Ones to Watch: Hammers Stars Seeking World Cup Stardom
Of course, this year, it’s a little different. World Cup 2018 officially kicks off in less than a month’s time and every man, woman and child, even those who are usually more interested in the traditional summer sports of cricket or tennis, will be glued to the footy.
Who Are You Supporting in WC 2018?
For most, the World Cup means getting behind England, or your country of birth if you hail from elsewhere. Others find the whole flag-waving patriotism a little too much and see the World Cup as a fun opportunity to adopt an outsider to cheer on. Either way, there’s plenty of opportunity to get behind either your permanent or your adopted team and even to put a little of your money where your mouth is. The best part is that it isn’t just sportsbetting pros that are at it now. Betting for beginners is now more accessible than ever, with online bookmakers catering for everyone. As a result, there will be more people wagering on this year’s world cup than ever.
However, If you’re one of the many football fans who’s really more into club than country, then it can still be hard to decide which team to put your tenner on. However, there’s really a very obvious answer to your dilemma – simply follow the Hammers. That just leaves the question of which one.
Mexico – Chicharito Hernández
“Little Pea” seems a shoe-in for the Mexico’s final 23, and will need to make an impact if his team is to make it to the quarter final stages and beyond for the first time in more than 30 years. Bookmakers are offering odds of 7/1 if you think they can reach the quarters, which is probably the best show in town. They are 100/1 to win the entire event.
Argentina – Manuel Lanzini
Lanzini has done well to be named in Argentina’s provisional 35-man squad, but he will have to impress in the one friendly against Haiti on 29 May to guarantee himself a place in the final 23. Argentina have an impressive World Cup record and are runaway favourites in Group D, where they are accompanied by Croatia, Nigeria and Iceland. It’s been more than 30 years since they held the trophy – could this be the year it happens again? Most bookmakers have them at around 10/1, with only Brazil, Germany, Spain and France ahead of them in the reckoning.
Switzerland – Edimilson Fernandes
Switzerland have yet to announce even a provisional squad. The team is the archetypal mystery wrapped up in an enigma, and nobody is entirely sure just how far they can go. If Fernandes gets the nod and makes the squad, this could be a compelling team to watch. On the face of it, they have enough talent to certainly make the quarter finals – and maybe even to go further. However, on the flip side, they have drawn some tough company in Group E. Brazil first up is the nightmare scenario and Serbia next is little better. If Switzerland can survive those opening games with anything better than two losses, they could be ones to watch for a surge from nowhere.
Portugal – Joao Mario
The midfielder has made a lot of friends in his brief time at Upton Park and we’d all love to see him make the final squad for his native Portugal and have the chance to cheer him on in Russia. He played in all seven games of Portugal’s successful Euro 16 campaign. Can they follow it up with World Cup glory? It seems improbable, and while they and Spain are all but certain to oust Morocco and Iran to make the knockout stages, bookies have Portugal at long odds of 25/1 to win emerge World Cup winners.
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