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Day 6. Colombia - Japan. Poland - Senegal. Egypt - Russia.

Pasamela!
Day 6.

 Game 15, 16, and 17.
Colombia - Japan
19th June 13:00

Return to form
Group H finally gets underway on the 6th day of the tournament. The most exciting team in the group, Colombia, start us off against a weakened Japan side. It's perhaps the most competitive group in the tournament, meaning all four nations will fancy their chances of progressing into the next stage. Colombia qualified from the difficult CONMEBOL process, finishing 4th, one point above Chile, guaranteeing a place at this years tournament. Japan also finished just one point ahead of their rivals. In a relativity difficult group, Japan finished ahead of Saudi Arabia and Australia.

Ones To Watch:
Koln striker Osako
James Rodriguez, after a brilliant World Cup four years ago is battling to get back to full fitness ahead of this game. If he plays, it is most likely to be off the bench, leaving the goals to Falcao. The Monaco man made a surprise return to form this season, with 18 in 26 this season. He will be the focal point of Colombia's attacks and will be far too strong for the Japanese defence.
Japan will be led by Koln striker Yuya Osako. Osako hasn't been prolific for his club this season, but will be the main man for Japan up front so should see more of the ball.

Pre Match Predictions:
Colombia should have too much for their Asian counterparts. Even without star man James Rodriguez Colombia should score goals vs a weak Japan team. With many options on the bench, Colombia have the luxury of changing things if they don't start going their way.

Best Bet: Colombia to Score OVER 1.5 Goals - 6/5 (bet365)
Poland - Senegal
June 19th 16:00

Champions league goal scorer Mane
With every other group having played their first game the first round is to be concluded with Poland against Senegal. The opening round has produced some of the most exciting finals football we’ve ever seen and the quality of football has been right up there. From late goals to multiple penalties with a fair share of VAR controversy we hope that these two sides can emulate the drama we’ve seen thus far. Poland will be keen to get off to a flyer and Senegal will look to be the first African side to pick up 3 points. Ones To Watch:
Dark horse for golden boot?

Poland, a side that on paper lacks creativity in the midfield may become reliant on a ma that world football is more than familiar with, Robert Lewandowski. The forward always looks lethal in front of goal and against a fragile Senegalese defence expect to see him on the front foot. After having an incredible year in the Bundesliga, scoring 29 goals in 30 appearances he comes into the tournament in fine form. Arek Milik will be looking to work with Lewandowski to forge an effective partnership and after scoring 4 goals in his last 8 games for Napoli these two could prove to be a real attacking force that boost Poland’s chances. For Senegal it’s a similar story. Their attacking threat will come through a man that is not fazed by the big stage. Liverpool’s Sadio Mane has scored 10 goals in 13 champions league games for the English side and he too will look to use that as a boost in this tournament. Another man to watch out for is Napoli’s sturdy centre half who scores his fair share of crucial goals particularly from set pieces. Pre Match Predictions: I think we can expect goals in this one. Both sides carry offensive threat and Poland finished qualification with the worst defensive record of all the group winners and yet netted on average almost 3 goals a game. This could be an entertaining finish to round one but I expect Poland to edge it I’ll gamble on a high scoring game, 3-2 Poland. No doubt this will be a 0-0 now!

 Best Bet: Both Team to Score - 6/5 (WilliamHill)
Russia - Egypt
19th June 19:00

Salah comeback?
The second round of group games gets under way with the hosts against Egypt. Egypt will have to win after their disappointing last minute defeat to Uruguay, whereas Russia may settle for a draw. Mo Salah must start this time around, and they will have to attack more than in their previous fixture.
The hosts Russia were impressive but against a very poor Saudi Arabia team, and five goals may have even flattered them.
Egypt frustrated Uruguay last time around, but will be expected to play in a completely different way today. Expect to see Salah and Ramadan going forward, and one would expect them to score against an untested Russian side.
Denis Cherychev will want to continue his goal scoring form, and Fedor Smolov will want to get off the mark after some big misses last time.

Best Bet: Salah to Score - 23/10 (PaddyPower)
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