Colombia has already qualified for the Round of 16, but they will take on Japan in the third match of the group stages Tuesday evening at the 2014 World Cup. The match is scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN. Currently the odds for the match have Colombia as the favorite to win the match.
Colombia sports the highest FIFA world ranking in this group and they are the only team in Group C ranked in the Top 10. They've proven their worth so far this World Cup by picking up victories over both Greece and the Ivory Coast to qualify for the knockout round. Japan has been very lackluster so far this World Cup, only drawing with a 10-player Greece team after falling in their first matchup against the Ivory Coast.
Yet, a win by the Japanese could still propel them to the knockout stage. Greece and the Ivory Coast are battling for a spot in the Round of 16 as well but a couple-goal victory by Japan and a draw in the other match could push the Samurai Blue to the next round. But can it happen? That certainly is going to be hard to tell based on their opening two matches.
Japan will come out hopefully looking to pick up a victory. We're anticipating the Colombian team to play this match very laid back and without consequence. These two teams play a very similar style of soccer and because of that, there might be little chance for the Japanese to find a way to advance.
One thing that will come from this match is Colombia's chance to wrap up the group. If they do, there's a very real possibility they could face either Uruguay or Italy in the first game of the knockout stage. Whichever team they are able to meet in that contest will certainly be one to watch.
Japan's Keisuke Honda has not played as well as he did in the 2010 World Cup. The midfielder scored the only tally for Japan against the Ivory Coast, but he hasn't been at the same level as he has been in the past. The Japanese are a very talented group but they are in a bad position. Had this been the opening game of the group stages we'd expect a draw or Japan to possibly to bring about an upset, but at this stage in the game the Japanese really don't have anything left in the tank.
Free Pick: Colombia 2, Japan 1
NFL Win Total: Denver Broncos
What pro football bettors need to know about betting the win total on the Denver Broncos this year - a free pick from Pregame.com's Marco D'Angelo, with added insight from Ken Thomson.
$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
$10,000 Match Marco Baseball Challenge — During the 2010 MLB season, Pregame Pro Marco D'Angelo won an unheard of 25 straight baseball games, never laying more than -$120! This contest replicates Marco's feat--- CLICK TO JOIN
Stay on top of the latest odds and line moves for Major League Baseball with our real-time odds from Las Vegas and offshore!