Socceroos set for further struggle when they take on Colombia at Craven Cottage

International friendly
8pm

Bert van Marwijk's reign as Australia boss began in calamitous style with a 4-1 drubbing in Norway on Friday, so it was a blessing for the Dutchman that his adopted nation’s sporting spleen was being vented elsewhere over the weekend.

With the cricket ball-tampering outrage likely to be rumbling down under for a while longer yet, the Dutchman goes under the radar once more in his second friendly against Colombia at Craven Cottage.

Given the number of Aussies who live in West London, this is almost a home game for Mile Jedinak and his men, though the advantage definitely lies with the South Americans, who go off at a short price.

Van Marwijk has admitted his new team aren’t ready for the World Cup and it looks as though his new players aren’t ready for him given the ineptitude of their effort in Oslo. In contrast, Colombia on the same night were showing their credentials for the summer by coming from 2-0 down early on to beat France 3-2 in Paris.

Jose Pekerman will make changes but these sides looks poles apart just now.

Pekerman will want to take a look at Carlos Bacca, who didn’t appear in Paris, while matchwinner Juan Quintero should expect a start.

Australia don’t possess any players in the calibre of James Rodriguez or Radamel Falcao so expect goals – Colombia have scored seven in their last two friendlies and have failed to find the net in only one of their last 11.

Recommendation
Colombia & over 2.5 goals
1pt 6-5 Betfred, Betway

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