In the first edition of our daily betting podcast, host Carl Lewis is joined by coach and analyst Grant de Smidt and punter David Kappel to preview the tournament opener between hosts .
The podcast includes a tactical preview, betting tips and predictions.
Under their coach of five years Félix Sánchez, the Qataris have opted for continuity and prepared for their World Cup debut by playing numerous friendlies this year, with their current six-match unbeaten run (W5, D1 – includes unofficial friendlies) starting with a creditable 2-2 draw against Chile. They’ve also proved themselves in tournament football by finishing third in last year’s Arab Cup as hosts while winning the last edition of the Asian Cup in 2019.
That experience, as well as Copa Ámerica and Gold Cup appearances, should help them against an Ecuador side making their fourth appearance at a World Cup finals and who finished fourth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification standings (W7, D5, L6). They’ve been steady in their subsequent games too (W2, D4). Still, with all four of those draws ending goalless, Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro will need to find the key to unlocking their attacking potential if they’re to become the first side to beat the host nation in a World Cup opener.
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