Group H at the World Cup in Russia is the closest one to call according to the odds. Colombia are the favorites, but Poland isn’t far behind and you can’t count out Senegal or Japan. Every minute of every game in this group will mean something.
Colombia
Odds To Win Group H: 2.25
Colombia got to the World Cup or the first time since 1998 when they went to Brazil in 2014, and then they reached the quarterfinals for the first time. They finished fourth in their CONMEBOL group to qualify, and James Rodriguez led them with six goals. He hasn’t had a lot of club success since his coming-out party in Brazil, but Rodriguez is still a world-class player when he plays for Colombia. Fellow midfielder Juan Cuadrado is also very good, and it’ll be interesting to see if Radamel Falcao gets selected to go to Russia as he hasn’t been very good for club or country lately. However, Colombia has a lot of questions to ask at the back and that could be their downfall.
Poland
Odds To Win Group H: 2.73
Poland is back at the World Cup for the first time since 2006, and they have finished in third place twice, back in 1974 and 1982. They won their UEFA group in qualification and they have one of the best strikers in the world in Robert Lewandowski, while Jakub Blaszczykowski is still plugging along at 32 in midfield and Grzegorz Kyrchowiak is solid as well. The defense is decent, although prone to mistakes and Poland has three keepers who are good, but none stand out. Who will be the #1 going to Russia? But as long as they have Lewandowski, Poland has a fighting chance to win this group. However, it could go the other way as well.
Senegal
Odds To Win Group H: 6.00
Senegal has been in the World Cup once before, going to the quarterfinals in 2002, and now they’re back after winning their CAF group. Sadio Mane is electric up front and heading into his prime as he’ll be 26 by the World Cup and they have a few midfielders that play in the English Premier League, lead by Cheikh Kouyate. However, there are a few questions at the back and none of their keepers have played more than 24 games for their country. This could come back to bite Senegal, but fortunately they’re in a group where they might be able to get away with it.
Japan
Odds To Win Group H: 8.00
Japan has made it to the last five World Cups, alternating exits in the group stage and the round of 16. They went out in the group stage in 2014 in Brazil, and they might keep that trend going in Russia to get to the round of 16 after winning their AFC group. Shinji Okazaki leads the way up front and has scored 50 goals in 110 games for his country, while Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda and Makoto Hasebe are all solid midfielders. But can their defense be physical enough with their opponents? That is going to be the factor that either gets Japan to the next stage, or another group-stage exit.
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