|
WORLD CUP 2018 | ||
COLOMBIA |
vs | JAPAN | |
| FIFA RANKING 16 | FIFA RANKING 61 | ||
 |
 |
||
| TEAM PROFILES |
|||
| COLOMBIA Reached the quarter-finals four years ago in Brazil and they have the talent to do it again. This will be Colombia's second straight appearance after sitting out for 16 years. Qualifying was a struggle this time. Colombia waited until the last match to make it to Russia. JAPANWhile the squad lacks the star power of many other World Cup teams, Japan can count on a group of reliable players with plenty of European experience. Shinji Kagawa of Borussia Dortmund and Shinji Okazaki of Leicester should play key roles. Japan finished first in Group B in Asian qualifying, ahead of Saudi Arabia and Australia. |
|||
STAR PLAYERS |
|||
| COLOMBIA | JAPAN | ||
| James Rodriguez (Bayern Munich) -A breakthrough talent at the 2014 World Cup, exemplified by a stunning volley against Uruguay, Rodriguez quickly secured a move from Monaco to Real Madrid. After struggling to make an impact in Spain, Rodriguez is at Bayern Munich on loan trying to revive his form ahead of the World Cup. |
Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund) With 89 caps, the midfield star is part of an experienced core of players also including Okazaki, defender Yuto Nagamoto and midfielder Keisuke Honda. |
||
|
BACK TO MATCH CALENDAR > | ||
