Colombia was a popular dark horse pick to make some noise at the World Cup before the competition got underway. Los Cafeteros boast three world class players and were in a manageable group, so it wasn’t hard to see the potential there. After a rough start, they are looking like the most dangerous team in Group H. However, they must beat Senegal in their final match in order to ensure that they move on to the knockout rounds. A draw would take things out of their hands, while a loss would eliminate them entirely.
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 Samara Arena in Samara at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, June 28, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Senegal +344
Colombia -113
Draw +255
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Recent Form
Senegal got off to a great start in their first World Cup appearance since they became the first African team to make the Quarterfinals in 2002. The Lions of Teranga squeezed out a 2-1 win over Poland in their first match. They were able to pressure Poland’s back line and force them into costly mistakes during the victory.
They looked even sharper on offense in their 2-2 draw against Japan on Sunday. Senegal had the lion’s share of both shots and shots on goal, and they pulled ahead twice. Sadio Mane opened the scoring in the 11th minute by immediately cleaning up a rebound, while Moussa Wague hammered home a loose ball in the 71st minute. However, Japan battled back each time and Senegal had to settle for a draw.
Colombia could not have had a worse start to their World Cup. Carlos Sanchez Moreno saw a red card for sticking out his arm to deflect a Shinji Kagawa shot on goal in the third minute, forcing Colombia to play down a man for the rest of the match. They fought valiantly and even drew level for a short period of time after a Juan Quintero goal, but Colombia was dealt a 2-1 loss.
The team entered Saturday in a must-win situation against Poland, and they delivered on their potential. Yerry Mina scored right before the halftime break to put Colombia up 1-0, and then Radamel Falcao and Juan Cuadrado put the game away with goals in the 70th and 75th minute.
Player to Watch
Senegal is going to lean heavily on Sadio Mane in this match. Mane is an extremely talented player who is taking on a different role than he does with his club to help Senegal advance. He has become the team’s distributor and playmaker, setting up his teammates with good looks rather than being on the receiving end of things for the most part. That has freed up space for his teammates to operate.
Matchup to Watch
If Colombia plays like it did against Poland on Sunday, then Senegal doesn’t stand much of a chance. Colombia has more talent than anyone else in the group with players like Cuadrado, Falcao, and James Rodriguez on the roster. Rodriguez’ presence was missed in Colombia’s first match, but he more then made up for it with two great assists versus Poland.
They should find some holes against a Senegal team that has had some defensive woes. Senegal was somewhat porous at the back against Japan, and goalkeeper Khadim N’Diaye did not have a great outing. He arguably could have stopped both goals, and he has made some questionable decisions about whether or not he should come off his line.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Colombia is the pick here. They have an abundance of playmakers on the squad, and they will be able to wear down Senegal’s defense.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Colombia 2, Senegal 1
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