England v Columbia World Cup Preview

Martin

Very nice profits made on the Belgium game as everything that we expected happened (weak teams low scoring etc).

So here is our preview for tonight!

England:

Media ignoring this totally but we have not really been tested and although we could have won easily against Tunisia it was only an injury time winner
In many ways because of this we are a total unknown
History does not favour us here as much as the market suggests - not won a knockout game in a decade
Early tempo will be key if we start slowly and defensively I will be very worried for our chances

Columbia:

Talented team but stifled by Senegal and lucky to win the match
Struggle when not given the space to play their free flowing creative style
Rodriguez is a huge loss, check the teamsheet for sure
Made quarters four years ago but were very tame against an average Brazil side losing 1-0

I have been listening and reading the media reports that we now should be optimistic but I really do not understand that. I am not saying to be negative but rather non-expectant, for many fans of England like myself we will need to see it to believe it and won't be duped yet again by media hype. From a trading perspective I will be hoping for a fairly open game as goal odds are very generous given what we have seen in this tournament so far (both teams also 4/6 over 2.5 goals). Over 1.5 goals at 1.6 looks nice also but I will be hoping that rises to 2.0 and make sure that the game is open before getting involved. On the other hand if this start slowly it could stay that way both teams may look to not concede more than going for a goal.

For those wanting a bigger price then Columbia at 4.0+ does not look bad, again I would want to see them on top early on before getting involved.