Japan – Senegal

We are taking our attention to Group H of the FIFA World Cup in Russia, where the teams of Japan and Senegal will try to make the decisive step towards qualification for the 1/8-finals of the competition. Here are our vip soccer bets for this clash.

These two teams surprised many people by winning their first games in Russia against Colombia and Poland – the two sides which were regarded favourites in this group. Now both teams have 3 points each and a second win will mean qualification for the knockout phase of the tournament.

Japan couldn’t dream of a better start on Russian soil. The Blue Samurai beat the strong team of Colombia, which recieved a red card after just 3 minutes of play. The game was going to a draw, but Yuya Osako’s decisive strike gave Japan the three points. Now the Japanese team could reach the knockout phase of the World Cup for a first time since 2010. Four years ago in Brazil they failed to pass the group stages.

What Japan did against Colombia, Senegal did against Poland. The Lions of Teranga won with the same result against the Polish team, led by Bayern Munich’s superstar Robert Lewandowski. But Lewandowski was kept quiet in this match, which was decisive for the way this match ended. Lewa scored more goals than any other players in Europe during the qualifiers, but he was unable to start with a goal at the World Cup. Thiago Cionek opened the score for Senegal with an own goal, while Milan’s former striker Mbaye Niang made it 2-0. In the end of the game the veteran Grzegorz Krychowiak scored for Poland, but this strike was not enough for something more in the game.

Most likely Japan’s manager Nishino will keep the same line-up from the game against Colombia. He doesn’t have reasons to change his team, because usually you don’t fix something which have worked. Against Colombia Nishino made a surprising call, choosing Gen Shoji to partner Maya Yoshida in defense. After all, this decision was correct, because Shoji played very well against Los Cafeteros and proved that he deserves to be among the starting eleven. Now for Japan it’s going to be important Shoji and Yoshida to play another good game and keep Senegal’s forwards quiet.

Here’s a curious fact about the Senegalese team – the Lions of Teranga are still without a loss in the World Cup group stages. This is their second appearance at the World Cup and from four games played in the groups, they are still unbeaten. In 2002 they reached the 1/4-finals, so doing well at this competition is not something new for them. Now they are once again marching towards the knockout phase of the World Cup. A win against Japan will mean that they will be among the best in the tournament.

Just like any other African team, Senegal are playing with a lot of passion, energy and commitment. It’s always hard when you play against such a team and Poland felt it just a few days ago. It’s an interesting clash, because we can say the same thing about Japan as well. It’s hard to pick the winner here, but one thing is undeniable – these two teams know how to play with a lot of desire and love for their national flags.

Thse are our vip soccer bets for the World Cup game from Group H between Japan and Senegal. One of these teams will probably make a step towards the 1/8-finals of the tournament. If their match ends with a draw, then this group is going to get really interesting.