DEAD CERTS

Germany to reach the semi-final –

Germany have made it to the semi-finals in seven of their last eight tournament appearances. This looks nailed-on.

England to go out in the last 16 –

England should better their performance from 2014 and at least make it out of the group.

But they have a lousy record in the latter stages, winning just two of their nine knock-out games since 1996, as if you needed reminding.

Colombia to reach the quarter final –

Colombia topped their group in 2014 and are the strongest team in Group H this time around.

Sealing first place would mean a probable last-16 tie against England, whose aforementioned knock-out record means they’ll fancy their chances of progressing.

VALUE BETS

Portugal to go out in the group stage –

Starting their campaign against Spain means Portugal will likely need a result from their second game against Morocco.

Given that the African side are going into the tournament unbeaten in 16, the European champions could be in for a shock.

Every team to score at least one goal –

Each of the 32 teams managed to bag at least one goal four years ago in Brazil and this is a tempting price for it to happen again.

Saudi Arabia to beat Russia in the opening game –

For all the benefits of home advantage, Russia haven’t won in six in the lead up to the tournament.

Saudi Arabia have beaten Algeria and Greece in the last month, so look in much better shape for the tournament opener.

Panama to be the lowest-scoring side –

Panama made it to the World Cup despite scoring just nine goals in qualifying – four fewer than Honduras and eight fewer than USA, both of whom missed out.

They have scored just three in their last six warm-up friendlies and will struggle to make an impression on Group G.

LONG SHOTS

Over 0.5 goals in every group game –

There were only five goalless draws out of 48 matches in the respective group stages of the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

At a similar price as England to lift the trophy, your money would probably be better off going here.

Brazil, France and Germany to win every group game –

Brazil have lost just one of their last 20 matches and have been dealt a kind group containing Costa Rica, Switzerland and Serbia.

France face Peru, a Denmark side they have beaten twice since the last World Cup and Australia, who limped through qualifying play-offs against Syria and Honduras.

Germany, meanwhile, were the only team to qualify for the tournament with a 100 per cent record and will be heavily fancied against Mexico, Sweden and South Korea.

Click here to visit Betway's football betting page.