Colombia are heavy favourites, but the line overestimates their ability to cover a -1.5 handicap against a motivated, well-organised Uzbekistan on World Cup debut. The safer play is to back the Asian side with a goal-and-a-half start.

Uzbekistan make their World Cup debut against a Colombia side eager to return after four years away, but the +1.5 handicap line underestimates how compact and motivated the Central Asians will be.

Colombia have the brighter attacking toys, but this does not look like a piñata match. Uzbekistan’s debut should be compact, cautious and stubborn.

Welcome to the Azteca furnace! Colombia returns to the World Cup stage, but a stubborn Uzbek wall and brutal altitude promise to turn this fiery clash into a grueling tactical war.

Both sides are missing key creative cogs and view this as a must-win group opener, setting the stage for a cautious, tactical duel in Toronto.

The World Cup heat is on, but the fireworks are staying in the box! When Ghana clashes with Panama tonight, brutal absences and group-stage panic will turn this opener into a fierce defensive duel.

Group L begins with a match both sides badly need, which is exactly why it may not turn into a fireworks display. Caution is not glamorous, but it often pays rent.

Key injuries on both sides have levelled the playing field in Toronto. Without Kudus, Partey and Carrasquilla, a tight, low-scoring opener looks the most probable outcome.

Look past the tournament pedigree and deep into the engine room, because this Croatian midfield is running on fumes. The bookmakers are completely mesmerized by past miracles, but the reality is much harsher.

A World Cup opener between two tactical heavyweights, but the ingredients point toward a low-scoring affair rather than a goal festival.