A berth in the knockout round is on the line. Senegal and Colombia will meet Thursday for the highest of stakes. If Colombia can score a World Cup betting win they make the Final 16. If Senegal earns a win or draw they will advance instead. A wild card is Japan. They are tied with Senegal for first place in Group H. And will face a wild card Poland squad. It all makes for a thrilling June 28 of action not to be missed. For Senegal in particular this is a tremendous opportunity. This is only their second tournament appearance.
2018 FIFA World Cup Senegal vs. Colombia
Date and Time: Thursday, June 28, 2018, 10 a.m. ET
Location: Cosmos Arena, Samara
World Cup Betting Online Odds at SBG:
Senegal vs. Colombia TV Coverage: FOX
Senegal’s Past World Cup Experience
Senegal is in just their second ever World Cup appearance. They last made the tournament in 2002. And ironically enough that was also a successful run. The Lions of Teranga made the quarterfinal that year. Senegal actually qualified with relative ease. Yet upon making the World Cup betting board they were consistently derided. Coach Aliou Cisse was panned for being too conservative. And criticized for not fully unleashing the talent on his roster. But the former midfielder and Senegal captain is unapologetic. He defiantly says he is simply pragmatic. His formula is defense first and counters from there.
Senegal So far at Russia
So far at Russia, Cisse looks like a genius. In their first match against high scoring Poland, Senegal scored a 2-1 win. Then Lions of Teranga led 2-0 before Poland tallied late at the 86 minute mark. In their second match Senegal earned a 2-2 draw against upstart Japan. This may prove to be a more impressive result than originally realized. Japan has been among the top surprises in the field of 32. So far Cisse’s squad has seen four different players score goals.
Colombia So Far
For Colombia the World Cup is old hat. They were among the top sportsbook online surprises in 2014. Then at Brazil the Coffee Growers finished fifth in the quarterfinal. It was the best finish over for the Colombians. But also set expectations through the roof for 2018. During qualification the team had the look of perhaps being too satisfied. And of reading their own headlines. Getting to Russia proved to be quite the challenge. Colombia was sluggish in the process. They needed to beat up on weaker teams to limp in. Against tougher competition they faltered.
Rough Start
A 2-1 loss to Japan in their opener set off concerns. But an impressive 3-0 win over Poland in the second match reminded all of Colombia’s appeal. The performance was worthy of their 2014 reputation. And against a team that many considered a potential dark horse. The Coffee Growers have also gotten goals from four different players. Colombia does have the players to stand up to the best. Their inconsistency has been a source of perpetual frustration.
Matchup to Watch
Colombia’s James Rodriguez could be the World Cup betting difference. In this matchup his experience with Real Madrid may prove vital. Another top star for the Colombians is Radamel Falcao. Both have the flair Senegal lacks.
World Cup Betting Odds Picks
Look for the quality and star power of Colombia to assert itself to victory.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: Colombia
World Cup Betting Online Score Prediction: Colombia 2, Senegal 0
Catch highlights of Colombia’s win over Poland!