Group H discussion....

Question

Can anyone make a case for anyone but Belgium winning group H? -145 seems awfully low for Belgium to win the group.

I'm sure there will be an argument for Russia. Let's hear it....

sharpstick · Answer

Can anyone make a case for anyone but Belgium winning group H? -145 seems awfully low for Belgium to win the group.

I'm sure there will be an argument for Russia. Let's hear it....

mullinsky · Answer

Not so much an argument but Russia tends to come out of the blocks hot and progressively get worse. They missed out on qualifying from their group in Euro 2012 by a hair. They scored a bunch of goals in the first game and then down hill from there.

The one thing that Russia has going for them is that most of their WC team has played together a lot as many of their players play in Russia together and that gives them great team chemistry straight away usually. I recall some stat about most of their starting lineup playing for 2 teams in Russia in Euro 2012. I am unsure if they have a difference maker as well.

Also, if Russia plays so well out of the blocks but tends to die down in game 2 and 3 of group stage is that because they simply had a lucky game 1 or is that because the teams play them smarter after the first team gets beat up? I think it is the latter and since Russia does not have any really special players they could get caught again.

South Korea tends to play quite well and overachieves in WC from my recent memory. They could pull off a win over Algeria and two draws.

I would have to side with Belgium to win this group, the only thing worrying me is their last three games were not great. They have a lot of talent though and that is a cheap price.

nc1capper · Answer

Seems low based on other group prices - Russia is a non factor in my opinion - Germany @ Portugal to advance at -155 is the best on the board

sharpstick · Answer

South Korea is generally a tough out in the World Cup.  I agree.

composite · Answer

South Korea looks very inconsistent right now -- looking horrible in recent friendlies. They lost to Tunisia yesterday for instance.

Russia beat Portugal in their WCQ group. I just wonder how they'll do in high humidity though.

mullinsky · Answer

I have to agree with the weather and humidity.  I think it will play a large role in the WC this year and probably contributes to the stat about a Euro team never having won in a South American WC.  I can understand Spain and Portugal dealing with the heat but the humidity will be another issue.

Group H discussion....

Hot Forum Topics