menu

8th Jun 2014 | World Cup

Group C Qualifiers Tip

It's one of the toughest groups to call on paper, but two of these sides will make the last 16.

There’s money to be made by successfully predicting the outcome of World Cup groups missing the traditional heavyweights. Group C fits into this category where Colombia, Ivory Coast, Japan and Greece do battle.

The most likely team to progress in the South American heat would have to be Colombia. Jose Pekerman’s boys finished second in qualifying, only two points behind mighty Argentina. Significant results included a 0-0 draw in Buenos Aires and a 4-0 demolition of Uruguay.

That form continued into last autumn when a notable 2-0 victory in Belgium was followed by a 0-0 draw in Netherlands. Those performances were enough to suggest that Colombia should advance from a mediocre group on their own continent.

They will miss star striker Radamel Falcao, but Teofilo Gutierrez also contributed plenty of goals in qualifying and can be ably supported by Porto’s Jackson Martinez and Sevilla’s Carlos Bacca. They are ranked number five in the world for a reason.

Picking the second potential qualifier from Group C is trickier with cases to be made for anyone. Ivory Coast are the bookies’ second favourite because of the household names in their ranks. Yaya Toure is undeniably world class but Didier Drogba (36) and Kolo Toure (33) both look past their best.

Similarly, Greece defended stoutly in qualifying but their over-dependence on Konstantinos Mitroglou at the other end could be their undoing in Brazil. He was on electrifying form in his homeland but got injured after moving to Fulham and has barely figured since.

Instead, I would back Japan to accompany Colombia into the last 16 (in any order) at best odds of 11/4 with Ladbrokes. The Blue Samurai were the first team to qualify for the World Cup way back in June of last year after a convincing performance in the Asian section. That sort of form has now been recaptured as the big kick-off approaches.

Japan virtually replicated Colombia by winning 3-2 in Belgium and drawing 2-2 in Netherlands last November. In 2014 there have only been victories, against New Zealand, Cyprus and Costa Rica. Not exactly tournament contenders, but Alberto Zaccheroni’s team are carrying a significant goal threat. In a tight group, that firepower should ensure they make it beyond three matches.

 

1pt To qualify (dual forecast): Colombia & Japan 11/4 with Ladbrokes
Place Bet Now

Odds correct at time of publishing: 08:08 8th Jun, 2014 but subject to change

Best Free Bets