World Cup Group A

O’Haire was part of a stellar panel for the oddschecker World Cup Betting Show alongside Raj Chohan and Steven McInerney, who kicked off the Group A debate by saying:

“This feels like Netherlands' group to lose but I'm looking forward to seeing what Qatar can do. Usually the host nation springs a surprise or two but I don't think Qatar have that quality.”

 

Chohan was a bigger supporter of the Netherlands, adding: “Louis van Gaal has overseen a big transformation since the failed Euros campaign, but if you look at his record he has 11 wins, four draws and zero losses so he's heading into the tournament in great form. 

“System wise, he's using a three at the back in a 3-4-1-2 but what I like about it is the three at the back are all good ball players in Ake, Van Dijk and Timber. In midfield, meanwhile, everything runs through Frenkie de Jong, he's the conductor of all their attacks - his carrying of the ball is a big feature of Holland's game.”

 

However, Mark O’Haire didn’t quite share the panel’s faith in the Dutch. He said: “I don't think the Dutch are bombproof at 4/9, I don't like the goalkeeping situation and Memphis (pictured) doesn't start the tournament (injured), which kind of evens itself out with Mane missing too. 

“The host nation has never lost an opening game, while Brazil's coach has talked about Ecuador as being the surprise package so the first game is tough to call. I just think the odds have moved too far in Ecuador’s favour off the Mane news so there might be mileage in getting Senegal onside to qualify.

“Everyone looks to Mane but there is quality elsewhere. Defensively they are rock solid (conceded 51 in 77 games under manager Aliou Cisse) and I just think the draw does them favours. You kind of want to face the Dutch first because of the short turnaround from domestic matters - you expect them to get better as the tournament progresses.”