Colombia vs Japan
Japan, like any other nation in the World Cup, came to Russia to compete. Now, they have a chance to show what they are made of when they play a Colombian team that they have never beaten in a competitive football match.
While most pundits expect the Colombia vs Japan match to end up a one-sided affair given the disparity in their rankings, there’s no doubt the Japanese side can put up a fight—offensively, at least. After all, they have a collection of star power capable of surprising any team in the tournament.
Talking Points
Forty-five.
That’s the difference between these two nations. Los Cafeteros are ranked 16th in the world while the Samurai Blue are at a far-off 61st, so it’s understandable why the SBOBET odds point to a convincing victory by the South American nation.
However, underdogs they may be, Japan have more than proven they belong in the FIFA tournament. They easily top their group in the Asian qualification, beating fellow World Cup-bound teams Saudi Arabia (2-1) and Australia (2-0) along the way.
Their lineup isn’t to be ignored as well, thanks to the presence of Japanese national players plying their trade in Europe. Up front, they have Leicester City’s Shinji Okazaki and Borussia Dortmund’s Shinji Kagawa, along with former AC Milan striker Keisuke Honda.
Meanwhile, Southampton’s Maya Yoshida brings top-level experience at the back for the Japanese side.
Sure enough, while Japan’s offence is something to be feared—especially when it starts clicking—their defence leaves much to be desired. And that’s something they need to work on before they play Colombia at the Mordovia Arena.
Japan coughed up six goals in the run-up to the World Cup, conceding two goals each in losses to Ghana and Switzerland and another two in a 4-2 win over Paraguay.
Fortunately for Japan, Colombia could be without their top-scorer James Rodriguez in the opening match-up of Group H.
According to the latest Colombia-Japan updates, Rodriguez is doubtful to play in the opener after sustaining muscle fatigue. While reports say that it was only a minor injury, it should be remembered that the 26-year-old also suffered from a similar injury back in February that sidelined him for three weeks.
Rodriguez’ possible absence would be a huge blow to the Cafeteros given that he has been crucial for the team to qualify for Russia 2018. The 2014 Brazil Golden Boot winner had a hand in almost half of Colombia’s 21 goals in the South American qualification, scoring six goals and providing four assists.
They still have Radamel Falcao and Carlos Bacca to carry the scoring load, but fans have a reason for concern after the team failed to win in a recent friendly against the Mo Salah-less Egypt.
Japanese defender Yuto Nagatomo has said that their mindset won’t change even in the absence of Colombia’s top player, while his teammate Genki Haraguchi was more welcoming about the latest development.
“He’s their key player, so from our point of view, if he’s not playing, it makes things easier,” added Haraguchi who is reportedly set for a move to Bundesliga club Hannover 96.
History
Colombia and Japan have met three times before, but the latter have never won a game in those three meetings. The best result that the Samurai Blue could muster was a goalless draw in the Kirin Cup in 2007.
Indeed, besides depth and quality, Colombia have the psychological advantage against the Japanese in international competitions. In the 2003 Confederations Cup, they edged the then Arthur Antunes Coimbra-coached Japan 1-0.
Furthermore, they were in the same group in Brazil four years ago; and in their group stage meeting, Colombia thrashed their Asian opponents 4-1.
For what it’s worth, Rodriguez was involved in three of Colombia’s four markers, bagging one goal and turning provider on the other two.
What are the odds?
If words are not enough to show how big underdogs the Samurai Blue are, then take a look at the pre-match Colombia-Japan betting odds. Japan are at 1X2 @ 5.20 while Colombia are at 1X2 @ 1.68.
Furthermore, Asian Handicap betting paints a bigger picture of how one-sided bookies expect the game to be. Despite a +0.75 start, a bet on the Japanese is still a little bit risky given that it pays at odds of 2.03. Colombia, for a -0.75 handicap, are at odds of 1.90.
With Rodriguez’ possible absence and fitness concern, the game isn’t expected to exceed three goals unlike their meeting in 2014. Over 2.50 goals is at 2.28, while Under 2.50 is the likely result as suggested by its 1.68 odds.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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