Saudi Arabia left no doubt about their bet the World Cup ability on opening day. Their 5-0 annihilation at the hands of Russia reminded all that the Saudis are clearly outclassed. They haven’t a chance as a massive underdog. Uruguay on the other hand earned a workman like win in their first game. But a 1-0 win over Egypt is hardly impressive. That was supposed to happen. At the very least. Uruguay will get most of the public betting love against Saudi Arabia. But that’s mostly a reflection on Saudi Arabia. Nobody wants anything to do with them.
2018 FIFA World Cup Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia
Date and Time: Wednesday, June 20, 2018, 11 a.m. ET
Location: Rostov Arena, Rostov on Don
World Cup Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | +2½ (-169) | 3 (+102) |  |
| Uruguay | -2½ (+154) | 3 (-117) | |
| |||
2018 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage: FOX
Uruguay’s Good Start
Jose Gimenez scored the only goal for Uruguay in their win over Egypt. His header in the 89th minute secured victory. Fernando Muslera got the clean sheet. He made three saves in the Bet the World Cup win. Uruguay also lucked out. Egypt’s key striker Mohamed Salah was not on the pitch. Without Salah the Uruguay goal was rarely threatened.
Juan Antoni Pizzi
Juan Antoni Pizzi took over as Saudi Arabia coach last November. He only coached friendlies until the Russia disaster. The Green Falcons qualified under coach Bert van Marwijk. They qualified by simply sitting back against good teams. While a good cure for insomnia it was hardly inspiring. Yet effective it undeniably was. And also, the only possible strategy for success. Pizzi has allowed the players more freedom on the attack. The 5-0 loss to Russia validated his predecessor.
Big Names in Uruguay
Unlike Saudi Arabia, Uruguay is capable of a complete game. And a much more exciting style of play. Luis Suarez is a thrill to watch. He is slick on the dribble. And a stone cold killer on the finish. Edinson Cavani adds the element of swagger to the team. The midfield is young but inexperienced. Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Nahitan Nandez bring superior ability there. And have forced more dynamic tactics. However this can allow for openings. Diego Godin is a key sportsbook online asset. Godin is arguably the best defender in the world.
Coach Oscar Tabarez
Coach Oscar Tabarez is the grand old man of Uruguay football. At age 71 he is in his 12th year and second stint. Tabarez builds his teams from the back out. He makes it nearly impossible for opponents to score. From there he likes to turn Suarez and Cavani loose. Tabarez is not afraid to unleash their World Class talents. Central defense has long been a strength of his teams. Ideally he wants to hit opponents hard on transitional breaks. He has also overseen a transfusion on the roster. It is now more capable and creative.
Luckiest of Draws
With these changes comes the element of the unknown for Uruguay. And the World Cup is not a great place for training experiments. A weak Group A may prove to be the luckiest of draws.
Matchup to Watch
This is a Bet the World Cup mismatch. Saudi Arabia has nowhere near the ability, depth, or skill of Uruguay.
World Cup Betting Odds Picks
Uruguay in going away fashion.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: Uruguay
World Cup Betting Online Score Prediction: Uruguay 2, Saudi Arabia 0