It will be a little bit of déjà vu when Colombia and Japan meet in the first Group H match on Tuesday. These two sides were paired together in the Group Stage at the 2014 World Cup, with Colombia securing a 4-1 victory on their way to topping the group with a 3-0 mark.
However, the final score does not show the full story of that game. Japan won the possession battle and launched an incredible 13 shots on goal. They were a bit unlucky to lose in such fashion, and the Blue Samurai will look for a different result this year.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Mordovia Arena in Saransk at 8 a.m. ET on Tuesday, June 19, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Japan +475
Colombia -147
Draw +269
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Recent Form
The Samurai Blue have made it to their sixth straight World Cup. Japan has been able to get there with relative ease, but they have alternated great showings with poor ones in the Group Stage. While they made it to the knockout rounds in 2002 and 2010, Japan did not record a win in 1998, 2006, and 2014.
Japan has only been able to win one of their last five friendlies. They drew with Mali and lost to Ukraine back in March, then lost to both Ghana and Switzerland by a score of 2-0 in the last couple weeks. Japan finally notched a win with a 4-2 victory over Paraguay, but that country finished seventh in COMNEBOL.
There is a lot to be exciting about if you’re a fan of Los Cafeteros. Colombia struggled at the end of qualifying, but the country has looked pretty good in their three friendlies since then. They were able to defeat France 3-2 in March and held Australia and Egypt scoreless in 0-0 draws. However, they have not taken the field in a competitive match in 18 days, so there might be a question about rust.
Matchup to Watch
Japan’s defense has been an issue. The back line has looked shaky in friendlies and during qualifying, and it’s something that Colombia will look to exploit. Under new manager Akira Nishino, the Samurai Blue will go back to their traditional style of counterattacking.
Meanwhile, Colombia will look to press with a dynamic offense. James Rodriguez won the Golden Boot by scoring six goals in five matches at the last World Cup, and he is flanked by playmakers in Radamel Falcao and Juan Cuadrado. This trio is dangerous and can create opportunities with the slightest of space. That’s a scary thought for Japan.
Player to Watch
Midfielder Shinji Kagawa is the talisman for Japan. Kagawa will be the team’s primary playmaker, and he will look to create opportunities for veterans Keisuke Honda and Shinji Okazaki. Kagawa is coming off of another good year with Borussia Dortmund. He is technically sound and will need to play well against a talented midfield. Kagawa is a good finisher too, and this is a player capable of creating a little magic.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Nishino was appointed as manager in April, and he has been a much more palatable option than the previous coach. Vahid Halilhodzic did not get along well with the best players on Japan’s roster, and that was part of the reason why he was replaced so late in the game. Although the star players are back in the fold, there is still the question of Nishino’s managerial experience. He had not coached at the professional level for three years prior to taking over, and that’s a bit concerning. That’s part of the reason I’ll be backing Colombia.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Colombia 3, Japan 1
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