2018 World Cup Russia: Group H Betting Odds and Predictions
Colombia and Poland are the definite powers of the group, with Japan likely to finish fourth. But the x-factor could be the country of Senegal, as they have the capability of winning the entire group.
Group H Betting Odds
This will be a fun group to watch. Fun – as in unpredictable at times. On paper, Colombia (+125) and Poland (+175) should represent the group when everything is said and done, but here’s where it gets interesting. Senegal (+450) is the type of team that could surprise the projected top two teams. If they get the victory over Japan (+675), and find a way of at least picking up a single point in their other two matches, it could come down to goal differential.
Outside of Colombia defeating Japan 4-1 at the 2014 World Cup, there is literally no history among these four teams, as they come from four continents. Circle June 24 on your calendar, as Poland meets Colombia – this match could determine the group winner.
Group H Team Previews
Poland enters the tournament coming off a Euro Quarter-final loss in penalty kicks to the eventual champions from Portugal after failing to qualify for the World Cup in 2014. The Poles are back, and could cause some damage led by super-striker Robert Lewandowski. There is some concern of keeping balls out of their net, conceding 14 goals in qualifying for the World Cup – the most of all group winners. Check out our full Poland betting preview here.
Colombia surprised many reaching the World Cup quarter-finals in 2014, so this year they are officially on the radar. All the South American talk of Brazil and Argentina being the best representatives of the continent – and rightfully so, but don’t sleep on this Colombian team making a push outside of the group stage. SIA has Colombia listed as +4000 to win the event. Click here for our in-depth preview of Colombia in the World Cup.
Senegal hopes that speed is indeed a factor, as this country possesses one of the fastest teams in the tournament. This will be only the second time the world sees Senegal at this tournament. Their inexperience might be a factor, but fans are hoping it’s also bliss. SIA has Senegal at +18500 to win the tournament.
Japan enters the tournament with a lot of confusion, especially on the sidelines after they gassed Coach Vahid Halihodzic and replaced him with Akira Nishino with only two months to the start of the tournament. This country is in tough with this group, but could throw a couple wrenches into the final placement. SIA sees Japan as a major longshot listed as +26200 to win the World Cup. Sports Interaction’s full Japan betting preview is here.
Group H Players to Watch
Group H is loaded with star power throughout the four teams, but one man stands above all of them, Poland’s Robert Lewandowski. Lewandowski is one of the best all-around goal scorers in the world and showed it during qualifying, scoring a European-high 16 goals. He is +2900 to win the Golden boot.
Senegal hopes Sadio Mane’s performance during the Champions League, where he led Liverpool to the final, carries over to the World Cup. The 26-year old striker enters the tournament confident, and ready to inspire a nation. He scored 10 goals with Liverpool during the season, and an impressive nine during Champions League play. He is +8500 to win the Golden boot. While fans of Colombia hope James Rodriquez repeats his World Cup 2014 appearance – where he was a human highlight video, pacing his country to a quarter-final appearance. He is +3500 to win the Golden boot.
Group H Best Bets and Predictions
The public continues to bet Colombia as the group winner, but I don’t see it happening that way. I do see them advancing out of the group stage, but in the second seeded position. I believe there is good value betting Poland to take this group (+175), not a major upset by any means, but a group win would set them up well in the round of 16. If you’re looking at a straight forecast bet of Poland/Colombia (in order), Sports Interaction is offering up +411, while Colombia/Poland (in order) is paying a +355.
My final prediction of Group H; Poland, Colombia, Senegal, Japan.
