European powerhouse Belgium opens its quest at World Cup 2018 in Russia against tournament debutant Panama and this is a no-brainer as far as sides go. The Red Devils are heavy chalk in moneyline markets as you would expect but there is some value elsewhere for bettors looking to find some action here.
Sportsbook currently has Belgium as big faves in moneyline markets at -650 with Peru coming back at +1800 and the draw sitting at +600. As far as totals are concerned, OVER 2.5 is priced at -140 while UNDER is sitting at +110.
- There have been OVER 2.5 goals scored in Panama’s last three World Cup qualifiers.
- Belgium has scored at least two goals in nine of its last 10 World Cup qualifiers.
- Belgium has won nine of its last 10 in World Cup qualifiers.
The Belgian starting XI is absolutely littered with superstar quality with names like Hazard, De Bruyne, Alderweireld and Courtois giving them sublime options in every area of the pitch. This should be an easy three points for Belgium, but the level of destruction they impose on Panama could prove imperative in deciding whether they or England finish atop Group G.
With the likelihood of Belgium and England entering their group stage fixture on six points each, goal differential will have a significant impact on how they play each other. The Red Devils will look to score early and score often vs a subpar Panamanian side. I’ll be playing an adjusted spread for De Bruyne and company with a bet on them to cover -2.5 at +150.
PANAMA PLAY
World Cup qualification is no small feat, and Los Canaleros deserve credit for getting out of CONCACAF ahead of the United States. They did get some help from a stunning victory by Trinidad and Tobago over the U.S. on the final matchday, but they’ll carry six players with 100 caps or more into Russia and that experience could help this side have a respectable outing.
If you really want to lay some money on Panama, the only advisable bet I see is for their total goals to be under .5, which can be had at -245. Chalky, yes, but Belgium is as impressive at the back end as they are up front and I have a very difficult time believing Panama will break through here.
Just for kicks … classic soccer pun … I’ll be putting a sprinkle on a Jan Vertonghen to score anytime prop in the +1200 range. I foresee a lot of corners and free kicks for the Belgians and the Spurs man has been known to pot a few from set pieces.
Bet on the 2018 World Cup here
