World Cup Group B

Speaking exclusively on the oddschecker World Cup Betting Show, O’Haire agreed with host Ali Maxwell’s assertion that Group B will be low-scoring.

He said: “It is a low margin group which lends itself to underdog victories. I think Iran have the best coach in Carlos Queiroz. If you go back four years they were in a group with Spain and Portugal and Mehdi Taremi missed an opportunity in the last minute which would have seen them win the group (instead they go out). Compared to that, this group feels much more manageable.”

 

Joining O’Haire on the panel were Raj Chohan and Steven McInerney, who said: “I look at the group and there's lots of stories there. That's not a deep dive, just an emotional reaction to the group. I'm not sure I like it because emotion and then sense of story can drive teams so much further. England should win this but I don't expect it to be smooth - maybe a draw or surprise defeat somewhere.”

 

Chohan, meanwhile, echoed O’Haire’s feelings about Iran. “The Iranians could be underrated going into this. They beat Uruguay 1-0 in September and they've got a manager with pedigree having taken Egypt to the AFCON final. It will be a deep block but they do have Taremi up front getting a few goals.”

O’Haire added: “I don't want to oppose England at those prices but it's definitely an awkward group. However, I do like Iran at 13/4 to qualify as the value bet. 

“They play England and Wales in the afternoon heat so conditions will suit. Wales (joint second favourites to win the group with USA) have problems breaking down deep lying defences so unless Bale is going to score a blinder, which of course he's capable of, it could be a tough afternoon. 

“And then they play England on the final matchday, so if England haven't already sewn up qualified, that's not the kind of game you want.”