The final round of matches in World Cup Group K take place in the early hours of Sunday when Colombia clash with Portugal and DR Congo take on Uzbekistan
Group K Update
Colombia top this group with 6 points and have secured their place in the knockout rounds however they could still be caught for top spot by second placed Portugal who have 4 points. DR Congo are third with 11 point and Uzbekistan have yet top open their account
A reminder that the final round of matches in each group share the same kick off time. Should two or more teams finish equal on points in their group the first criteria used to determine the final standings is the head to head record. The 8 best third placed finishers from the 12 groups will also qualify for the Round of 32.
Colombia vs Portugal (Miami)
Colombia
Colombia sealed a place in the last 32 with a 1-0 win over Dr Congo in Guadalajara to make it 2 wins from 2. Daniel Munoz scored the only goal of the game in the 76th minute, his second goal of the tournament and Colombia were value for the win after creating the most chances.
Colombia had started with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in Mexico City. Munoz gave them the lead just before half time but they were pegged back on the hour mark. Luiz Diaz put Colombia back in front on 65 minutes before Jaminton Campaz sealed the win deep into injury time.
Portugal
Portugal made no mistake against Uzbekistan in their second group match in Houston as they coasted to a 5-0 win. Ronaldo scored 2 first half goals and Mendes was also on target as Portugal led 3-0 at half time and after an own goal made it 4-0 Rafael Leao rounded off the scoring in a one sided contest.
Portugal were huge favourites to start their tournament with a win over DR Congo in Houston but they had to settle for a 1-1 draw. Joao Neves was set up by Pedro Neto to put them in front after just 6 minutes but despite having more than 75% of the ball they created very little else, DR Congo were level just before half time and there was no further scoring.
The Betting:
Colombia are priced at around 33/10 to win the game with the draw available at 11/4 and Portugal can be backed at just under even money.
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 12/11 and its even money for both teams to score
The Verdict:
Top spot, and the possibility of a more favourable Round of 32 match up is up for grabs and whilst I’m battling to make a call on this one I will settle with both teams to score? Yes.
Bets: Both teams to score? Yes at even money with BetXchange
Note, odds are subject to change
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan (Atlanta)
DR Congo
Although DR Congo went down 1-0 to Colombia in their second match Guadalajara, they come into what looks the most winnable game of the group in the knowledge that a victory could still see them through to the Round of 32 as either runners up or a best third placed finisher. They kept Colombia out for 76 minutes in their second outing and only after they fell behind did we see them start to threaten.
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.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s 5-0 defeat to Portugal in Houston leaves them without a point and needing a miracle to avoid elimination. With a goal difference of -7 they would need to win this game by a wide margin to move above DRC and hope they have done enough for a best third place finisher spot.
Uzbekistan came up against Colombia in what was their World Cup Finals debut in Mexico City and they went down 3-1. Colombia took the lead just before half time but on the hour mark Abbosbek Fayzullaev squared things up for Uzbekistan. Their joy was short lived as 5 minutes later Colombia were back in front and they conceded a third deep into injury time.
The Betting:
DR Congo are priced at around 9/10 to win the game with the draw available at 31/10 and Uzbekistan can be backed at around 33/0.
A game of 3 goals or more is priced at 19/20 and its 22/25 for both teams to score
The Verdict:
Against Portugal and Colombia DRC sat back, soaked up pressure and looked for the counter but they need a win to stay alive and we might see something a little different.
DRC need a goal or two and Wissa looks as likely as any.
Bets: Anytime goalscorer Yoane Wissa at 33/20 with BetXchange
Note, odds are subject to change
