2018 World Cup Odds and Prediction: Colombia Team Betting Preview
This will be Colombia’s seventh appearance at the World Cup, the most recent in 2014, where they had their best showing of a quarter-final appearance.
2018 World Cup Colombia Odds
Currently, they are ranked 16th in the FIFA world rankings. Colombia are managed by former Argentina national team coach Jose Pekerman. 32 year old AS Monaco striker Radamel Falcao is the team’s captain. Sports Interaction currently has Colombia paying +140 to advance out of the group, +800 to be the best South American country, and +4000 to win the World Cup.
Colombia Players to Watch
This is a well-rounded team, but a lot of fans and media will be focusing on the play of attacking midfielder James Rodriquez. The 26 year old mid-fielder had a little bit of a stumble with Real Madrid, but revitalised his club season at Bayern Munich. Also, 24 year old defensive midfielder Wilmar Barrios is an anchor on this defensive minded team. A big tournament from him could result in a big contract after the World Cup.
Colombia World Cup Formation and Projected Starting 11
The projected formation for Colombia will likely be a 4-2-3-1 attack. Look for David Ospina; Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Davinson Sanchez, Frank Fabra; Abel Aguilar, Carlos Sanchez; Juan Cuadrado, James Rodriguez, Luis Muriel; Radamel Falcao to make up the starting 11.
Colombia Strengths
Colombia’s identity is to find ways to grind out games, which may not be the prettiest, but for this country, has been effective. This is a very good defensive team, and goals against them will be at a premium. It is a good bet that Colombia will shutout at least one of their opponents in the group stage.
Colombia Weaknesses
Goals will be hard to come by for this nation. During the qualification stage, Colombia only managed 21 goals in 18 games (1.17 goals per game). Look for plenty of under totals when looking to bet Colombia on Sports Interaction. One of the reasons for the lack of goal production – at times the mid-fielders on this team will not push the ball forward as they have in the past.
Colombia News
It’s been a trying couple of seasons for James Rodriguez at the club level. After a brilliant World Cup in 2014, Rodriquez signed a massive contract with Real Madrid. But things have not worked out as expected. After two disappointing seasons with the “Galacticos” he was loaned to Bayern Munich – and has found his touch around the net. Remember, Rodriguez was the winner of the coveted Golden Boot after leading the tournament with six goals in five games.
Colombia Betting Prediction
The best case scenario for Colombia is to win Group H. They are currently the favourites, paying +125. In the end, the showdown between them and Poland will likely prove to be the winner of the group. To start the tournament, there will be game totals of 2.5 goals. Considering that Colombia is a ball control, defensive team, I would suspect these games will go under the totals in terms of World Cup betting. James Rodriquez is the country’s best hope at winning the Golden Shoe, but at +6400 is a longshot overall. Because of the style of play, this teams has the capability of making it to the round of 16
