The Odds
- To win the World Cup: +4500
- To win Group A: +135
- To advance to Round of 16: -290
Bet To Watch
Colombia top South American team +825 (5Dimes)
Four years ago in Brazil, I fell in love with the Colombian national team. Their fun style of play and fantastic team-choreographed celebrations brought a light air to a serious competition. I adopted Los Cafeteros as my second team thanks to my Colombian friend who would glow about the squad, and in particular star James Rodriguez (known as James).
The Colombians did not disappoint. James was electric and won the Golden Boot despite making it only to the quarterfinals. This time around, James is four years older and has four more years of experience, so the expectations are even higher. Once again, I think they can surpass them.
Last World Cup the Colombians didn't have much trouble scoring goals even though they lacked a target man to lead the line in the absence of the injured Radamel Falcao. Falcao is healthy this time around and is coming off an impressive domestic campaign with Monaco. With him leading the charge up front, James should have more time and space to orchestrate the attack.
Additionally, the Coffee Growers have a more solid back line with the arrival of Davinson Sanchez and Yerry Mina. These two young center-backs will provide some extra security for Colombia.
I think Colombia will recapture some of their magic from four years ago, and their creative attacking style should cause problems for their competition.
Thus, I think the best value bet around Colombia is to peg them as the last South American team standing at the tournament at +800. I think Argentina may struggle, and that could leave Colombia controlling its own destiny in a game against Brazil in the quarterfinals.
More World Cup Betting Coverage
- Group A: Russia | Saudi Arabia | Egypt | Uruguay
- Group B: Portugal | Morocco | Iran | Spain
- Group C: France | Australia | Peru | Denmark
- Group D: Argentina | Iceland | Croatia | Nigeria
- Group E: Brazil | Costa Rica | Switzerland | Serbia
- Group F: Germany | Mexico | Sweden | South Korea
- Group G: Belgium | Panama | Tunisia | England
- Group H: Poland | Senegal | Colombia | Japan
