Fifa World Cup - Russia 2018

Colombia vs Japan match build cup #WorldCup

Left-back Frank Fabra was ruled out of the tournament after injuring his knee earlier this month, so Johan Mojica is set for his first competitive cap.

Colombia will make late decision on the fitness of star midfielder James Rodriguez, who has been nursing a muscle problem.

Japan forward Shinji Okazaki has been nursing a calf problem in recent days and is unlikely to play. Mainz’s Yoshinori Muto or Werder Bremen’s Yuya Osako will play instead.

Coach Akira Nishino could leave out Keisuke Honda, 32, who has gone 21 months without an international goal.

Winger Takashi Inui, who will join Real Betis this summer, scored twice in Japan’s final friendly, a 4-2 win against Paraguay, and that could earn him a starting berth in Saransk.

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Colombia forward Luis Muriel: “I think Japan’s main strength, like any Asian team, is the speed of their transition, they can go quickly from defence to attack and attack to defence.

“So we need to try to block that with fast plays when we can counter-attack and find space. And in defence we should try to adjust quickly if we lose the ball or if they’re attacking.”

LAWRO’S PREDICTION

Japan are a neat and tidy side but I just feel Colombia have got something about them when they get to the World Cup – they do not seem frightened to play.

Colombia reached the quarter-finals four years ago and James Rodriguez scored the goal of the tournament. I can see them doing something to stand out this time, and I am backing them to start with a win too.

Prediction: 1-0