Verdict: Under 2,5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 13/25
Bookmaker: 888sport
England and Colombia will determine which country will earn the final spot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. The Three Lions come into this game as the favourites on paper, but Colombia can’t be counted out so easily. As it has been proven in past matches, there are no “small teams” on Russia 2018. And Los Cafeteros have enough talent to go toe-to-toe with almost any team in the world. Kick-off for this game is scheduled at 19:00 hrs (BST) at Spartak Stadium in Moscow. Mark Geiger (USA) will be the referee.
Colombia
Colombia have been a team that started the tournament as a disappointment, but have been improving gradually and finished at the top of the Group H standings with six points. Following their 2-1 defeat in the opener against Japan, Los Cafeteros bounced back and secured two straight wins over Poland (3-0) and Senegal (1-0) that placed them at the top of their group. However, Jose Pekerman’s men will have an even tougher challenge awaiting for them since England represents a massive upgrade compared to all the teams they have faced thus far on Russian soil. It will be interesting to see how Colombia adapts to what England might offer as well. Will they crowd the midfield, trying to limit the impact of Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli? Or will they widen the pitch and try to exploit the flanks knowing that England use three centre-backs? One thing is certain, though: Colombia have enough firepower to pull the upset here. England should not believe this is going to be a walk in the park.
Team News
Pekerman has one monumental doubt ahead of this game: the availability of James Rodriguez will be determined closer to kick-off time.
The Bayern Munich playmaker left the pitch during the first half against Senegal and is not fully fit for this game. Needless to say, his potential absence would be a crushing blow to Colombia’s chances of reaching the quarterfinals.
England
England might be coming off a 1-0 defeat against Belgium the last time out, but fans should not read too much into that defeat. Considering the manager, Gareth Southgate, made nine changes to the side that defeated Panama 6-1 in an effort to avoid any potential injuries or yellow card problems thinking towards the Round of 16. But even considering that defeat, England have looked quite solid during the current tournament. They kicked things off with a 2-1 win over Tunisia – where they should have won by a bigger margin – and later destroyed Panama to the tune of a 6-1 victory. Now The Three Lions will need to be at their best to face a Colombian side that could easily complicate them if they don’t take enough precautions. Knowing that English sides tend to underperform on knockout stages, what will be the outcome in this one? Will England live up to their contending hype? Or will they falter once again when it matters the most?
Team News
England are reportedly at full strength ahead of this game.
As stated above, Southgate rested most of his regulars in the game against Belgium, so his Best XI is entirely available.
Key Factors to Consider
- Colombia have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five matches.
- England have the edge on the head-to-head record against Colombia, though. These two sides have played twice, and The Three Lions have won both games.
- Both teams have the same record through the World Cup, registering two wins and one loss.
- Four of England’s last six matches (in all competitions) have seen both sides score.
- The winner of this game will play the winner of the Sweden v Switzerland game.
Conclusion
Both teams have loads of talent on the attacking end. However, we might be in line for a closed encounter considering what’s at stake.
With that in mind, I believe there will be under 2.5 goals here.
Verdict: Under 2,5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 13/25
Bookmaker: 888sport
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