Sunday’s World Cup tips: Group H will continue to thrill
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Odds and tips for group double header
Sunday marks the completion of the second round of group games, with Group H stealing the show.
England take on Panama in Group G, and there’s a full preview of that match here.
But there was always a feeling that Group H could be the star of the show in this year’s World Cup.
And the quartet of Japan, Senegal, Poland and Colombia are coming good on that premise.
The opening round of matches saw Japan defeat Colombia 2-1. It was the first time an Asian nation had beaten a South American side in World Cup history.
And that was followed by Senegal’s excellent 2-1 victory over Poland. It’s left the group somewhat upside down according to many pre-tournament predictions.
So it’s all to play for ahead of a potentially thrilling pair of matches today…
Japan v Senegal
Few people would have called Japan and Senegal sitting on three points apiece after one game.
But that’s how it is and both sides fully deserved their victories.
This should be a fascinating encounter. Japan hustled and bustled against Colombia, but Senegal’s pace and power blew Poland away.
The Coral traders fancy the African side for this one at 27/20. There’s 23/10 about a Japan win and 2/1 for the draw.
It could be an open game. The winner is almost guaranteed to go through but both sides will still be in the mix to progress come what may this afternoon.
Senegal duo Sadio Mane and Diafra Sakho share 9/2 favouritism in the first goalscorer market.
Yuya Osako is 6/1 favourite for the Japanese, ahead of Keisuke Honda at 13/2 and Shinji Okazaki at 7/1.
There’s 21/10 about both teams to score, while 29/20 says there are over 2.5 goals in Yekaterinburg. Senegal to win and over 2.5 goals is 7/2.
Poland v Colombia
Poland and Colombia were regarded as favourites to progress from Group H in the pre-tournament build-up. But it’s all change now.
The Poles looked lacklustre against Senegal, while Colombia’s hopes were hindered by the third-minute dismissal of Carlos Sanchez.
Another riveting contrast awaits. Can Robert Lewandowski turn it on for Poland? Or will Radamel Falcao, Juan Cuadrado, Carlos Bacca and James Rodriguez prove too strong?
The loser is almost certainly out of the competition.
Colombia edge this one in our traders’ eyes at 5/4. There’s 23/10 for a Poland win and 11/5 for a draw which would keep both teams in the tournament.
Expect this one to be cagey, however. One defensive error could mean game over. There’s 19/20 for a first-half draw and 29/20 for under 0.5 first-half goals.
Lewandowski and Falcao are each 7/2 in the first goalscorer betting. Rodriguez bagged six goals in 2014 and is 11/5 to net anytime.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
