World Cup 2018 Group H Predictions: Poland vs. Colombia

One of the most anticipated matchups in the group stage is the Group H matchup between Poland and Colombia, which will take place on Sunday, June 24. With the two teams expected to battle for the group crown, this match will likely decide who wins the group, but first both will have to make sure they win their first match played on Tuesday, June 19 when Colombia faces Japan and Senegal matches up with Poland which, depending on the game’s outcome will raise the stakes even further.

World Cup 2018 – Colombia vs Poland

• Date: June 24, 2018
• Betting Odds: TBD

Colombia Analysis

Colombia had a good run in the 2014 World Cup, making it to the quarterfinals before getting eliminated by the host nation, Brazil. It was also the coming out party for a 22-year-old James Rodriguez, who scored six goals in the tournament and won the Golden Boot.

Thanks to their performance in 2014, Colombia has very favorable World Cup 2018 odds. Like they did in 2014, Colombia’s offense will rely heavily on Rodriguez to lead the way, and he is expected to get some help up front from Radamel Falcao, who missed the 2014 World Cup with an injury.

There are concerns over Rodriguez’ health, however, and he’s currently listed as a doubt to play in the opener because of an ailing muscle problem. Whether or not he’ll be fit to play in the second game will be a day-to-day decision.

Colombia has come to rely too much on Rodriguez to win games on his own. But, while it’s something he’s been capable of occasionally such dependence on him has proven unhealthy.

In addition to Falcao and Rodriguez, Colombia has some experienced midfielders in Juan Cuadrado, who plays professionally for Juventus and Carlos Sanchez, who plays for Fiorentina. Both players were in the 2014 squad, so they won’t be overwhelmed in Russia.

Defensively, the Colombians will be a little susceptible because of Mario Alberto Yepes’ retirement. However, they have some young players that should be up to the task in Barcelona’s Yerry Mina and Tottenham’s Davinson Sanchez.

Colombia’s World Cup squad have been known to have an Achilles heel because of which they tend to struggle to perform against established international soccer powers.

Four years ago, facing Brazil the comments was that “the worst Brazil side in history was still too good for Colombia’s best ever.” And, that proved to be true through their qualifying matches with four of their five defeats coming against either Brazil, Argentina or Uruguay.

Poland Analysis

Like Colombia, Poland will be relying heavily on talented forward Robert Lewandowski, who scored 16 goals in 10 games during qualification. He will be joined up front by Arkadiusz Milik, who plays for Napoli, but was limited to five games during qualification because of a knee injury.

With Lewandowski expected to get a lot of attention from opposing defenses, Milik will need to play well in the tournament to give his team a chance to win the group.

Poland has a very solid midfield, led by Piotr Zielinski, a 23-year-old creative midfielder who excelled in Napoli and played in every qualification match. He will be joined by Jakub Błaszczykowski, who plays for Wolfsburg, and Kamil Grosicki, who has over 40 caps and should give them some much-needed experience in the middle.

Defensively, Poland will be counting on Kamil Glik to anchor their defense at the center back position. Glik is also very good at switching to the winger position and scored three goals in the French league this season. Glik will be joined by Lukasz Piszczek, a tough right back that plays for Borussia Dortmund. Like Glik, Piszek can also switch quickly from defender to winger.

Game Stats

• Poland scored over 2.5 goals in 5 out of their last 10 games played
• Poland have conceded only 2 goals in their last 1 games against Colombia
• Colombia saw over 1.5 goals in 7 out of their last 10 games played
• Colombia is undefeated in all of their last 1 games against Poland

Pick and Prediction: As previously mentioned, this match is expected to be one of the best group matches in World Cup 2018. Colombia is favored to win the match, but I doubt they will be able to contain Lewandowski, who was great during qualification, setting the record for most goals scored in qualification. This will be a close match but Poland will find a way to pull off the win.