FIFA World Cup 2018 Preview - Group G

Group G presents two major powers on the European platform who feel their time to win is now, along with two minnow nations who will have to play near perfect football in order to see their way through to the Round of 16.

Belgium and England highlight the Group as favorites to proceed to the next stage, with rosters full of youthful talent who participate on the largest stages in club competition. Both of these countries believe they are finally ready to make a legitimate run towards lifting a FIFA World Cup Trophy.

Tunisia and Panama would seem happy just to be part of the 32 team field. With less than spectacular expectations as they head to Russia, the likelihood of either side advancing would have to be considered the longest of shots.

Before World Cup action begins, I'll break down each of the Groups looking for value, betting angles and offering predictions for advancement. Group G features Belgium and England as clear favorites to progress to the Round of 16, along with two ultimate long shots with the steepest hills to climb in the tournament.

Group G - Preview

Panama

'Los Canaleros' are the last of the Concacaf representatives in the field. After a late second half goal against Costa Rica in the final Hex match in Qualifiers, Panama did just enough to automatically place their spots in the World Cup draw.

The Canal Men will have experience on the sidelines in their favor, with Hernán Darío Gómez set to lead his fourth different nation to this illustrious tournament.

Hernán Darío Gómez was placed in charge of the Panama national team in 2014. The Panama head-man swiftly went to work implementing his style of play, using a more defensive mind frame that favors a disciplined side who looks to absorb pressure, then catch teams on the break were they can be efficient. 

'La Marea Roja' is anchored by Seattle Sounders defender Román Torres. The cagey veteran was responsible for the crucial goal that solidified their spot in Russia.

Torres is known for his rugged style of play, and, against many of the best offensive players on the planet, he will have to be especially crafty in order to keep pace with such top-class talent.

Gabriel Torres, Blas Pérez and Josiel Núnez will most likely battle it out to lead the line for the Red Tide. Often switching from a 4-4-2 to a 4-2-3-1 formation throughout qualifiers, we could see two strikers on the pitch at once, based on the situation and opponent. 

Gabriel Gómez will be the main distributor in the Panama attack and the creative Midfielder is set to carry a heavy load for the squad. His presence in the starting eleven is irreplaceable for the overall success of the North American side.

Panama will certainly step up in class during their time in Russia, having to play both Belgium and England it will be quickly apparent they are not used to playing such formidable opposition. 

The Canal Men have a uphill battle beginning with their first match on European soil. The strategy has to be a defensive philosophy, looking to draw with either of the group favorites, while maximizing points against Tunisia, which is easier said than done.

Odds To Advance Out Of (Round G)  +3800 / 39 / 38/1

Tunisia 

The 'Eagles of Carthage' make their return to this prestigious tournament after a twelve year absence. The African side were able to grind out a 0-0 Draw against Libya on the final day of qualifiers, to place their names in a hat for a shot at the ultimate footballing prize.

Nabil Maâloul was placed in charge of guiding his home nation to Russia in April of 2017, after Henryk Kasperczak was sacked due to a poor run of form and a early exit from the African Cup of Nations.

Maâloul instituted a more attacking plan of action upon his arrival, preferring a 4-2-3-1 - 4-3-3 formation to maximize his skilled players opportunities to succeed. Many could be in for a surprise with the fluent motion offered up by this nation.

Many of the key members on the squad hone their skills within the Tunisia Premier League, opting to stay home rather than go abroad to sharpen their overall tools. They hope this strategy will serve them well during their time in Russia.

Youssef Msakni, Wahbi Khazri and Naïm Sliti are three of the more creative and dangerous contributors in the Carthage Eagles attack. Although Youssef Msakni recently picked up an injury and still has yet to be cleared, the Tunisians are confident their star-man will be fit by the start of the festivities. 

Tunisia are convinced they have what it takes to pull an upset while in Russia. Having gone through the grueling African qualifying format, this small nation feels battle tested and ready to handle the onslaught of pressure that is sure to come from the two favorites in Group G.

Odds To Advance Out Of (Round G)  +1700 / 18 / 17/1

England

The 'Three Lions' will arrive in Russia with more optimism than ever. Due to a roster full of quality and class this England side feel they can play with any team in the world.

Gareth Southgate inherited an aging squad after the "Big" Sam Allardyce debacle.  Southgate went straight to work making controversial moves to remove many of the old-guard in favor of a more youthful and explosive players he was familiar with in preparation for the World Cup.

The England squad will be lead by 2017 top goal scorer Harry Kane. The Spurs target man is set to step out on the Worlds stage and truly shine as an international superstar.

Kane has been the most productive goal scoring threat during the Three Lions qualifying campaign, bagging 6 Goals during his time with the national teams crest on his chest. Expectations will be at an all time high for the Tottenham man.

Jamie Vardy and Marcus Rashford would be the most likely of candidates to rotate a partnership with Kane atop England's 3-1-4-2 formation. The Premier League strikers have elevated their play over the last few years, earning them spots on the national team and an opportunity to help lead their country to their first World Cup title since 1966.

The English Midfield should also be point of strength for this side. With the likes of Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard and Raheem Sterling offering creativity and pace, Southgate will have viable options to man those crucial positions while on Russian soil.

England have made strides over the past few years. Even though there has been backlash from their supporters, you have to applaud this team on moving away from the veteran laden sides of the past and giving their youth an opportunity to get valuable experience with the hope they can play together for many years to come . . . and eventually break through with some elusive silverware.

Odds To Advance Out Of (Round G)  +125 / 2.25 / 1.25/1

Belgium

The  'Red Devils' are still experiencing what has been called a "Golden Age" of football in the country. With so many world class players littered through out the squad, this side has become the ultimate dark horse to lift a World Cup trophy in Russia.

Roberto Martínez was gifted this ultra-talented side with hopes of taking them to the next level. The former Everton manager feels confident his methods of play fit this squad perfectly. The Spaniard has extreme optimism he can build off their past performances in the World Cup and finally get them to live up to their over-whelming expectations.

The Red Devils squad is highlighted by a who's who of the European stage, with Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne the main architect in Martínez's designs. 

De Bruyne has taken his game to yet another level under Pep Guardiola while with the Citizens. His overall growth during the past few seasons will serve him well, as his unique vision and precise passing skills will give opposing defenses nightmares each time he steps onto the pitch.

The Belgium front-line players are a clear strength for the team, aligned within a 3-4-3 formation that consists of Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens, who have emerged as some of the more feared danger men in the top flight leagues. De Bruyne should have a field day at picking out any of trio in the attacking half and allowing their natural goal scoring abilities to do the rest.

Martinez also has pure class on the back-end anchored by Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany and a Goal Keeper who many consider to be the best in the world in Thibaut Courtois. The Belgium back-line is an experienced and formidable wall for any team to try and break down.

Belgium enter this Group as the favorites to advance and anyone would have to believe that should not be an issue. With a loaded squad from top to bottom, England looks to be their only challenge to top the group. Otherwise, keep this side in mind when you are looking for a sharp investment to make a long run in the tournament.

Odds To Advance Out Of (Round G)  -125 / 1.8 / 0.8/1

Group G - Prediction

Belgium and England get reasonable prices to top the Group, while each certainly look prime to advance out of the Round of 16.

Also backing either side to win it all will be popular betting option this summer and neither can be discouraged with the overall talent possessed within each squad.

The Underdogs in this Group do not seem to carry as much value to progress as options in other Groups. These clear long shots would seem to have more of an uphill battle to climb than most, but there are always upsets and shocks to the system, proving nothing is for sure in a tournament format.

Best Of Luck To All