2018 World Cup Betting Predictions: Colombia vs. Japan Odds
That`s the question many soccer insiders are asking themselves as Group H kicks off their part of the tournament.
World Cup 2018: Colombia vs. Japan Betting Analysis
Date: Wednesday, June 19, 8:00amET
Mordovia Arena, Saransk, Russia
On paper this is the miss match round robin game of Group H. Colombia are favourites to win the group (+130), against Japan likely to finish fourth (+750 to win the group). The two countries have met three times in their history, with Colombia winning two games, and drawing on the other. In the most recent match-up, Colombia knocked off Japan 4-1 at the 2014 World Cup. In that game, James Rodriquez scored a goal and he’ll be looked upon for more in this one. Colombia had one final tune-up prior to the tournament where they tied Egypt 0-0.
As for Japan, they have had a roller-coaster ride as of late, and it will likely continue in this tournament. First they dropped a 2-0 decision to Ghana, and then did the same against Switzerland (2-0) before knocking off Paraguay 4-2.
Colombia
This game should be a soft introduction to this year’s World Cup for Colombia. They are the betting favourite, but also consider this national team is only returning 10 of 23 players who reached the quarter-final in Brazil four years ago. One returning player, James Rodriquez was a star at that last World Cup winning the Golden Boot scoring six goals in five matches. This year he is paying +6800 to win it, while teammate Radamel Falcao is paying +6200.
The pair will work together and be instrumental in any and all offence Colombia provides in this game. Falcao is paying +137 while Rodriquez is on the board at +222 to score in this game. Both players could make this happen. Los Cafeteros will score at will against Japan, who will struggle defensively in this tournament. If you’re looking for exact scores on Sports Interaction, perhaps a 3-0 Colombia win paying a fantastic price at +1026, or even a 3-1 score that pays +1410 is something to consider.
Japan
Since the firing of former manager Vahid Halihodzic, the national team is under the guidance of former technical director Akira Nishino. Nishino led Samurai Blue in only three outings before the World Cup kickoff, and in the three games (1-2) allowed six goals against. One thing Nishino did to get back stability on the roster is bring back veterans Shinji Kagawa, Shinji Okazaki and Keisuke Honda who were all dropped under the former manager. All three are Japanese legends, but there is an argument to be made that all three players are also pasted their prime. Honda (+276) is Japan`s best bet to score a goal in this game at Sports Interaction.
