Group H is the most wide-open group of them all, and both Senegal and Poland are looking to capitalize on being placed in a group without a clear favorite. This is just Senegal’s second trip to the World Cup, and they are looking to recreate their magical run in 2002. Then, the Lions of Teranga made it all the way to the Quarterfinals before bowing out. Meanwhile, Poland is looking to make it to the knockout rounds for the first time in 32 years. The country is experiencing a soccer renaissance and they are looking to capitalize.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Otkritie Arena in Moscow at 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday, June 19, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Poland +140
Senegal +222
Draw +240
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Recent Form
Poland performed very well in qualifying, finishing with an 8-1-1 record and netting 28 goals in their 10 games. That led to them grabbing the automatic spot in their group, over Denmark, and they have been looking to build off of that since that time.
In friendlies this year, Poland has given mixed results. The Poles lost 1-0 to Nigeria in March, but they were able to defeat South Korea 3-2 a few days later. This month, Poland has tied Chile 2-2 and they easily dispatched of Lithuania 4-0 earlier this week.
Senegal were placed in a relatively weak group and made the most of their chances. They bested South Africa, Cape Verde, and Burkina Faso to make it to Russia. Unfortunately, their results have not been too promising until recently.
In March, Senegal drew with Uzbekistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Both teams missed out on the World Cup, so those ties were a little disappointing. Over the last couple weeks, they drew 0-0 against minnows Luxembourg, managing just four shots on target, and they suffered a 2-1 loss to Croatia. Senegal was able to pick up a 2-0 win over South Korea though, giving its team something to hang their hat on.
Player to Watch
Sadio Mane is the star for Senegal. Mane is coming off of a breakout year with Liverpool, and he will look to add to his legacy with a great performance at the World Cup. He notched 22 goals in all competitions for the Reds over the course of the season, and he has seemingly improved over the last few months.
Mane is looking for redemption too. Last year, Senegal made it to the Quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations, but they were bounced after Mane missed his penalty kick in the shootout. He has incredible pace, and he will test Poland’s back line.
Matchup to Watch
Poland have a super striker of their own in Robert Lewandowski. Lewandowski set a record during qualifying, notching 16 goals over the course of 10 matches to steer Poland through to the World Cup. However, he isn’t alone up top.
He will be joined by Jakub Blaszczykowski on the attack. The duo have great synergy together, with Blaszczykowski setting up Lewandowski for many of his goals.
Senegal have a pretty good defense, but there will be holes as they do like to spread it out and they didn’t bring many midfielders to Russia. That could lead to a very back and forth game where both sides trade chances.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
I like the over in this one. Both managers are going to play styles conducive to wide open attacks, and that will lead to some good chances. Poland have the more balanced attack, and they are more likely to get the win, but each side will create the offense needed to push it over.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Poland 2, Senegal 1
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