Group H is regarded to be the most balanced and most unpredictable of them all with Poland, Senegal, Colombia, and Japan all capable of beating each other. How will the group shake out in the end?
Poland are making their first World Cup appearance since 2006, and no one on the team is probably more excited than Robert Lewandowski, who is set to go through his fist World Cup experience – and probably his last. The 29-year-old Lewandowski is undoubtedly Poland’s best player. The Bayern Munich is a dangerous scorer who netted more goals (16) than Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo in the qualifiers. Poland look solid up front with Lewandowski leading the attack, but there are some concerns defensively. In any case, Lewandowski is just the type of player, who can change the complexion of a match towards his team’s favor. The Polish are +200 to top the group.
Remember when Senegal made their World Cup debut in 2002 and had the audacity to beat France and even found a way to reach the quarters? Good times. Senegal are no longer the type of underdogs everyone should be overlooking, though, as they have a legitimate shot at advancing at least past the group play. The Lions of Teranga boast of an athletic and speedy unit which can definitely cause headaches to their opponents. The focal point of Senegal is Sadio Mane, the talented and heady winger for Liverpool. It’s going to be fun watching him work the ball on the attack for Senegal, who are +400 to win Group H.
The favorites to win Group H at odds of +145 to do so, Los Cafeteros look to overcome their opponents by serving them with a heavy dosage of a patient system that takes on the character of head coach Jose Pekerman. Up front, the Colombians have the ultra-talented James Rodriguez, who became a household name in 2014, leading the squad to a win over Uruguay in the knockout stages. However, it’s the back line that is going to be the key for them, meaning plenty of counter attacks are expected to be executed by the team. Other players of note for Colombia are Radamel Falcao (Monaco) and Carlos Bacca (Villareal).
Japan (+600) do not have as many recognizable global stars as most other teams at the World Cup, but there are a few among them who could bite. One of which is Shinji Kagawa, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who’s a master with his feet and possesses terrific vision that helps create opportunities on the attack. Speaking of attack, striker Shinji Okazaki of Leicester City has 50 goals for Japan in his career and will be looking to add more that in Russia.
Key Game – Senegal vs Columbia (June 28)
In a group where everyone seems to have as shot of topping the field, the two teams that will get out of the group may be determined by who wins the last match.
Writer’s Prediction
In order of finish: Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan
