The second round of matches in World Cup Groups K and L take place early on Wednesday morning when Panama take on Croatia and Colombia meet DR Congo
Group L Panama vs Croatia (Toronto)
After the opening round of matches England and Ghana both have 3 points whilst these two nations are still looking for their first points of the tournament. You can read our preview of Tuesday’s England v Ghana game here.
Panama:
Panama came up against Ghana in their opening game in Toronto and they gave as good as they got before a match of few clear cut chances went the way of the Black Stars who scored the only goal in the 95th minute. Panama had more touches than Ghana in the opposition box and registered 4 shots on target but they couldn’t find a way through.
Croatia:
Croatia went down 4-2 to England in their opening game in Dallas. They fell behind to an early penalty but Martin Baturina squared things up. England regained the lead before half time but Petar Musa made it 2-2 and that was how the first half ended. Croatia conceded early in the second half as England came on strong but it was only when England scored their fourth goal on 85 minutes that the writing was on the wall. The stats show Croatia had 10 shots, 5 of which were on target but England had 37 touches in the opposition box to their 16.
The Betting:
Panama are priced at around 21/4 to win the game with the draw available at 3/1 and Croatia can be backed at around 11/20.
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 9/10 and its even money for both teams to score
The Verdict:
Conceding that late goal to Ghana was tough on Panama and with England to come this is a must win game. You could probably say the same for Croatia and I’m going to take my chances the game opening up and 2 goals or more in the second half.
Bets: 2nd half total goals over 1.5 at 12/10 with Betway
Note, odds are subject to change
Group K Colombia vs DR Congo (Guadalajara)
After the opening round of matches Colombia top this group with 3 points, Portugal and DR Congo both have 1 and Uzbekistan are yet to open their account. Portugal take on Uzbekistan on Tuesday night and you can read our preview of that game here.
Colombia
Colombia went top of the group with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in Mexico City. Daniel Munoz gave them the lead just before half time but they were pegged back on the hour mark. Luiz Diaz had set up Munoz for the opener and he put Colombia back in front on 65 minutes before Jaminton Campaz sealed the win deep into injury time. Colombia had just over 60% of possession and 4 of their 15 shots were on target.
DR Congo
DR Congo’s first action saw them hold Portugal to a 1-1 draw in Houston. They were 1-0 down in just 6 minutes but regained their composure and despite being starved of possession they kept Portugal at bay and Wissa drew them level just before the break. The second half again saw Portugal dominate the ball but create very little and all the key stats suggested DRC were value for their point.
The Betting:
Colombia are priced at around 5/10 to win the game with the draw available at 31/10 and DR Congo can be backed at around 23/4
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 23/20 and its 13/10 for both teams to score
The Verdict:
DRC took a point from Portugal and I reckon they would be happy with the same result here. A share of the spoils might be considered satisfactory for Colombia as well.
Bets: Match result draw at 31/10 with Sportingbet
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Note, odds are subject to change