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Having competed in just four races so far in her career, Alobayyah has yet to fully realise her potential, which she undoubtedly possesses. Her trainer, William Haggas, has a strong record in recent weeks, and the stable has a good chance of securing victory here. The successful jockey Tom Marquand will be in the saddle.

Having finished third in this race a year ago, Cheshire Dancer has every chance of repeating that feat today or even challenging for a higher placing. It appears that her trainer, Hugo Palmer, has been preparing her specifically for this race. Billy Loughnane, with whom she won a Group 3 race here at Ascot last season, will be in the saddle today

Portugal are the favourites for this match. With players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes in their squad, this team are aiming to win not only this match but also the World Cup

Portugal are the favourites not only in this match but in the tournament as a whole. However, given the results of recent matches at this World Cup, it might be worth taking a chance on under 3 goals in this game

Despite having run just one race in her career, Controlla managed to make a very favourable impression. After a poor start, she then kept up with the very fast pace of the Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies Sprint Stakes (Group 3) and finished second, a neck behind Victorious. Repeating that pace today will work in her favour, and in that case she becomes a clear contender for victory

Kilfrush Desert represents Kevin Ryan’s stable. In both races she has contested, she has finished in the top three. Today, given the rather weak field, she simply needs to run the distance to the best of her ability and at the pace she has shown previously. That should be enough to secure victory.

Over the past ten years, these two teams have faced each other on several occasions in various tournaments, with mixed results. Judging by the impression Croatia made in their recent friendlies, they have been in no hurry to hit top form. The same can be said of the England team. As two of the favourites for this World Cup, neither side will be taking any risks in their opening match. Neither team can afford a defeat here, and a draw may well suit both sides

Both England and Croatia have excellent players in their squads. What’s more, both teams are adept at making the most of set-pieces. All of this suggests that both teams will concede goals this evening

Colombia and Uzbekistan will be playing to win. Two different styles will clash here, and in this encounter, defence may get the better of attack. A bet on the total being under could pay off

In the Uzbekistan v Colombia match, many see Colombia as the clear favourites. However, after watching a couple of matches in which the Uzbekistan team has played, one might change that view. Yes, the fact that the match will be played on the American continent gives Colombia the advantage. But in purely footballing terms, Uzbekistan are strong enough and, given the right circumstances, this team could give Colombia a run for their money.

Having put in a spectacular performance at the last World Cup and the recent Africa Cup of Nations, the Moroccan national team could well repeat that feat here on North American soil. The odds of 6.00 are very tempting, and I’m going to take a chance on this bet

Betting on the group winner always carries a degree of risk. Each of the four teams in this group stage is set to play three matches, and a lot can change. The fact that the tournament is being held on the American continent gives teams from that continent a slight advantage. In this situation, Uruguay and Spain have a good chance of finishing top of the group, but with these odds, I’ll be backing Uruguay.