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World Cup warm up: Can returning Salah bring Russia back down to earth?

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World Cup warm up: Can returning Salah bring Russia back down to earth? There were fears Russia would implode at their own World Cup. The hosts lost a number of key players in the months leading up to this summer’s tournament and were forced to coax 38-year-old Sergey Ignashevich out of international retirement. However, Russia are in dreamland at the moment after...

Scout Report: Ismalia Sarr’s pace key with Mane deployed centrally for Senegal

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Scout Report: Ismalia Sarr’s pace key with Mane deployed centrally for Senegal Sadio Mane is the undeniable star of Senegal’s squad for the 2018 World Cup. The Lions of Teranga have quality in Idrissa Gueye, Kalidou Koulibaly but their hopes are pinned on the performances of Mane in attack. Aliou Cisse, who captained Senegal at their only other participation at a World C...

The Best Bet: Senegal to leave it late against Poland

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 The Best Bet: Senegal to leave it late against Poland Senegal and Poland will conclude the first round of group matches at the 2018 World Cup in Tuesday’s late afternoon kick off and both sides will have aspirations of reaching the knockout stages this summer. Mexico stunned reigning champions Germany in an early contender for shock of the summer...

World Cup warm up: Poland and Senegal look to emerge as dark horses

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World Cup warm up: Poland and Senegal look to emerge as dark horses Four years ago in Brazil, Costa Rica pulled off a shock and beat Uruguay, Italy and England to top spot in Group D. Rewind to the 2010 World Cup and USA won their group. Mexico have already put down a claim to be this summer’s dark horse after stunning reigning champions Germany at the weekend...

Scout Report: Tottenham target aiming to make an impact against Japan

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Scout Report: Tottenham target aiming to make an impact against Japan Tottenham fans will be keeping a watchful eye on Wilmar Barrios in Colombia’s upcoming meeting with Japan. The north London side have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old, who comes into Russia 2018 on the back of a fine showing in Boca Juniors’ 2017/18 Superliga success.Boca are ...

The Best Bet: Colombia to put Japan to the sword

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The Best Bet: Colombia to put Japan to the sword Japan’s lack of defensive solidity is cause for concern. They haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last eight matches and as they gear up for the World Cup, the Samurai Blue are expected to struggle.While the draw was somewhat favourable – Group H is one of the most difficult to pre...

World Cup Warm-up: Colombia vs Japan - South American's looking to lay early marker

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World Cup Warm-up: Colombia vs Japan - South American's looking to lay early marker Four years ago, Colombia stole the hearts of neutrals as they excelled in Brazil. However, their route to Russia was far choppier. A four-match winless run almost saw them throw away their automatic qualification spot as they finished just one point above Peru.Having successfully secured their spot ...

World Cup Scout: Panama general Godoy out to impress against esteemed opposition

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World Cup Scout: Panama general Godoy out to impress against esteemed opposition All eyes will be on the plethora of talent at Roberto Martinez’s disposal for Belgium in Monday’s evening kick-off against Panama, and the underdogs will need to be at their very best to pull off any sort of an upset.With a front three of Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens and Romelu Lukaku, cut...

Best Bet: Lukaku to run riot when Belgium face Panama

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Best Bet: Lukaku to run riot when Belgium face Panama With the odds stacked so heavily in Belgium’s favour as they prepare for their Group G opener with World Cup newcomers Panama, there’s very little value whatsoever in looking at the outcome markets for Monday’s match.With an industry best price of 1.22 on Roberto Martinez’s s...

World Cup warm up: Can ultimate underdog Panama exploit Belgium's weaknesses?

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World Cup warm up: Can ultimate underdog Panama exploit Belgium's weaknesses? There have been a number of so-called mismatches in quality at the World Cup so far but Belgium’s meeting with debutants Panama is undoubtedly the greatest on paper. Roberto Martinez’s side entered the tournament among the outside shots to lift the trophy and will have been enthused by t...