In what will be a highly anticipated group stage matchup, Egypt gets its 2018 World Cup started as underdogs against Luis Suárez, Edinson Cavani and Uruguay on June 15 in Yekaterinburg. With fellow Group A members Russia and Saudi Arabia playing in the 2018 World Cup curtain raiser on June 14, both Egypt and Uruguay will look to keep up with the Sportsbook or leapfrog both if the points are shared in Moscow.
Online sportsbook Sportsbook is currently offering Uruguay as -160 favorites in moneyline markets with Egypt coming back at +575 and the draw at +260. The total is set at 2 with OVER at -125 and UNDER at +105. If spreads are your thing, Uruguay is tabbed at -1 (+110) with Egypt +1 (-130).
Bet on the 2018 World Cup here
- Uruguay lost its 2014 World Cup opener to Costa Rica by a score of 3-1.
- This is Egypt’s first World Cup appearance since 1990 and third overall.
- Uruguay finished second in CONMEBOL qualifying behind Brazil.
Uruguay has had a tough go in its World Cup openers in recent history with a 3-1 loss to Costa Rica four years ago in Brazil, a 0-0 draw with France in 2010 and a 2-1 loss to Denmark in 2002 in its last three appearances. That said, they advanced from the group stage in both 2010 and 2014 and finished fourth in South Africa but lost 2-0 to Colombia in the Round of 16 in Brazil.
The talent up and down this Uruguay side is undeniable, however. Suárez, Cavani and defensive linchpin Diego Godin are seasoned vets while blossoming midfield stars like Rodrigo Bentancur, Matías Vecino and Lucas Torreira are more than ready to be called upon.
The biggest story with Egypt will be the status of Liverpool sensation Mohamed Salah. Salah had to leave the Champions League final with a shoulder injury after a tackle by Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos, but latest reports show that he could be fit to play in this contest. The brilliant Salah torched both England and Europe all season with 32 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League and 10 goals and four assists in the Reds’ amazing Champions League run.
The goal scoring didn’t stop at club level for Salah as he contributed five goals in African World Cup qualifying which made him joint-top scorer with Burkina Faso’s Préjuce Nakoulma.
Favorite Bet for Egypt vs Uruguay
Salah means an awful lot to Egypt’s attack but The Pharaohs lack the depth and quality that Uruguay is sending to Russia. La Celeste were being offered at -135 in moneyline markets before the Salah injury and that was a generous offering. Even if Salah does manage to play in Egypt’s opener, Uruguay in moneyline markets is still a great wager.
For game props, take a peek at the prices of one of Suarez or Cavani to score any time as well. You won’t go wrong backing either of those superstars to score any time in group stage matches.
Salah’s status for the World Cup is still up in the air. The Egyptian FA seem optimistic but you’ll want to keep your eye on this developing story.
