Colombia Vs. Japan Betting Odds And Predictions: Will Colombia Win The Group Decisively? [POLL}

Colombia come into their final game having all but secured the top spot in Group C, while Japan will need a win, plus a little luck, in order to have any chance of advancing into the Round of 16. Colombia has been one of the surprises of the entire tournament, beating both Greece and the Ivory Coast convincingly and playing beautiful and attractive soccer along the way. The only scenario in which Colombia doesn’t win their group is if they lose to Japan and the Ivory Coast beats Greece by a lengthy score line. The two teams are set to do battle at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, Brazil on June 23^rd at 4 PM EST.

Despite “Los Cafeteros” seemingly clinching first place in their group, look for coach Jose Pekerman to stay with a good amount of his regular starting lineup. Porto striker Jackson Martinez is expected to start alongside Carlos Bacca up front, with Juventus’ midfielder Fredy Guarin more than likely starting in the midfield. James Rodriguez has been influential scoring two goals in the first two games, so look for him to once more play an important part in Colombia going forward.

Japan will need to have the performance of a lifetime if they want to have a shot at getting out of their group. Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa will need to play to their full potentials if they want to help the “Samurai Blues” have a chance at advancing. It will be a very tall task to ask of Alberto Zaccheroni’s men though, as Colombia by far has been the best side in the group.

And judging from Japan’s performances, there is nothing that points to them suddenly coming out and surprising the Colombians. They have been slow in attack and have been clumsy in the midfield. While the Colombians have used their speed and youth to counter whenever the opportunity presents itself. I don’t think that Japan can overcome the deficit that they have dug themselves in as Colombia is too good of a side.

My Prediction: Colombia dismisses the Japanese 2-0

Betting odds via Bovada.lv

Japan: Pick Em' (+135) // +220 Moneyline
Colombia: Pick Em' (-165) // +120 Moneyline
DRAW: +250