Verdict: Over 2,5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
Group H is definitively one of the most interesting groups at this tournament. Mostly because all of the four teams could have a reasonable hope of reaching the round of 16 before the tournament had begun. Now, after first set of matches, the clash between Poland and Colombia should be even more interesting. This match will be played in Kazan on Sunday, as the two teams will be facing each other in the last match of the day.
Poland
Poland were quite poor in their first match at the tournament. They played against a disciplined Senegal team, but failed to impress throughout. Their odd tactics, with the full-backs and wingers being to close to each other when going forward was the most striking thing. Arkadiusz Milik was playing in behind Robert Lewandowski and had a horrendous match, failing to do anything positive in this match. Now things are getting tricky for Poland. They conceded two goals too easily and will have to play more attacking minded, as they need points. Colombia are in similar situation, as they lost their opener, so both sides will want to redeem themselves. If they want to stay in this tournament after the group stages, Poland will have to improve and be better going forwards. Without Glik, that could result in poor defending once again.
Team News
The Polish side will have a huge absence in this game, as Monaco defender Kamil Glik has been dealing with an injury. The star centre-back will probably not participate in this match.
Colombia
Colombia are in a very similar situation to Poland. They lost their first match in the tournament and now are in urge of winning the second one. However, their loss to Japan came in different manner. It was only three full minutes into the match when Carlos Sanchez blocked a shot on open goal with his right arm and the referee had to give him a straight red and a penalty for the Japanese. That not only meant Sanchez will not play in the group stage anymore, but also that Japan had a lead after four minutes and Colombia were man down. However, they reacted well, with proper fighting spirit, mostly through Radamel Falcao. He was the most vocal of all Colombian players and that worked when they managed to equalize after a free-kick. In the second half, they got tired and Japan managed to get the most out of that and win the game.
Team News
Except for Carlos Sanchez who got sent off, everyone will be available to play for Colombia.
Key Factors to Consider
- Poland had 11 shots against Senegal, but not many of them were of great quality or from very good positions
- Colombia created two big chances against Japan even though they played with 10 men
- Radamel Falcao made just two shots on target, but with James Rodriguez back in starting XI, he could score his first World Cup goal
Conclusion
This should be a very open game. Both teams have a lot of talent on the attacking end, and both feature absences on defence as well.
As a result, expect this contest to be quite interesting.
Verdict: Over 2,5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
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