JOIN OUR WORLD CUP BRACKET

It's here at last!! We've waited four long years for this moment, and for those of us from the States, an even longer eight. Despite some of the murky aspects surrounding this year's tournament in Qatar, the footie fixes to be special. Who will take it home? South America or Europe? How deep can the US go? England are coming 2nd in the group?

GET YOUR WORLD CUP BRACKETS IN––LAST CHANCE: What do I win? The winner of the bracket will get an official jersey from the country of their choice.

How do I participate? Simply click here, make your selections and you're in.

Disclaimer: Only Straight Red subscribers will be eligible for the prize.

Ask: Let's make this the biggest pool we can. Send it to your friends, family members, dogs, horses, co-workers, and anyone who will listen to you. Go!!!!

Let's get straight into it.

Kickoff

Sunday 11 AM ETQatar (+220) vs Ecuador (+150)

As is tradition, Qatar will open the games tomorrow as the host country against Ecuador. Not the worst odds in the world for the home nation, a nation many think won't win a game. This match kicks everything off, but the real meat of the sandwich comes Monday...

Monday 2 PM ETUnited States (+155) vs. Wales (+210)

Boy has it been forever since we last saw our guys at the World Cup. The last time we saw the US there, Barack Obama was president and Ebola was the virus in question. Clint Dempsey lead the line for us back then, and that team is long in the past. In fact, defender DeAndre Yedlin is the only remaining player from the 2014 team.

There's no other way to say it––this game is massive. In fact, it's the most pivotal game the US will play in the group stage. Why? Because Wales are likely the direct competitor for the second spot alongside England in the knockout rounds from group A. Not to mention, winning the opening match gives a massive boost, both statistically and morally, to those who can accomplish the feat. LET'S GO!!!!

Monday 8 AM ETEngland (-275) vs Iran (+1000)

How far can Gareth's men go? Coming off a Euros final loss in penalties, with a semi-final at the 2018 World Cup two years prior, some might say pretty far. Though, easy paths at both tournaments helped pave the way. Can England go toe-to-toe with the big boys? I reckon the US might have something in store...

Where and when are the stars of world football playing?

Tuesday 5 AM ET - Argentina (-600) vs Saudi Arabia (+1500)Looks like nothing more than a tune up for Messi and co.

Thursday 11 AM ET - Portugal (-265) vs Ghana (+750)Fresh off a Piers Morgan special, Ronaldo looks to lead the line in Portugal's tournament opener against one of the stronger African sides. Wake up with a little Turkey Day footie.

Thursday 2 PM ET - Brazil (-230) vs Serbia (+600)This is more like mid-turkey footie, and though I expect Brazil to win, it's not a gimme. Serbia could be a surprise package, though it looks they'll be without star striker Aleksandar Mitrović.

Quiz Of The Week

Who was the Golden Boot winner of the 2018 World Cup?(Answer at the end of the letter)

Dan & Billy's Locks of the Week

Dan's Picks: I can't really hit a bet at the moment, so maybe I should take a page out of my colleague's book. I'm not that desperate... yet. I would be remiss if I didn't take my home country in what I think are actually some economical odds: Brazil (-230). Literally put all of your money on this. I also like Switzerland (-140) against Cameroon. I'm also going to back Neymar +1000 for the Golden Boot. Betters beware.

Billy's Picks: Alright ladies and gents... I am officially on a SCORCHER. Everything I click turns into money... can I carry it through the World Cup? Listen closely: I'm just going to ride the US against Wales (+155), I just love us here. Plus, a little plus money to get our beaks wet. Next, let's go Uruguay (-125) over South Korea. Now, South Korea aren't a bad outfit, but I think this Uruguay team might be set to explode in the group stage. Alright, this one is a little out there but if we're chasing value, it doesn't get any more tasty: Romelu Lukaku top goal scorer (+2500). If Belgium tee off in the group stage, he might rack it up. He also might not score a goal the whole tournament. Let's see!

Enjoy the World Cup everyone, it's a special, special occasion that brings the world together in such a phenomenal way. We'll continue to bring you everything you need to know throughout the tournament, in case you can't make some of these 5 AM games... And don't forget to join our bracket group! Bring it ON!!!

Quiz Answer: Harry Kane! Kane netted 6 goals at the 2018 World Cup, enough to take home top spot. 

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