BetKing Preview: Colombia v Japan: Back the South Americans to win at Hallftime/Fulltime

Colombia will go up against Japan in their Group H opener at the Mordovia Arena on Tuesday afternoon.

It was just four years ago at the 2014 edition in Brazil where Los Cafeteros impressed en route reaching the quarter finals, losing to the hosts.

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With Jose Pekerman still in charge and a few players from that time still in the squad, the South Americans are quoted at odds of (1.70) with BetKing for an opening win.

The Samurai Blue made it to Russia topping their qualifying group ahead of Saudi Arabia and Australia.

It’s however been turbulent times for the four-time Asian champions, winning only one of their five warm-up games which makes them underdogs at odds of (5.70) with the same firm.

This is a game that Colombia are expected to dominate but something different can play out and it’s (3.60) for a draw at the end of 90 minutes.

Los Cafeteros have met the Blue Samurai three times, winning two and drawing one. Their previous encounter was during the group phase of the global tournament in Brazil four years ago with Pekerman’s charges cruising to a 4-1 victory.

Odds of (1.14) support them to avoid losing in Saransk.

Since Akira Nishino replaced Vahid Halilhodzic, Japan have conceded two goals in all the matches he’s taken charge of.

With Colombia’s attack more superior than the Asians, punters can back the South Americans for victory with two or more goals coming out of the game at the price of (2.45).

With Colombian domination written all over this game, punters have juicy odds of (2.65) on offer for the men in yellow to claim the honour at halftime and fulltime.

James Rodriguez was the star for Los Cafeteros in Brazil four years back as his six goals made him the top scorer of the tournament and propelled him to superstardom.

He did get on the score sheet in the 4-1 trashing of Japan last time out and is available at odds of (3.85) with BetKing to score anytime.

Radamel Falcao missed the 2014 tournament due to injury but is now fit to play. On the back of scoring 24 goals in 36 goals for AS Monaco last season, the 32-year is tipped to score anytime at (2.75).

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