COLOMBIA are one of the dark horses of the tournament and have done well to recover from the loss of star striker Radamel Falcao to stroll through the group stage.
Monaco's James Rodriguez has been their star turn with Juan Cuadrado not too far behind and I expect them to reach the last eight by seeing off a troubled Uruguay outfit.
Colombia won all their games in some style and even had the luxury of making eight changes against Japan and seeing out-of-favour striker Jackson Martinez hit a double in an easy 4-1 win against Japan.
It proves boss Jose Pekerman has strength in depth and that will be crucial as the tournament progresses. Colombia were expected to reach the last 16 but would have been underdogs against Uruguay if they hadn't romped Group C added to the Luis Suarez bitegate.
Pekerman's boys have been cut to a best 23-20 favourites with bet365 and I can't see past them setting up a quarter-final against Brazil or Chile.
Uruguay are now as big as 16-5 at bet365 to win in 90 minutes and 5-2 with Paddy Power to force extra time with a draw. They are of course feeling persecuted over Suarez and will be on a mission but the truth is they will miss him too much.
They were decent against England, terrible in losing to Costa Rica without Suarez and lucky to beat Italy who were down to 10 men by the time the Liverpool star sunk his teeth into Giorgio Chiellini.
Suarez escaped a red but not the wrath of FIFA and his four-month ban has ended any hope Uruguay had of emulating their 1950 success in Brazil.
The one big worry is Colombia's head-to-head record against their qualification rivals as they've won just one in eight over the past 10 years. In 2014 qualifying Colombia lost 2-0 away but won 4-0 at home and finished second to Argentina while Uruguay scrambled through in the play-offs.
Rodriguez has been one of the stars of the tournament with three goals and two assists and is 13-2 at sportingbet to hit the opener tonight and 3-1 to net at any time.
The useful Teofilo Guiterrez is 11-2 with William Hill to break the deadlock while Edinson Cavani is the biggest threat on the other side and is 15-2 at bet365 to score first.
Colombia conceded just 13 goals in qualifying – the least of the South American nations – and seven of their last 11 matches have been won to nil.
With Suarez missing there's another chance of that happening and Colombia are 6-4 at Betfred to do so.
Recommended Bets
Colombia
(23-20, bet365)
Rodriguez to score
(3-1, sportingbet)
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Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
Mr f, totally forgot about Falcoa. It seems to have made Columbia even stronger without him. I think Columbia could even win -1. Cavani never pulls it out for his country and Forlan is no longer able to run at 35 years old.
Colombiia who is the main striker now?..
Rodriguez price is long gone with Sportingbet. For anytime he’s now only 15/8. Best price available is 27/10 with 888 sport which is good. Rodriguez is also 7/1 with William Hill for first goal and they will refund losing first goalscorer bets up to £50 as a free bet should he score the second goal or if the game ends 0-0.
COLUMBIA VS URUGUAY
Rodriguez First Goal @ 7/1 William Hill
(Refunded as a free bet if he scores 2nd or 0-0)
Rodriguez to score anytime 27/10 @ 888 sport
Rodriguez anytime and columbia to win is 9/2 with ladbrokes from 5pm until first goal in brazil game enhanced from11/4
Colombia over 1.5 Team Goals 11/8….got to be THE bet of the day !!!!!
Its got to be Colombia to score both halves at 2.90 nairabet.com…..
Its got to be Colombia to score both halves at 2.90 nairabet.com…..
What a goal cheers mrF £35 will do me nicely now dd hh lol
Mr F and Chris Guy, excellent tipping gents, cheers :)
Good on ya Trucker. Some first goal
Yeah thanks guys. Also thanks to Alasu. I agreed with it being a great bet and duly back it a few minutes after kick off so got 6/4. Gotta love Colombia. Great team to watch especially when they make you some cash!