Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
Colombia take on Senegal in what is a very exciting final match in Group H, with both nations likely to need something from the game. For the South Americans, the equation is simple. A defeat means they are out, a draw means they are reliant on Japan losing to Poland whilst a win will put them through. After their comprehensive victory over the Poles last time out, they will fancy their chances.
Yet, they won’t find it easy against a Senegal side that have it all to play for themselves. They know avoiding defeat keeps them in the tournament but a loss is going to mean they are relying on already-eliminated Poland to beat Japan, potentially by a few goals. So, the stakes coudn’t be higher in what was always expected to be a very tight group.
Here we will give you Senegal vs Colombia betting tips, look at where the game will be won, the key players and a Senegal vs Colombia prediction for the Group H encounter.
Our Senegal vs Colombia Prediction: Senegal 1-3 Colombia
Our Senegal vs Colombia prediction tips is for the South Americans to come through in what should be a very entertaining encounter that could see Sengal miss out on the last 16.
Senegal have been a great watch at this World Cup, with their speed and flair on the counter meaning they are a threat to anyone. They thoroughly deserved to beat Poland andhad the clearer chances against Japan when they drew. Aliou Cisse has them well organised and the individual quality in the final third is undeniable but they will need to be on form against Colombia.
The South Americans first game defeat, when they went 1-0 down and had a player sent off after three minutes, has thrown this group wide open. They now face a crunch encounter but will want their big players to deliver. The attacking quartert of James Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado, Juan Quintero and Falcao looked superb on Sunday and they will need to be firing again in this must-win clash.
Our recommended tip – Colombia to win
This is effectively a play-off ahead of the last 16 and both nations know that they can’t afford to slip up but we think Colombia have too much quality.
Even though Senegal have had an outstanding tournament so far, they are coming up against the best side in the group on paper. Whilst Los Cafeteros have made some mistakes at the back, they have solid players in that position but going forward is where they stand out. Senegal won’t have faced a side with this creativity, intelligence and movement yet and it will tell. Additionally, this is a Colombia side that have played big games over the years, they shone in Brazil four years ago whereas the Senegal players are on the biggest stage for the first time and that could be key in such a high-pressure encounter.
Previous matches
The clash in Samara will be just the second time the sides have met, with the other match a draw four years ago in a friendly.
As for their form, Senegal will be confident going into the final match. They have shown positive signs in their two group games so far, playing as a team, breaking well and scoring goals. They perhaps should be doing better defensively but the opposition have been clinical against them. Ultimately though, they will have the belief that they can win.
Meanwhile, Colombia bounced back magnificently after the worst start possible. Carlos Sanchez early red card that resulted in a Japan penalty changed the dynamics of this group. They battled on but lost that match, yet produced a superb performance against Poland to keep themselves alive. It was the Colombia fans know and love, playing fast, attacking football and scoring goals.
Top 3 World Cup Bookies
Players to watch – Kalidou Koulibaly & Falcao
The Napoli centre-back is one of the best in the world and has performed well so far in Russia.With Colombia needing the win, he is surely going to be tested all afternoon against their talented attack. He will be key to helping his country stand firm and will need to be organising, leading and showing all his quality if they are to progress.
Colombia it’s about winning but they may not create as many chances as they did last time out. Yet, any they do they will expect Falcao to take. The Monaco man got off the mark with a classy goal against Poland and will lead the line again. His movement and hold-up play is also crucial to bringing the attacking midfielders into the game.
