World Cup 2018: 4 bold predictions for the group stage

#3 Senegal will sneak through

Group H is wide open

Perhaps the most open group in Russia is Group H. Literally any two teams are capable of passing through to the Round of 16. Poland, Colombia, Senegal and Japan will all be involved in a fight to the finish. Fans of all four nations will expect progress to the next round, but only two will do so. One of them could very well be Senegal.

Their explosive attacking contingent gives them leverage to a successful campaign in Russia as they have enough strength in defence as well. The one player who will be key to all of Senegal's exploits on the field is Sadio Mane. The winger coped brilliantly to the loss of Mo Salah in the Champions League final for Liverpool. He even scored a goal that night. Mane has no shortage of expertise in big games and he will want to get in on the act for his country.

Poland and Colombia are both vulnerable to pace up-front and will have to be wary of Senegal's frontline. With Mane in their side, they will be fearless and feel like they can do anything. A repeat of Senegal's World Cup 2002 heroics is not out of the question.