Senegal is a huge World Cup betting odds underdog. At +20000 they are among the biggest long shots. Poland is a +7050 choice to win the World Cup. That is hardly the price of a big favorite. Yet the Poles do have some things going for them. In fact, there are some punters that see Poland as a sleeper. In qualifying there was little doubt about their success. And with Robert Lewandowski they boast a legitimate star. Vast improvement has been shown. Conversely Senegal has trouble in getting past their qualification. Poland would seem to have the edge over Senegal.
Poland vs. Senegal
Date and Time: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 8 a.m. ET
Location: Otkritie Arena, Moscow
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What to Expect
Poland last qualified for the World Cup in 2006. Their lack of historic success adds to their underdog status. Yet their play in qualification shows their potential. To start the Poles may be a top World Cup betting odds bargain. There was a lot of excitement about their Euro performance. In the Euro Poland made it to the quarterfinal. But a 4-0 loss to Denmark did expose the team’s weaknesses. Senegal has even less history going for them. Their only World Cup qualification was in 2002. That being said Senegal also has assets.
Senegal
Senegal coach Aliou Cisse has emphasized pro players from Europe to fill his roster. He was captain of the only other Senegal team to make the World Cup. Among the top sportsbook threats are Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly. Both players will be relied upon for any potential run. Koulibaly is a defensive stalwart. Mane is the key attack man. Problematic is Mane’s lingering hamstring injury. Cuisse can point to his team beating France in 2002. As a result, they made the quarter final. It shows what is possible for even unknown teams.
Poland
Coach Adam Nawalka is the respected Poland leader. He has coached the national team for five years. He led the Poles to the knockout state of the 2016 Euro. Robert Lewandowski is a world class player. He led the team with 16 goals during qualification. Lewandowski is a pro for Bayern Munich. Kamil Gliki is another key performer. He is the rock of the defense. Lukasz Pisczek is a superior attacker. Few playmakers are as good as Piotr Zielinski. There was once a perception that Poland was a one-man team. But the qualifying round proved that was not the case.
Defense will be key for this match
Defense is the one area where there is concern about the Poles. They permitted 14 goals in qualifying. Senegal is considered to be a well-rounded team. But Sadio Mane will be expected to carry them to glory. He will be under considerable pressure to produce.
Matchup to Watch
Stars Sadio Mane of Senegal and Robert Lewandowski of Poland are the key matchup. Lewandowski gives Poland the World Cup betting odds advantage. As good as Mane is Lewandowski is top shelf elite. Beyond that Poland has shown better quality depth.
2018 FIFA World Cup Betting Odds Picks
Poland has proven more and against better competition. They rate the call in their matchup with Senegal.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: Poland
World Cup Betting Online Score Prediction: Poland 2, Senegal 1
