Colombia and DR Congo meet in Zapopan on Tuesday night with both sides looking to take charge in Group K after enjoying positive results in their opening games.
Los Cafeteros got off to a winning start with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan while the Leopards earned a surprise draw with Portugal, who were among the pre-tournament favorites to win the World Cup.
Colombia could reach the knockout stages with a win should Portugal be held by Uzbekistan, while a victory for DR Congo would put the African side in charge of their own destiny heading into the final round of Group K games.
Colombia vs. DR Congo betting picks and predictions
Colombia to win both halves (+300)
Colombia's victory over Uzbekistan will have given Nestor Lorenzo's side a real confidence boost.
Kicking off the tournament with three points saw the South Americans earn their third win on the bounce.
It's important to note that Los Cafeteros have taken the lead in each recent triumph, over Uzbekistan, Jordan and Costa Rica, leading at the break and going on to win both halves.
DR Congo conceded after only six minutes in their opener with Portugal and so Colombia will be looking for a fast start in Zapopan to get ahead.
James Rodriguez and Co. have won eight of their last 11 matches, losing friendlies to Croatia and France, and should have the quality required to succeed where the Portuguese failed and overpower the Leopards.
Sebastien Desabre's team have conceded three goals in their last two matches and will likely struggle to keep Colombia, who can win both halves on Tuesday, at bay.
Both teams to score - No (-163)
Yoane Wissa's equaliser against Portugal was the forward's first goal since January after an underwhelming first season at Newcastle United.
Wissa's veteran strike partner Cedric Bakambu has also failed to find the net since February, so DR Congo's main attacking goal threats hadn't been firing on all cylinders heading into the tournament.
Wissa climbed brilliantly to head home against Portugal but was left unmarked in the area and you'd expect Colombia to be more concentrated at the back, having kept five clean sheets in their last 11 matches.
Recording shutouts against Jordan, Australia and Canada during that run, Los Cafeteros restricted Uzbekistan to just seven shots in Mexico City.
DR Congo managed only two shots on target in their World Cup opener and will likely be restricted to few chances against Colombia, who can win with a clean sheet.
Luis Diaz anytime goalscorer (+175)
Luis Diaz has continued his strong form with two goals in three matches for Colombia.
The Bayern Munich frontman, who netted 26 times in 51 games for the Bavarians, was on target in his nation's World Cup opener against Uzbekistan.
Five minutes after the White Wolves had equalised on the hour mark, Diaz raced forward and placed the ball into the corner of the net, beating the goalkeeper who couldn't get a strong enough hand on the effort.
The former Liverpool forward is direct and full of energy, which should cause problems for the Congolese defence.
Scoring seven goals in qualifying, Diaz will be eager to build on his opening goal and add to his tally to help Colombia progress to the last 32.
Read more betting picks and predictions for soccer on site.
Colombia vs. DR Congo odds
Colombia | -188 |
Tie | +300 |
DR Congo | +550 |
Colombia vs. DR Congo player props
Anytime goalscorer
Luis Diaz (Colombia) | +175 |
James Rodriguez (Colombia) | +240 |
Jaminton Campaz (Colombia) | +300 |
Yoane Wissa (DR Congo) | +333 |
Cedric Bakambu (DR Congo) | +375 |
Simon Banza (Ivory Coast) | +450 |
Read the latest soccer news on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
