Columbia vs. Japan Prediction
Group H, the final group to see the pitch during the World Cup, gets underway today as Columbia takes on Japan in the first of three tournament games today. Will favored Columbia open with a win or will Japan carve out an upset?
Game Snapshot
97845 Japan vs. 97846 Columbia
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Saransk Arena at 8AM ET
TV: Fox Sports 1
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, Columbia is a -145 favorite to win on the moneyline. Japan is a +475 underdog, while a draw is set at +250. The total is set at 2 goals.
Rodriguez looks for another strong World Cup
James Rodriguez was one of the most dynamic players in the 2014 World Cup at Brazil as the Columbian midfielder won the Golden Boot. He has had some frustrations lately due to playing time at Real Madrid, so he’ll come into this World Cup with a chip on his shoulder as he is focused on having another big tournament. Rodriguez had eight goals in 33 starts during the 2017-18 campaign. But the status of Rodriguez against Japan is also in doubt as he missed a recent training session due to muscle fatigue and is considered a doubtful starter. Check for updates on his status before kickoff.
Offense flows through Kagawa
The Japan offense during the World Cup will largely be keyed by midfielder Shinji Kagawa. But with other teams such as Columbia scouting that fact and knowing Kagawa is so instrumental to Japanese success, other players will likely have to step up and take some of the pressure as well as attention away from him. Kagawa, who plays for Borussia Dortmund, had eight goals in 32 appearances this past season.
Prediction:
The total seems a little low here considering the firepower Columbia has, while Japan should be able to find its way to a goal.
WORLD CUP DAILY PREDICTION: COLUMBIA/JAPAN OVER 2