Japan vs. Senegal Prediction
The two Group G frontrunners in Japan and Senegal will meet in the middle game today as both look to stay on top of the table. Is favored Senegal going to secure a second win and clinch a spot in the round of 16?
Game Snapshot
97890 Japan vs. 97891 Senegal
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Ekaterinburg Stadium at 11AM ET
TV: FOX
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, Senegal is a +125 favorite to win on the moneyline. Japan is a +250 underdog, while a draw is set at +215. The total is set at 2.5 goals.
Japan helped by early red card
A red card handed to Columbia’s Carlos Sanchez in the third minute put Japan up a man the rest of the match. Shinji Kagawa scored on the penalty kick a few minutes later to put Japan up, although Columbia managed to tie it at 1-1 in the 39th minute. Japan stayed collected, however, and found the game-winner via a Yuya Osako goal in the 73rd minute. Japan held 58 percent of the possession and only committed nine penalties, one being severe enough for a yellow card.
Senegal receives help in win
The first Senegal score in its Group G opener was an own goal by Poland’s Thiago Cionek in the 37th minute, while a controversial tally from M’Baye Niang made it a 2-0 game in the 60th minute. Poland got on the board in the 86th minute, but did not have enough time left to even the scoreboard. Senegal held only had 41 percent of the possession in the game and had eight shots (two on goal), while Poland registered 10 shots (four on goal). Each team had three corner kicks, while Senegal was called for 15 fouls including two yellow cards.
Prediction:
Although no one can no for sure, I have my doubts that Japan would have won its opener had it not been for the red card. Senegal did not look all that strong in its match, but did enough to gain the victory. With these two squads leading the group, I think they are going to be careful at the back end and maybe not put as much into the attacking zone as usual. This might be a 1-0 or 1-1 game. Perhaps even a 0-0 draw. I’m all in on the under here.
WORLD CUP DAILY PREDICTION: JAPAN/SENEGAL UNDER 2.5