Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.
Japan vs Colombia | Tuesday 24 June | Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba | 22:00
Colombia’s ascension in this World Cup is truly emblematic of the broader resurrection of South American football in this year’s tournament. They have played with swagger and managed to break down a much more fancied Ivory Coast in their last match. Japan would have felt shell-shocked after not capitalising against ten-man Greece and need a Herculean effort here if they are not to slip into the ether of elimination. Colombia may choose to rest a conglomerate of their players, presenting the Japanese with a glimmer of a hope that they may sneak into qualification territory.
To Win (90mins)
Japan 19/10
Draw 24/10
Colombia 27/20
Japan
Alberto Zaccheroni’s side need to win to keep their slim qualification hopes alive. Japan missed a gilt-edged opportunity against a ten-man Greek side, and one has to say that they probably don’t deserve to progress following their inability to break down an extremely ordinary Greece down a player. The fact that Colombia have already guaranteed their qualification may give them some added impetus going into this clash. Japan have no injury concerns to speak of and Manchester United’s Shinji Kagawa should find his way back into the side.
Honda started to look more impressive when the space opened up against Greece and his quasi-psychic partnership with Kagawa will be Colombia’s greatest obstacle. Endo is also pushing for a starting place but will likely be overlooked for the continued collaboration between Yoshito Okubo and Yuya Osako. Kawashima was excellent against Greece and may be called into action a few times as Colombia’s acolytes try to force their way into starting contention.
Colombia
Colombia secured their first spot in the Round of 16 since 1990 and will be expected to make various changes to their exciting squad of players. Falcao’s withdrawal from the competition prompted much speculation over Colombia’s slim qualification prospects, yet they have surprised everyone with assured performances in a group of opportunity. James Rodriguez has been in inspired form and has led his side’s attacking forays brilliantly. He was instrumental in punishing the Greek side with perhaps the most dominant performance this tournament thus far.
Experienced defender Mario Yepes should be given a rest alongside Juan Guillermo Cuadrado. Zuniga and Ibarbo may also be rested while the excellent James Rodriguez continues to impress up front. Jackson Martinez and Carlos Bacca will be pushing for selection and hoping to stake their place for knock-out contention. Freddy Guarin may also find his way into first team selection as Colombia tinker with their squad. Colombia’s qualification and Japan’s desperation should make for an open and exciting game.
VERDICT: Draw 24/10
Colombia’s decision to rest players will probably disrupt their gameplay slightly, especially considering the absolute necessity of a Japanese victory. The Japanese duo of Kagawa and Honda will add dexterity to the midfield and prove instrumental in keeping the Japanese side in touching distance of the physically superior Colombian side. This should be a wide open advertisement for what is fast becoming the greatest World Cup in recent memory. Japan will be relegated after one final hurrah. If you’re not sold on a draw, take over 2.5 goals at 19/20.
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