It’s not hard to understand why Egypt is a +12500 longshot with the World Cup betting odds. The Pharaohs lack any history of success on the international stage. They last qualified in 1990. It was the first time they did since 1934. Sadly, they have never won a World Cup match. But their 28 year break is over. That in itself is a positive. They qualified the only way they could. Sitting back on defense. Egypt lacks the skill and depth to mount credible attacks. And they can’t afford to expose their goal. Excitement is not an Egyptian football trait.
2018 FIFA World Cup
Date and Time: June 14 through July 15, 2018
Location: Russia
World Cup Betting Online Odds at SBG: Egypt +12500 to win World Cup, Egypt +480 to win Group A
2018 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage: Check Listings
Egypt’s Action
Egypt will open action with the World Cup betting odds on June 15 against Uruguay. The match will be at Central Stadium in Yekaterinburg. On June 19 the Pharaohs will meet host country Russia. Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg will be the venue. Group A action concludes for Egypt on June 25. Saudi Arabia is the opponent at Volgograd Arena in Volgograd. With a FIFA ranking of 46th they know their place. But a strong run in the CAF World Cup qualifying gives them some hope. A single victory in this tournament would be a monumental achievement.
Easy Group for Egypt
Another positive for Egypt is being slotted in Group A. It is not powerful and comprised of sportsbook dark horses. But inconsistent play since June of 2017 is a buzz kill. The Pharaohs have failed to win their last five games. Four of those matches were losses to go with one draw. The big World Cup match will be against Saudi Arabia. It’s the most realistic shot for an Egyptian win. And they do have the confidence of having beaten the Saudis twice in a row. In fact, Saudi Arabia is a +415 money line dog in that matchup.
Mohamed Salah
However far Egypt goes will be based largely on Mohamed Salah. He is the star player of the team. Salah had five of the team’s eight goals in the third round of CAF qualifying. The Pharaohs won all four games in which Salah scored. What little offense Egypt is going to be able to generate will come from him. His last ditch penalty kick put them over the top to qualify. Salah stars for Liverpool as a pro. Overall Salah spark the team to a 4-1-1 record in CAF qualifying. It was good for the top spot in Group E.
Hector Cuper
Head coach Hector Cuper has built an air tight defense. Just once in their last 30 games has Egypt allowed more than one goal. Many complain about the boring defensive style. But it’s likely the coach understands its his only chance to advance. Goalkeeper Essam El -Hadary is 45 years of age. He should become the oldest player to ever compete in the World Cup.
Matchup to Watch
“Undertakers” will gravitate to Egypt with the World Cup betting odds. Their games should be low scoring. Not to mention a cure for insomnia. Cuper says the goal is a spot in the last 16. If it happens it will be on the foot of Salah.
2018 FIFA World Cup Betting Odds Picks
This is a team to consider betting under the total with.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: Egypt to fail to make the Final 16.
Check out a profile of Egyptian star Mohamed Salah!