Japan – Senegal

The two surprising leaders in Group H will square off in a key match for qualification, after both teams got shocking wins in their World Cup openers.

Japan`s 2-1 win over Colombia was largely facilitated by the Colombians conceding a red card and a penalty in the 3rd minute. Still, it was a good performance by Japan to keep their cool and finish the job, especially as they were equalized late in the first half before eventually getting the winner in the last 20 minutes – and deservingly so. Now the Asians will feel they have a massive chance to advance, but the same will be valid for Senegal.

Senegal didn`t create a lot of danger up front in their match against Poland, but the Africans managed to take most of their chances, and their efficiency translated into a massive 2-1 victory against a highly rated Poland side. Senegal was pretty sharp and disciplined throughout the match, and will hope more of the same tactical consistency will see them through the group stage after their remaining two matches.

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Team news & lineups:

Neither team has reported any injuries, and there are also no suspensions.

Japan: Kawashima – Sakai, Yoshida, Shoji, Nagatomo – Hasebe, Shibasaki – Haraguchi, Kagawa, Inui – Okazaki

Senegal: N`Diaye – Wague, Koulibaly, Sane, Sabaly – Gueye, N`Diaye – Sarr, Niang, Mane – Sakho

Both teams will obviously feel they have a golden opportunity here, and that should translate into a very cautious approach from each side.

A win would obviously be huge and each team would love one to virtually assure qualification, but the more important thing for them will be not to lose – as a draw would keep them both in contention with strong chances to qualify. A defeat on the other hand would undo all the good work they did in the first round, while also making the potential losers big outsiders for going through.

In these circumstances it`s fair two expect a tight and cagey match, with a lot of tension and no risks being taken. It`s really hard to see anybody pushing forward too much when a draw would be acceptable for everybody involved, while a loss would be almost disastrous.

Both teams can defend well, more so Senegal, but Japan can also be feisty defensively even though they allowed a lot of goals in the pre – World Cup friendlies. In the qualifiers Japan allowed 0.7 goals per game, while Senegal allowed 0.5 goals per game, so goal scoring chances could be hard to come by.

A draw looks good value here, but so does the under. I`ll go with the safer option, which is a low scoring game to occur. My tip is under 2.5 goals to be scored. Prediction: Japan – Senegal 0-0.

Pick: under 2,5 goals
Odds: 1.68 @ 1xBet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 5.44
Event date: 24 June