England vs Panama
It’s England vs Panama, and the SBOBET odds are most emphatic.
The Three Lions are expected to win by many in the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
Clashes like this should be one-way and, with the utmost respect for Panama, usually only travel in one direction.
Deep down, even some of their followers will admit it would be an achievement to avoid heavy defeats and thrashings at the FIFA 2018 – something they just about managed in their opening game (a 3-0 reverse to Belgium).
Talking Points
It’s possible we’ve already had a glimpse of the side Gareth Southgate expects to field in this one.
The sight of assistant manager Steve Holland’s notepad has caused a minor stir in recent days and may have hit a nerve given Southgate’s subsequent comments about the media.
The England boss certainly had a point, mind, in an era in which the British media have been more of a hindrance than a help to England national teams in recent campaigns.
That aside, and the likely absence of Dele Alli due to a thigh injury sustained against Tunisia, the other main focus will be on what England can expect against the underdogs.
For an hour against Belgium, until they were tired, Panama proved they are not only well-organised but can frustrate superior nations and play a physical game.
Personally, I watched the game and didn’t see dirty fouls, even if the five yellow cards they totted up in an hour were the most by a country since the World Cup Final of 2010 when Holland were criticised for the way they went about trying to stop eventual world champions Spain.
However, for all the qualifying achievements of manager Hernan Dario Gomez – this is his fifth World Cup with a third different nation after Colombia (1998) and Ecuador (2002) – and players led by likable captain Roman Torres; for all the experience in their ranks – the 24 players picked for pre-tournament spring friendlies had an average 59 caps each – it is inexperience at this level of the game.
Panama are World Cup debutants and, respectfully, have a lack of top-class quality, pace and mobility. We’re not even mentioning the ageing defence and their limited attacking threat. Their limitations are understandable and for many, the Central American nation, whose population only stands at around four million people, is just delighted to be at Russia 2018.
Gomez eloquently summed up their presence when he said: “When you get there you can grow but you can shrink too. A World Cup is the greatest party. You see the most beautiful woman and you can dance with her. Your legs tremble.”
On paper, if not the FIFA rankings, Panama are probably the weakest team in the World Cup. An early England goal could open the floodgates and make them weak at the knees.
While England’s attacking pace alone should see them off, Southgate’s side will have to be wary of the searing heat, given the match kicks-off at 3 pm Russian time.
A second Group G win would set up a clash with Belgium to potentially determine who wins the group and, on paper at least, get a more straightforward last 16 tie.
England should win, and Panama should lose by a few. Anything else and there will be more than trembles in both countries! Even Gomez would acknowledge that.
History
History will be created. This is the first-ever meeting between the two nations ranked 12th and 55th in the world.
What are the odds?
Given that last statistic, it should be no surprise the FIFA 2018 betting odds for this game are as one-sided as they come.
England 1X2 are priced @ 1.24 with Panama out at 15.00. even the draw is generous towards the Panamanians @ 5.20.
Asian Handicap betting is good value with England -2.00 @ 2.44, likewise over 2.75 goals @ 2.29 seems a cert, or how about what some would deem a safe bet at total goals 4-6 @ 3.55?
For a repeat of Belgium’s victory over Panama, you can get odds on the match finishing 3-0 of 6.60.
A three-goal winning margin for Gareth Southgate’s side comes in at 4.80.
Looking at the bigger picture, after his double against Tunisia, Harry Kane will be hopeful of adding more to his tally in this one.
As it stands, you can get odds of 8.00 of him being the top goalscorer overall and claiming the Golden Boot in the tournament.
For all the latest FIFA 2018 updates, you know where to go.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE WORLD CUP 2018 STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
