JAPAN v SENEGAL
Sunday 24th June 2018 – Kickoff: 1600hrs
Football – World – World Cup 2018 Betting Tips
Welcome to my World Cup 2018 betting tips, and Japan take on Senegal in the second round of matches in Group H which features the top two teams in the group after they both recorded wins in their opening matches.
Very few people gave Japan any chance against Colombia, particularly as they’d sacked their previous manager just 70 days ahead of these World Cup finals, along with some ordinary results in their warm-up matches. However, they received a huge slice of good fortune early on against Colombia as defender Carlos Sanchez hand-balled in the box, and Kagawa scored from the spot.
Sanchez was shown the red card, and with Colombia down to 10 men, they were expected to be put under huge pressure from Japan. But although holding midfielders, Shibasaki and Hasebe worked tirelessly to break up Colombia’s attacks, Japan moved the ball around too slowly and really lacked a direct approach.
Colombia took advantage of Japan’s sluggish approach play and equalised through a free-kick from Quintero and they went into half-time at 1-1.
Inui impressed throughout and Kagawa came into the game more in the second half, but it wasn’t until Osako’s header from a corner that Japan took the game by the scruff of the neck to lead 2-1, and then their more familiar pattern of play with keeping possession saw them get over the line.
Senegal recorded a vital victory over Poland in their opening match in Group H, winning 2-1 as they did just enough to see off the threat from Polish striker, Lewandowski, who was limited to very few goal scoring opportunities.
Senegal went forward at every opportunity and they were rewarded for their efforts by a cruel deflection off Poland defender Cionek, which left keeper Szczesny flat-footed and helpless as the ball rolled into the back of the net to give Senegal a 1-0 lead.
The midfield pairing of Gueye and N’Diaye closed a lot of Poland’s creative play down, while Mane and Sarr made good runs out wide, and it was another defensive error which cost Poland dear with a mix-up between keeper Szczesny and Krychowiak that allowed Niang to slot home from close range to give Senegal a 2-0 lead.
Although Krychowiak grabbed a late goal back to reduce the deficit, it was too little too late and Senegal deserved their victory. If Senegal produce another hard working and direct display against Japan here, they’ll put themselves in a very good position to get something from this match and edge closer to qualifying for the last 16 of the tournament.
Pick: Senegal AH-0.25 @ 1.81 Marathonbet
