Try telling the majority of players and fans that football games over the next fortnight don’t matter.
That the prequel to Russia 2018 is of little importance.
For the World champions, the European champions, and the winners of the other confederation championships, not to mention the hosts, this is a very useful exercise.
The World Cup might be a year away, but this is an ideal platform for nations to enjoy a ‘dummy run’ ahead of next summer.
Sports betting fans will favour Germany and Portugal but the betting odds offer an array of options.
Chile vs Cameroon (June 19, 02:00 GMT+8)
In Group A, Cameroon host Chile and the two fortunes are contrasting.
It is inevitable ongoing problems within the Cameroon Football Federation will have an impact on players on the pitch, while Chile have the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal in their ranks ready to take advantage.
Their Copa America success shows the undoubted talent at their disposal and my 🌟🌟🌟 tip is for an Asian Handicap -1.00 Chile @ 2.23.
Germany vs Australia (June 19, 23:00 GMT+8)
In the same group, the Socceroos meet the world champs Germany.
The Aussies booked their place after winning the Asia Cup in 2015, but the gulf in class was demonstrated recently when Ange Postecoglou’s side were hammered 4-0 by Brazil.
The world’s strongest should be far too strong too.
Again, I’m plumping for a 🌟🌟🌟 bet: First Half Asian Handicap -0.75 Germany @ 2.38.
Russia vs New Zealand (June 17, 23:00 GMT+8)
The hosts kick-off Group B and indeed the tournament with a point to prove on and off the pitch.
A racism stigma continues to hang over the home nation, but they have a new generation of young players and, on home soil, should have too much for New Zealand.
My 🌟🌟 tip – Asian Handicap -1.75 Russia @ 2.38 – suggests they will want to show the watching world they can be strong.
Portugal vs Mexico (June 18, 23:00 GMT+8)
How about the best player on the planet to finish off my picks?
Cristiano Ronaldo will be in Russia to skipper the European champions Portugal as they face a Mexico side which has been struck by injuries.
There’s no doubt the South Americans are dark horses in this one, but my 🌟 prediction says they will hold on for a 1X2 draw @ 3.00.
Happy betting folks – it’ll be even tastier this time next year!
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🌟 = £5
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
