Columbia vs. Senegal Prediction
The winner of today’s match between Columbia and Senegal will advance to the knockout stage, while a loss would put both in a position to need help to advance. Is favored Columbia the correct play for bettors in this pivotal contest?
Game Snapshot
97836 Columbia vs. 97837 Columbia
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Samara Arena at 10AM ET
TV: FOX
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, Columbia is listed as a -120 favorite to win on the moneyline. Senegal is a +345 underdog, while a draw is set at +255. The total sits at 2.5 goals.
Columbia hammers Poland
In need of a win, Columbia easily handled Poland last weekend en route to a 3-0 victory. Columbia will now advance with a win today, or a draw plus a Japan loss. Columbia will be eliminated if it loses. The goals in the win versus Poland were scored by Yerry Mina (40th minute), Radamel Falcao (70th) and Juan Cuadrado (75th). Columbia registered 55 percent of the possession and fired 13 shots (three on goal). The Columbians were called for 10 fouls and no yellow cards, one match after a crucial red card in the third minute led to a 2-1 loss against Japan.
Senegal unable to hang on for win
Two one-goal leads by Senegal in its match against Japan could not be held onto in what ended as a 2-2 draw. Sadio Mane gave Senegal a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute, but Japan evened the score in the 34th minute. In the 71st minute, a score by Moussa Wague gave Senegal the lead back at 2-1. It only lasted another seven minutes as Japan manufactured the tying goal and that is how it would end. Senegal held 47 percent of the possession, while recording 13 shots (seven on goal). Senegal was called for 14 fouls (three yellow cards). If Senegal wins or gets a draw against Columbia today, it will be through to the knockout stage. A loss would mean it needs Japan to lose by one goal more against Poland.
Prediction:
Columbia could have very likely won its opener if the red card hadn’t put it at an almost immediate disadvantage. The Columbians rebounded with a stellar performance last game and I think they will have enough in the tank to carve out a win today. Senegal plays with a lot of confidence, but in only its second World Cup ever and first since 2002 it is a national team that probably is still four or eight years away from being a strong enough side to make the round of 16.
WORLD CUP DAILY PREDICTION: COLUMBIA -120