World Cup 2014 Schedule, Where to Watch, Start Time: Japan Fighting for Life Against In-Form Colombia
Japan will look to keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages of the 2014 FIFA World Cup alive when they collide with Group C frontrunners Colombia on Tuesday at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba.
Japan is expected to play with more sense of urgency than the Colombian side as they are fighting for survival after only securing one point in their first two matches.
The Asian squad needs to win against Colombia and hope that Greece forces a draw against Ivory Coast in the other Group C match on Tuesday. Japan opened the tournament with 2-1 loss to Cote d'Ivoire followed by a goalless draw against Greece on Thursday.
Japan is expected to lean on their swift attacks led by striker Keisuke Honda along with full backs Yuto Nagatomo and Aysuto, who have been playing extended role for the squad in the Brazil tournament.
Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni was not impressed with how his squad performed in their first two games, and he is looking for faster attacks from his team. Though they are considered as underdogs heading into the match, Zaccheroni feels that they can pull off an upset.
"We haven't had enough speed in our play and it's as though the players have been playing with the brakes on," Zaccheroni said via Yahoo! Sports UK. "The problem is probably mental. We're not satisfied with our performances so far. This team has given lots of joy and satisfaction in previous matches over the past four years so I'm hoping we can show that good part of our football against Colombia."
On the other hand, Colombia, whose success was fueled by the impressive play of James Rodriguez and Juan Quintero, might use the match to test several options as they only need a draw to secure the top spot in Group C.
Colombia, who scored a 3-0 win against Greece in their opener that was followed by a 2-1 win over Cote d'Ivoire, could feature 43-year-old goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, who is looking to become the oldest player to play in a World Cup match.
The Group C match between Colombia and Japan will kick off at 4 p.m. EST. ESPN will broadcast the match, while fans can also catch the action via WatchESPN.
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