With just one point from two matches, Japan need to beat group leaders Colombia and hope that second- place Ivory Coast slip up in their own match against Greece. The odds however, are stacked against the Asian Champions. You need to score to win football matches and the Blue Samurai have not been doing that. The game against Greece was the most winnable for Alberto Zacherroni’s men but they could only manage a 0-0 draw against the 10-man Greek team. Before the tournament, Japan were in great form; winning games, scoring goals but they have failed to carry that form into the World Cup. The lack of a proven goal scorer in attack has come to haunt the Asian Champions on the biggest stage. Furthermore, Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa has been below par and was subsequently dropped for the match against Greece. It remains to be seen whether Zaccheroni will return the hugely popular playmaker to the starting XI for this make or mar tie.
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Colombia, on the other hand, are more relaxed. The South American side have already confirmed qualification and will be looking to finish as group leaders on Tuesday. Despite losing star striker Falcao to injury before the start of the tournament, the Colombians are scoring goals. They defeated Greece 3-0 before beating Ivory Coast 2-1 to seal their spot in the Round of 16. AS Monaco attacker James Rodriguez who was given a more central role by Colombia coach Joel Peckerman has been sensational for Los Cafeteros. The youngster was involved in all three goals against Greece and scored the opening goal against Ivory Coast last time out. This will be the second time that Colombia qualify for the second round of the World Cup and will hope to go even further. With the attacking talent at their disposal- the likes of James Rodriguez, Juan Quintero, Adrian Ramos, Jackson Martinez- I wouldn’t bet against them doing just that.
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TEAM NEWS
The biggest selection headache for Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni is whether or not to start Shinji Kagawa. The playmaker is coming off a disappointing season with Manchester United and is yet to shake off the poor form given his ineffective performance against Ivory Coast. Much will rest on AC Milan midfielder Keisuke Honda and his ability to create moments of magic like his goal against Ivory Coast.
For Colombia coach Joel Peckerman, there is the option of resting a couple of key players ahead of this tie as it is still unclear how Group D will shape up. Since it is not known which of Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica will finish runner-up in Group D, Peckerman might as well play to win to keep up the momentum.
Probable Lineups
Japan (4-2-3-1): Kawashima; Nagatomo, Yoshida, Konno, Uchida; Yamaguchi, Hasebe; Kagawa, Honda, Okazaki; Osako
Colombia (3-5-2): Ospina; Yepes, Zapata, Armero; Zuniga, Aguilar, Guarin, Cuadrado, Ibarbo; Rodriguez, Martinez
PREDICTION
Japan will go all out against Colombia and that will give the fast Colombian attack some space to operate. Furthermore, I think Japan will still struggle in front of goal.
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