOR +1000 |
| Mexico vs. Sweden | Group F | 10 a.m. | FOX | MEX +150, SWE +200 |
| Serbia vs. Brazil | Group E | 2 p.m. | FOX | BRA -270, SRB +800 |
| Switzerland vs. Costa Rica | Group E | 2 p.m. | FS1 | SUI -115, CRC +355 |
| Thursday, June 28 | ||||
| Japan vs. Poland | Group H | 10 a.m. | FS1 | POL -115, JPN +335 |
| Senegal vs. Colombia | Group H | 10 a.m. | FOX | COL +100, SNG +300 |
| England vs. Belgium | Group G | 2 p.m. | FOX | BEL +145, ENG +195 |
| Panama vs. Tunisia | Group G | 2 p.m. | FS1 | TUN +115, PAN +270 |
All World Cup matches can be live streamed via FOX Sports GOLincoln park full album youtube.
2018 FIFA World Cup Knockout Stage Schedule And Matchups
| Match # | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Round of 16 | ||
| Saturday, June 30 | ||
| 50 | Group C winner vs. Group D runner-up | 10 a.m. |
| 49 | Group A winner vs. Group B runner-up | 2 p.m. |
| Sunday, July 1 | ||
| 51 | Group B winner vs. Group A runner-up | 10 a.m. |
| 52 | Group D winner vs. Group C runner-up | 2 p.m. |
| Monday, July 2 | ||
| 53 | Group E winner vs. Group F runner-up | 10 a.m. |
| 54 | Group G winner vs. Group H runner-up | 2 p.m. |
| Tuesday, July 3 | ||
| 55 | Group F winner vs. Group E runner-up | 10 a.m. |
| 56 | Group H winner vs. Group G runner-up | 2 p.m. |
| Quarterfinals | ||
| Friday, July 6 | ||
| 57 | 49 Winner vs. 50 Winner | 10 a.m. |
| 58 | 53 Winner vs. 54 Winner | 2 p.m. |
| Saturday, July 7 | ||
| 60 | 55 Winner vs. 56 Winner | 10 a.m. |
| 59 | 51 Winner vs. 52 Winner | 2 p.m. |
| Semifinals | ||
| Tuesday, July 10 | ||
| 61 | 57 Winner vs. 58 Winner | 10 a.m. |
| Wednesday, July 11 | ||
| 62 | 59 Winner vs. 60 Winner | 2 p.m. |
| Third Place Play-off | ||
| Saturday, July 14 | ||
| 63 | 61 Loser vs. 62 Loser | 10 a.m. |
| Final | ||
| Sunday, July 15 | ||
| 64 | 61 Winner vs. 62 Winner | 3 p.m. |
2018 FIFA World Cup Betting Breakdown
The Favorites
Oddsmakers believe that Brazil is the side to beat in 2018, opening the squad as the favorite to bring home a title for a record-extending sixth time. The Brazilians are currently +400 chalk, meaning bettors would return $4 for every $1 risked should they win. The Selecao will be playing with a chip on their shoulder as they seek to avenge their heartbreaking exit from the 2014 World Cup. As the host nation, Brazil was stunned in a 7-1 loss in the semifinals to eventual champion Germany. With star player Neymar looking fully recovered from a foot injury that threatened his chances of participating in this tournament, the Brazilians should have little resistance waltzing through a Group E field that includes Switzerland—the team Brazil will start its run against on Sunday—as well as Costa Rica and Serbia. With expectations higher than ever, the Brazilians should and will be disappointed with any result other than bringing back a trophy from Russia.
UEFA Champions League noted that Gabriel Jesus, Neymar and Coutinho all scored in Brazil’s last tune-up before Russia:
#UCL stars Gabriel Jesus, Neymar and Philippe Coutinho score the goals as Brazil defeat Austria 3-0 in their final friendly before the FIFA World Cup.
Which #UCL players will make the biggest splash in Russia? pic.twitter.com/YZkquO5fg3
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 10, 2018
As for the aforementioned Germans, there may be no more skilled and experienced squad in this year’s field. The 2014 Cup winners are aiming to become the first back-to-back World Cup champions since Brazil won consecutively in 1958 and 1962. According to sportsbooks, Die Nationalmannschaft’s chances of doing so are just a hair behind Brazil’s, as the team opened at +405 to repeat as victors. The side returned many of its key players from four years ago—including standouts such as midfielder Tony Kroos, keeper Manuel Neuer—and sports a promising group of youthful talent to boot. None is more notable than Timo Werner, the 22-year-old forward that is poised to shine on the grand stage. If Germany’s young players can stay composed, this is going to be arguably the most difficult nation in the field to defeat.
German coach Joachim Low says that his squad has a target on it's back but remains focused on winning another title (via the Daily Nation):
If you are world champion, Confederations Cup winner and number three in the world for three or four years, then you will be especially hunted. Every team wants to overthrow the defending champion..To be world champion once again means a lot to me, of course. That would be something historical. But I also feel some humility over the seriousness of the task. Everything has to be right to win a title, and at a certain point other factors will play their part as well, because the teams are similar in their quality. Little things can have a huge effect.
OptaJoe is giving the Germans the second best shot at winning the World Cup with a better than 10% chance:
13.2% - Based on our World Cup predictor, Opta give Brazil the highest chance of winning the 2018 World Cup (13.2%), followed by Germany (10.7%) & Argentina (10.1%). Probability.
For more info on the how the Opta Predictor is calculated, click here: https://t.co/O5yVz0Y0Zlpic.twitter.com/MOjnESld6Z
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 12, 2018
The Stars
While both Brazil and Germany are stacked with stars, the best player of the 2018 World Cup is likely to hail from Argentina. Lionel Messi opened as oddsmakers’ top choice to claim both the coveted Golden Boot as the tournament’s leading goal scorer, as well as defend his Golden Ball award that he earned as the 2014 World Cup’s best overall player. Messi would surely pass up both individual honors to bring Argentina its first World Cup victory since 1986, but the Group D squad has its work cut out for them. The Argentinians are currently getting +850 odds to win the trophy, meaning that they have the fifth-best shot according to the sportsbooks, which placed them behind Brazil, Germany, France (+600) and Spain (+600). This group is capable of pushing back into the championship game and even win it this year, but will need to support Messi with great play across the pitch for this to happen.
Messi stated that criticism from his country's media will impact his national team future after this World Cup (via Sport.es):
I don't know. It will depend how we do, how it ends. The fact we've lost three finals now has led to some complicated moments with the Argentine press due to the differences in seeing what it means to reach a final. It is not easy and [reaching three finals] has to be appreciated. It's true that winning them is important, but getting there is not easy.
Forbes found that Messi is now the highest paid soccer player in the world:
Lionel Messi tops Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest-paid soccer player in the worldhttps://t.co/hGdudeHV5Upic.twitter.com/H0AztESn2c
— Forbes (@Forbes) June 12, 2018
The other big name to watch in Russia will be Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar was instrumental in guiding his side to an improbable title at Euro 2016 and will need to step up once again if the Selecao das Quinas are to overcome their +2350 odds of winning. Ronaldo is coming off a Champions League victory with Real Madrid at the club level, but despite his trophies and prowess, has struggled to perform to his standards in this international event. The 33-year-old has 13 World Cup caps, but has only scored three total goals since his first appearance in 2006. Ronaldo will need to find a way to finish more consistently if his side is going to advance past the Round of 16, something it has only accomplished one other time since a country-best third-place showing at the 1966 World Cup. Portugal certainly won’t have it easy in Group B and will face perhaps it’s toughest test of the entire tourney right out of the gate, taking on Spain—a veteran squad with a handful of 2010 World Cup champs still on the roster—in the opener on Friday.
DaveOCKOP tweeted a quote from Ronaldo discussing Egyptian striker Mo Salah, the Liverpool sensation that the Portuguese forward feels could rival him as one of the best:
Ronaldo: 'Mo Salah has been one of the revelations of the year. I hope his injury in the final in Kiev doesn’t keep him out. Many people talk about the Cristiano Ronaldo-Messi battle but there are other players who have chances to enter the race. The Egyptian is one of them.”
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) June 11, 2018
The Underdogs
Due to the absence of the USA, many domestic fans will be looking for a new team to support for the next month. There are a handful of scrappy underdog squads in the field this year, perhaps none more likable and exciting than Iceland. The country, the smallest to ever clinch a World Cup berth, is one of two nations making its debut in Russia—Panama is the other first-timer in 2018—but has a lot of momentum coming into this event and could make some serious noise. The Strakarnir Okkar put themselves on the map with a run to the quarterfinals at Euro 2016, besting a heavily favored England squad to reach that point. These giant slayers now find themselves in Group D, also known as the 'Group of Death', where they will once again seek to shock the world. They can start by besting Messi’s Argentina squad in their opener on Saturday. There’s a decent chance that they can still advance even with a loss in this contest, as they have a good shot at defeating Nigeria and aren’t that heavy of an underdog against Croatia. Despite their +25000 odds, Iceland could be quite a competitive side and won’t be a pleasant draw if they manage to make the knockout rounds.
Iceland center back Ragnar Sigurdsson said his team has a plan to shut down Messi and the rest of the Argentinians (via The Daily Star):
It's football, anything can happen .. we know it will be complicated, but we are confident in being able to continue taking the steps we took in recent years, we know that Argentina are one of the best teams in the World Cup, but we will see.It's exciting to play against Messi, I never faced him and I do not know if anyone on the team ever did, but it's not just him, Argentina has many good players. We have to prepare for anything. We all know he's the best in the world, when we have the ball we'll have to be more focused and be more careful than ever, but we're 11, we'll have to play as a team.
Bleacher Report found that Iceland’s coach used to be a dentist:
Although he was reportedly eager to repeat the experience of these New York shows, Harrison never played 'Bangla Desh' in concert after 1971 and he did not perform live again until his 1974 North American tour with Shankar. By that point, the Bangladesh Liberation War had long ended, with the in December 1971 by the allied forces of Bangladesh and India, but Bangladesh was now experiencing a that would account for up to 1.5 million lives. In his book on the Beatles' first decade as solo artists, Rodriguez views this live performance as perhaps Harrison's 'high water mark of public esteem'. 
During a concert in Los Angeles on 11 November, Harrison responded to requests for the song 'Bangla Desh' with a suggestion that the audience instead chant ', Krishna, Krishna' and use the positive power of to help the Bangladeshi population.
There’s no professional soccer league in Iceland. Their coach used to be a dentist. And they're the World Cup's most exciting underdog. https://t.co/KrCe70N3pepic.twitter.com/QkUrOaIRov
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 12, 2018
Another unheralded country to keep an eye on is Poland. While the team’s odds to win (+7500) aren’t as long as some of the others in the field, there isn’t much fanfare around the Bialo-Czerwoni. This squad hasn’t made a World Cup since 2006, but has a legitimate weapon in veteran striker Robert Lewandowski. The Bayern Munich star was an absolute force during qualification, racking up 16 goals to secure a spot in the field. He’s left a lot to be desired during his Euro campaigns, but Lewandowski—now 29 years old—must be keenly aware that there aren’t many opportunities left to make an impact for his home country. He’s surrounded by hardworking, tough teammates that can clamp down defensively and gum up the offensive production of the opposition. Poland’s games may not be the prettiest or most exciting, but Lewandowski’s brilliance alone makes the country worth watching this month.
Bill Simmons thinks that Colombia is another great longshot bet at 35-1:
Needed a World Cup team b/c USA crapped the bed so I bet on Colombia at 35-1. Also got a complimentary ticket on the James Rodriguez bandwagon.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) June 12, 2018
2018 FIFA World Cup Pro Picks
Courtesy of Jon Price of SportsInformationTraders.com
To Win: Brazil (+400)
Value: Belgium (+900)
Dark Horse: Poland (+7500)
Long Shot: Iceland (+25000)