Srinagar, June 4 -- World Cup betting usually starts with the teams that are there. Brazil, France, England, Argentina, Germany, Spain. The usual names take over the market quickly. But some of the biggest betting clues come from the players who are missing. One absent forward can change a country's attacking markets. One missing creator can make a favourite less fluid. One superstar failing to qualify can remove an entire betting angle from the tournament. This World Cup will still be full of stars, but a few missing names matter.

Rodrygo missing the tournament is a real blow for Brazil. He is not just another wide player. He gives Brazil movement between the lines, quick feet in tight spaces, and the ability to score without needing th...