The luck of the draw meant Group H would consist of Poland, seeded in Pot 1, Colombia, Senegal and Japan, from Pots 2, 3 and 4 respectively.

From the get-go, the most appealing match of this group happens in Round 2, when Poland and Colombia measure up for a possible 1st place finish. But Senegal and Japan aren’t going just visiting Russia and have shown the ability to take a stance every given Sunday. The openers will oppose Colombia to Japan and Poland to Senegal and, unlike other groups, it doesn’t appear that these matches will prove decisive for the outcome of Group H.

If there is a group in this WC2018 were every place is up for grabs, this is the one. Poland, currently 8th in the FIFA ranking, gave up playing friendlies before the World Cup draw to ensure a top-seed. Colombia, slight favourite, ranks 16th and Senegal is a few spots below at 27th, the second best African team, after Tunisia. Japan appears to be, by current ranking (61st), history and potential, the weakest squad of the bunch.